No decision on hospital

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32524, 6 February 1971, Page 3

No decision on hospital

Further assurances that no decision has been made about the future of Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs, are contained in letters received by the Amuri County Council from the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) and the Minister of Health (Mr McKay).

Sir Keith Holyoake said that on receipt of a letter from the council expressing concern about reports of a detention-centre proposal, he had made inquiries about the future use of the hospital facilities. “There are several reasons which suggest that the hospital should be closed, but no decision has been made . . . if and when it does close, the Government will have to decide on the best use for the institution and before making any decision, full reports from departments concerned would be considered by the Cabinet. VISIT “PREMATURE”

“I want to assure you that no decision will be made without giving careful consideration to the representations made by your council and by other interested parties,” said Sir Keith Holyoake. To an invitation to visit Hanmer Springs, he said that before any deciison was made it would be “desirable” for a Minister to make a visit, but it would be “premature at present.” Mr McKay said that investigation included a study of possible alternative uses of the hospital land, buildings and services.

“Should any change in the role of the hospital be contemplated, I will be pleased to consider your invitation to visit Hanmer Springs to discuss the proposals with the residents of the area,” Mr McKay’s letter said.

CONCERN EXPRESSED “Not 100 per cent favourable, are they?” said the county chairman (Mr A. A. Macfarlane), when the letters ca-e before the council at its meeting yesterday afternoon

Councillors expressed concern that Mr McKay would not visit Hanmer Springs to discuss possible-changes for

the hospital until after a decision had been made. “It will be too late by then—but I don’t think we can do any more now until someone moves next,” said the chairman.