$2.6m medical hub proposed for Waihi Beach

Waihi Beach

Waihi Beach may get a new $2.6million medical hub.

The plan involves a larger medical centre and an ambulance station combined to replace the medical centre in Wilson Rd, to cope with increasing demand for services and a growing population.

It would be able to support about 3000 enrolled patients.

"The new clinic will almost be three times larger and will include a primary care medical centre as well as a St John facility and the proposed location is behind the community hall," said Craig McFarlane, Waihi Beach Medical Centre Charitable Trust chairman.

Waihi Beach Community Board chairman Allan Sole said it was still only a proposal.

"It is a proposal that has support from the community board.

"But it will need to go to full consultation with the community for the use of public reserve land as the site for the building."

The draft plan for the 688sqm clinic includes six consultation rooms, one lab, some scope for clinical pharmacy using the local pharmacist, administrative rooms and spare spaces that could be used for emergencies or health-related treatments such as counselling sessions.

If the project goes ahead the St John ambulance service plans to rent 149sq m on the eastern side or at the back of the building.