M.P. helps with medical centre

Press, 29 October 1977, Page 25

M.P. helps with medical centre

A meeting will be held soon with the member of Parliament for Rangiora (Mr D. F. Quigley) to discuss the provision of a medical centre for the Queens ParkParklands area near Burwood.

Mr Quigley has told representatives of the Queenspark Community Association that he is willing to help them end a two-year wait for a medical service in the area.

The meeting will involve the community association, Waimairi County Council representatives, Dr Jan Lyftogt, a doctor who is willing to move into the area in December, and Mr Peter Fear, a chemist who would form part of the proposed medical centre.

In a submission requested by the Waimairi County Council, Dr Lyftogt and Mr Fear said they had been planning for the last six months to meet the urgent need for a medical service for the district.

“As recently as three weeks ago negotiations with Smith Developments (for assistance with a medical centre) came to a halt for various reasons. It would seem that their involvement in the area’s medical facilities is to be a minor one.”

Dr Lyftoght and Mr Fear said their wish to seek the Council’s help was based on the need for immediate short-term facilities to be re-

inforced later by a firm plan for long-term facilities. They suggested that a temporary structure which could be" adapted as a surgery and pharmacy and also be used by a physiotherapist and dentist, might be obtained from the Education Department. “Our aims are to establish immediate medical services and to allow for the organisation and development of total primary health care which can then be relocated in more adequate premises,” they said.

“It is essential at this stage to point out that the short-term needs must not be overshadowed by the longterm plan for integrated primary health care.” Dr Lyftogt and Mr Fear said that while no detailed plans could be presented they welcomed some assurance of continued support by the council for the ultimate medical facilities.

“In anticipation of this, an approach was made to Mr Quigley whose inquiries produced one possible solution —that the Health Department view Parklands as a special area and therefore the council apply for funds to the Housing Corporation for the building and administration facilities.” The council will discuss the proposed medical centre on Monday evening.