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Blenheim Marlborough
March 13, 2013
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‘Biggest issue in many years’ - mayor Retaining Wairau Hospital services
Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman was the first to sign the petition against any possible cuts to acute services at Wairau Hospital when it opened in the Sun office at midday on Monday. Also about to sign are, from left, Don and Pauline Manning and Bruce Emms.
By Chris Tobin “This is the biggest issue facing this population for many, many years.” This was the comment of Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman immediately after he became the first to sign a petition which was launched in the Sun office at midday on Monday calling for acute surgical services at Wairau Hospital to be retained. The Nelson Marlborough District Health Board is reviewing general and orthopaedic services at the hospital which could see Marlborough acute patients sent to Nelson. “We can’t afford to lose vital services,” Mr Sowman said. “I applaud everyone getting involved and there’s been a huge public response.” A steady stream of people came to sign the petition at the Sun office which is being organised by Save Our Services, a group run by Marlborough district councillor Jessica Bagge and grape-grower Stuart Smith. Continued page 2
WE’RE CUTTING THE RIBBON AND THE PRICES. DRAFTFCBFOO3373g
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