The truth is that current afterhours in central otago are not sustainable.  The current funding model (which is historic) strongly favours some practices over others and hence their reluctance to lose this funding.  The vast majority of practices in central otago have voted in favour of change.  The new model of how afterhours will be delivered has not been finalised yet but a service out of Dunstan with input and engagement of the hospital is likely.  People also need to appreciate that even in urban areas, it is not uncommon to have a 20-30 minute drive to the closest oncall doctor service.  Of course, in a perfect world we would all love an oncall service 24/7 and close to home. With 42% of gps retiring in next 10 years and cost of healthcare rocketing, the status quo is not sustainable.

#37: - Truth