Hospital P.O. risks axe

Press, 13 April 1989, Page 14

Hospital P.O. risks axe

By

SARAH SANDS

Postal services at Christchurch Hospital could be axed unless the community joins a fight to save the post office, the Canterbury Hospital Board health services committee was told yesterday.

The medical superintendent of Christchurch Hospital, Dr David Andrews, said a petition started three weeks ago had gathered more than 1000 signatures but more community support was needed. A lack of concern from the community appeared to be the reason some other post offices had closed, he said. New Zealand Post had not given notice that the post office would be closed but reports had suggested that this could be scheduled for the future, said Dr Andrews. “Financially this is a very viable post office. It is very busy and provides a service not readily avail-

able without going into the city,” he said. “There has been a great deal of feeling among users that this is an invaluable resource for staff, patients and visitors.” Members of the Canterbury Hospital board voted unanimously to "support strongly” the retention of the hospital post office. The chairman of the health services committee, Mrs June Gardiner, said it was “quite disastrous” for the Government to withdraw postal services, particularly in the country areas. "It makes no difference to the taxes of the country resident, they

pay as much tax after the services have been withdrawn.” While city residents were affected when post offices closed, country residents often had to travel more than 50km to post a letter, said Mrs Gardiner. A board member, Mrs Caroline Cartwright, expressed concern that closing postal services in the country areas could affect the health of patients. Hospital outpatient appointments had to be made in writing and test results were sent by post, said Mrs Cartwright. “When it affects the health of the people this is just not good enough.”