Background of SouthCare

The idea was born when Dr Trevor Hurlow and Dr Ryan Perkins were brainstorming one day in early 2002 on a long term solution to the dilemmas faced by rural GP's. Some of these dilemmas were:

  • Lack of space in current premises
  • Lease on premises that would soon expire
  • A loss of GP's from Hawera and how to establish a long term, attractive, viable and functional structure in the light of the current political issues facing rural GP's of South Taranaki and New Zealand.
Their concept has developed into the current SouthCare Medical Trust.

They realised that in order to make any headway, they would need to discuss the idea with the movers and shakers of healthcare in our region. Present at the first meeting early in June 2002 were:
  • Mayor - Mary Bourke
  • Wendy Langlands - Manager Hawera Hospital
  • Bruce Millard - Solicitor and previous Taranaki Health Board member
  • Marie Dwyer - Patea Medical Trust
  • Brenda Rea - First Health, with an interest in supporting South Taranaki GP's
  • Mark Hughson - Accountant
At that first meeting, Trevor and Ryan presented "The Dream" and were most encouraged by the interest shown, but despite the encouragement nothing happened until at the suggestion of Mayor Mary Bourke a council funded feasibility study was undertaken by medical student Katharine Taylor, which clearly identified that the Community, as well as most GP's would welcome the establishment of a South Taranaki Medical Trust. An establishment Trust was duly formed in December 2003.

These people who have given freely of their time during the three year development phase have had to deal with the following issues:
  • the need for seed funding - South Taranaki District Council greatly helped with this by undertaking the initial feasibility study and providing secretarial services.
  • the invitation to IWI to be involved.
  • the concept of a community charitable trust being the owner to ensure longterm viability.
  • the need for a purpose built medical centre to enhance prospects for recruitment and retention of GP's.
  • the need for a location for the Medical Trust building.
  • the option of local management and running of the Emergency Department at Hawera Hospital.
  • the need for closer interaction between the Southcare services and the Hawera Hospital.
  • the need to prepare contracts for all staff (including GP's) to be employed by the new entity.
  • the overseeing of the actual design and building of the centre.
The further development of SouthCare will be easily found in the minutes of the numerous committee meetings held.

The South Taranaki Medical Trust would like to acknowledge the input and moral support of the following people:
  • Pat Heremaia
  • Toby Hall
  • Wendy Langlands
  • Tony Foulkes

SouthCare

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Contact Details

41 Hunter Street
P.O. Box 93
Hawera, 4640

Phone:
(06) 278 9885
(06) 278 9886

Fax:
(06) 278 9889

Email:
admin@southcare.org.nz

Web:
www.southcare.org.nz

The South Taranaki Medical Trust was registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 on 14 February 2008. Registration No. CC21119