Wairarapa healthcare history in print

BUSTLE: Holly Jackson, Whaiora practice manager, buys a copy.

HEALTH board leaders past and present combined with over 100 people to witness the launch of a comprehensive history of Wairarapa healthcare.

The Wairarapa Health History Group presented its book, Helping Hands: A history of health care in the Wairarapa, to a packed audience at Greytown's old town hall on Sunday. Those attending included Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott, Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson, South Wairarapa mayor Adrienne Staples, plus councillors from all three districts.

The health history group, including chairwoman Trish Taylor, Dr Owen Prior, Maureen Breukers and historian Gareth Winter, undertook the research and writing over a three-year period.

It was published by Fraser Books' Ian and Diane Grant.

More than 100 people had been interviewed, said Mrs Grant.

Wairarapa DHB chairman Derek Milne, backed by former chairmen Bob Francis and Doug Matheson, co-launched the book. Their presence prompted a queue to form to get purchased copies signed by the past and present health board leaders.

Mrs Taylor, a former DHB deputy chairwoman and nurse, said when she retired in 2010 she felt it was important to document the work of "so many" people committed to health care.

Former Wairarapa Times-Age journalist Marlene Ditchfield conducted interviews and prepared draft chapters for about two-thirds of the book, later taken up by Ian and Diane Grant as publishers and editors.

"I think the most important thing about the book is we are not just talking about hospitals, we are talking about health care in its widest view."

She was delighted the book was launched in Greytown, 140 years after Wairarapa's first hospital opened there.

Mr Milne said the book was "remarkable", noting the challenges of the past kept repeating: "We get a certain amount of money, we take that money , to maximise the health services for people in Wairarapa.

"But how do we take not quite enough money and spread it effectively?"