What's taking so long?

Many in the community are wondering why there appears to have been slow progress.

Well, it's a bit like a duck swimming - there has been a lot going on under the surface.  That's not to say that it is all smooth waters.  It is not.

It has been tricky trying to bring together three different groups, each with their own consumers/residents/patients, staff, boards, assets, ways of operating, and vision for what a new joint facility would look like.  And it still is.

All of the parties involved are determined to do what is best for the people they represent and for the wider interests of the people of Golden Bay.  So there's been a few debates and disagreements - all healthy, but time consuming.

We've also had some roadblocks.  Not everyone in the Bay is committed to the idea, which is perfectly understandable.  We‚ve gone down some blind alleys and around in some circles - but we need to ensure we have considered all of the options.

There have been some misunderstandings, and along the way some of the people involved have changed - which means not everyone has all of the information.

Even though this is a comparatively small project, it is complex.  It is literally cradle (well, before actually) to grave health care, covering everything from getting a routine tetanus shot to long-term residential care for our oldest and most frail.

It is important to get it right because mistakes are costly, both in financial and human terms.  The interim management group wants to develop something the community deserves, and is affordable.

This is the community's opportunity to develop a health care system that will meet the Bay's needs for the future. 

Before we consulted with the community we needed to first talk with those most affected such as staff, and to advance planning of building design, assessment of sites, evaluation of funding options, refinement of the business case and models of care etc.  There are a lot of issues yet to be resolved including:

• From which site will the services operate? 
• What is the level of community support for this project? 
• How much money will be needed from charitable or community funding agencies or other sources and is that achievable?
• How can we control costs as the scope of the design develops
• What does community ownership mean?