West Coast New Zealand

Commitment to quality care 

The aim of the West Coast District Health Board (DHB) is to become a “Centre of Excellence” for rural health services, and it provides a number of services that are seen as leading New Zealand, alongside a Board-wide quality improvement programme. The West Coast is an increasingly important training centre for health professionals hoping to work in rural areas.

The DHBis committed to providing innovative service models and making intelligent use of technology, to provide health services to its widely spread population.

The DHB employs over 1,000 people and provides a full range of community based health services from 14 locations throughout the Coast to keep people well or treat them early and in the community if possible. This is done in partnership with the West Coast Public Health Organisation (PHO) and Community Public Health as well as other key services.

Grey Base Hospital, located in Greymouth, provides a wide range of advanced medical, mental health and surgical ser vices from both resident and visiting specialists, although people who need highly specialised services will often be transferred to larger centres.

The Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance Service provide fast emergency response.

The West Coast Primary Health Organisation is a community trust that supports a network of general practice teams spread throughout the West Coast. It provides a range of subsidised and free primary health care services designed to meet the unique needs of the West Coast.

Pharmacy and Dental services operate in Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika.

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