Mr.Ryall,
It is vital that Neurosurgical Services be retained at the Dunedin Hospital. We, the undersigned, demand that there be two Neurosurgical Centres in South Island.
One Centre in Christchurch comprising four surgeons and one Centre in Dunedin comprising two surgeons.
To entirely remove Neurosurgeons from Dunedin will endanger lives, leave patients in need of permanent, acute care and traumatise the relatives of patients who have to travel to Christchurch.
Additionally, Southern DHB will incur costs which will impact on their ability to effectively deliver services.
There will be negative effects felt by the Medical School, The University and the City of Dunedin.