Staff shortage stops Napier physio service

LINDY ANDREWS
Yet again, Napier loses out: That's the message from incensed locals as the city's only DHB-funded physiotherapy service succumbs to a critical shortage of physiotherapists.
The forced closure of Napier Health Centre's physiotherapy unit from July 24 has prompted cries of "foul" from the Napier MP and one of Hawke's Bay District Health Board's own members.
The service will be transferred to Hawke's Bay Hospital as the DHB struggles with a 60 percent staffing shortfall. The DHB normally operates with a full complement of 14 physiotherapists, but at the end of July eight of those positions will be vacant.
Napier MP Chris Tremain said the temporary closure of the Wellesley Road facility was unacceptable.
"Napier patients will now need to travel to Hastings for treatment and rehabilitation," he said.
"That is absolutely ridiculous. We have a state-of-the-art physiotherapy centre with its own in-built hydrotherapy pool and this is now on the scrap heap.
"What has the DHB done to keep this service open? Have they considered a public private partnership?
"Under this scenario public service could still be provided under contract as it is under A and E now in Napier."
HBDHB member Diana Kirton was also irate at the temporary closure, questioning why it was that Napier people had to suffer.
Board CEO Chris Clarke said people who receiving ACC-funded physiotherapy at the Napier Health Centre could switch to one of the privately owned physiotherapy practices in Napier.
"There are currently two physiotherapists working at the Napier Health Centre," he said.
"One is leaving on July 21, and rather than have a sole therapist trying to supervise hydrotherapy patients in the pool, run classes and carry out physiotherapy for a range of conditions, a decision has been made to consolidate physiotherapy services in Hastings until a new therapist can be recruited. While I realise this change of location will be inconvenient for some people, it is the only way we can sustain a safe service in the interim."
Mr Clarke said he was uncertain how long the Napier clinic would remain closed.