West Coast DHB appeals to regional council for help with patient transport
From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The West Coast District Health Board is appealing to the West Coast Regional Council to support a public transport service between Greymouth and Westport.
Since 2012, the Buller branch of the Red Cross has run a community health shuttle for Westoport people with medical appointments in Greymouth.
But Red Cross throughout the country is moving out of providing patient transport and has given notice that the service will end next year.
DHB chairman Rick Barker told Friday's board meeting that the regional council was the organisation responsible for public transport.
"Currently there is none between Westport and Greymouth. Thus is an opportunity to approach the regional council about [starting] a reliable service that would work for the public and patients and the DHB."
Regional council chairman Allan Birchfield said the council would be open to the idea.
"It would need to be subsidised, and it would have to work in with one of the freight services to be viable. You could have a bus or van with freight in the back and passengers in the front."
Birchfield said he already floated the idea with one of the Coast freight operators.
"That's as far as it's got - it's early days but it is something the council will be looking at."
The West Coast DHB has an agreement with Red Cross to provide a small financial contribution toward the running costs of the vehicle it uses for the Westport to Greymouth shuttle.
The Ministry of Health subsidies patient travel through its National Travel Assistance scheme, but generally only patients referred for specialist appointments are eligible.
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.5% Yes
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32.9% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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