Whanganui hospital running short on family accommodation

Ozanam Villa now closed. Photo/ file

After the closure of Ozanam Villa last month, accommodation is stretched for people needing a place to stay while their loved ones are at Whanganui Hospital.

Whanganui health professional, Rowena Kui, said around 300 people from the surrounding rural areas used the villa for accommodation each year.

In the Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) monthly meeting on Friday, chief executive Julie Patterson, said the focus was to find a replacement for Ozanam Villa fast.

"We are looking for an alternative either on site or securing a motel that could be offered to families at a subsided rate," Mrs Patterson said.

Ozanam Villa, located on Koromiko Rd in Whanganui, was forced to shut down after struggling to stay afloat on donations alone.

For over 40 years it had provided housing for families of hospital patients who had travelled from out of town for treatment.

WDHB board member, Judith MacDonald, asked if the closure will be a large compromise for those families.

WDHB chief executive, Julie Patterson, said the board had no prior warning of the closure but she understood why it had happened and the focus was to find a replacement.

"We are lucky there are three motels in easy walking distance so we will probably look at talking to them," Mrs Patterson said.

Another emergency accommodation, Mauri Ora, was still available for families but capacity was limited.

The Salvation Army will be using the Ozanam Villa facility and the adjoining flats for emergency housing.

Mrs Patterson said the board will be aiming to find a solution by the next WDHB board meeting on September 15.