Health shuffle revealed

Bob Francis got himself another job this week.

Mr Francis, who is already the Wairarapa DHB chairman, was announced as a new board member of the Capital&Coast; DHB this week.

It wasn't a particularly surprising move - except perhaps that Mr Francis, who has a number of other regional responsibilities, has time to drive over the hill to attend more board meetings.

But it's no secret the Wellington region DHBs - Wairarapa, Capital&Coast; and Hutt Valley - have been making moves to work more closely together and develop more shared services.

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced the change, saying: "Cross appointments to DHB Boards signal a push for greater regional collaboration in the planning and delivery of health services. Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs are working together on a significant range of joint issues in order to improve patient services."

I think most people would agree regional collaboration is a good idea where it saves costs, brings greater expertise to local services, or allows health boards to provide a better standard of care.

But there is an obvious worry - will we end up driving over the hill for services we currently have here?

Mr Francis was happy to speak to us this week about his appointment, and reassured that while there would be changes, Wairarapa would continue to provide primary and secondary health care.

We weren't able to speak to Mr Ryall and an additional statement simply confirmed Mr Francis was doing a good job as Wairarapa chairman, and that it was important Wairarapa "has a voice in regional collaboration of health services".

We'd like to think we had more than a voice, but a major stake in making sure we retain the best possible health care services.