Is There a Need?

The need for an accessible health centre in Dunedin is well demonstrated by the numbers of people not getting the care they need at present. There has never been a greater need for a no-cost health service. Unfortunately New Zealand is currently in a recession where many people are losing their jobs and struggling to pay bills.

Pharmacists report many people coming to them for free advice.

People with mental health problems have had difficulties budgetting for health care even when the economy was good.

Younger adults often have difficulty affording usual health care.

Those working in General Practice are aware of many people who delay getting treatment until they are quite unwell.

Others go to the hospital emergency department for free care, but unfortunately they miss out on the continuity of care provided by General Practice.

We know of many patients (usually younger people) who only stay with one practice until their debt is so large that they shift to a new doctor.

By not charging people, we will be able to offer care as often as their good health demands it, and they will become healthier.

We believe the best care is provided by a primary health care team and we want to provide that care now, even where people are unable to pay for it.

By giving good care, we can keep people in work and out of hospital.

We will also be facilitating care from midwives, counsellors, specialist nurses, surgical specialists which mean even less well off people will get timely high quality care.

Support groups based in our health centre will encourage and strengthen people's abilities to manage their own circumstances.

Other groups are excited by our mission to help others, and are joining in. one example is the Taieri Otago Trust PHO which has indicated its willingness to assist with prescription costs for patients who can't afford to pay.