A major SOS Hospital town hall meeting on Monday November 18 will be an opportunity for the public to send another message to health decision-makers, Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich says.
“The future of the region’s hospital services for the next 50 years will shortly be decided by a group of people, none of whom are southern clinicians.
“This new southern region tertiary hospital is vital to the healthcare of over 350,000 people and it has been planned at the right size to meet their needs. Any deviation from what was agreed and promised will be met with extreme disfavour.”
Well-informed, expert presenters will speak at the rally, so attendees can learn more about the situation. The event will also feature local entertainment.
Minister of Health Shane Reti has been invited to attend.
“If he accepts, we undertake that we will listen to him with courtesy and respect,” Mayor Radich says.
“This is our chance to show the Government that Southerners are seriously concerned about the future of their hospital. We welcome savings that can be made which do not affect clinical services. Equally, we will not accept any reductions that compromise health care.”
The free event will be held between 6pm and 7.30pm on Monday 18 at the Dunedin Town Hall, and further details will be available on the Save Our Southern Hospital Facebook and Instagram, and at soshospital.nz, in the coming days.
On the night of the rally Mayor Radich will be in China for a Shanghai Delegation but will contribute by video.