Michael Woodhouse MP

MEDIA RELEASE

28 July 2010

National MP Michael Woodhouse has noted a significant increase in the volume of correspondence to his office in support of the retention of neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital.

When last asked for comment on this Mr Woodhouse had reported that just ten or so constituents had contacted him expressing their support but subsequent to that the correspondence now numbers in the hundreds.

“Not a single one of these submissions expresses any support for the consolidation of all neurosurgeons in Christchurch,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“All letters have been well considered and parochialism aside, the retention of neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital is supported by well reasoned arguments,” he said.

Much of the correspondence has been copies of letters sent directly to the Minister of Health Tony Ryall or the Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan.  All of the correspondence has been forwarded to the Director-General’s office so that it may be considered by the Expert Panel Mr McKernan has convened to consider the issue.

Southern MPs Jacqui Dean, Eric Roy and Mr Woodhouse have also met with Tony Ryall updating him on the strength of support for the retention of the service and restating their strong support for that to occur.

“The Minister was very receptive to the arguments for retention of the service at Dunedin Hospital,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“While we all agreed that a regional service was appropriate, the main question to be answered was whether the “4+2” model was the best one.

“We left him in no doubt that that was our preference,” he said.

Notwithstanding the increase in correspondence, Mr Woodhouse encouraged members of the community to continue to make their views known to the Expert Panel, and was happy for people to write directly to him.

“This is definitely a case where the volume of correspondence will be important in reflecting the community’s views on this and I encourage people from Otago and Southland to continue to make those views known,” said Mr Woodhouse.

ENDS

Posted by admin in News at 16:00 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

MEDIA RELEASE

28 July 2010

Dunedin-based National MP Michael Woodhouse is urging Dunedin locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Mr Woodhouse.

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits.  This fund will ensure that Dunedin can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there.  We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31.  Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

New Zealand 2011 Office Festival Director Briony Ellis says Dunedin has already put forward some great ideas for the festival, and this fund will ensure that good ideas can be brought to life.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer,” Mr Woodhouse said.

“The Rugby World Cup is more than just the matches.  We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

ENDS

For more information on the Fund, visit:  www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

Posted by admin in News at 14:05 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

MEDIA RELEASE

5 July 2010

“Almost $80,000 is being given to air ambulances in Otago thanks to extra funding from the National-led Government,” say Otago MPs Michael Woodhouse and Jacqui Dean.

“The Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust provides a vital service.

“We are privileged to be able to present a cheque today to further support their work in the southern South Island.”

Dunedin-based MP Mr Woodhouse and Waitaki electorate MP Mrs Dean presented the $78,159 in funding at Taieri Airfield where the helicopter is based.  

“Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives,” the MPs say.

The funding boost is part of a $48 million commitment to implementing a New Zealand Ambulance Services Strategy over the next four years. 

Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities. 

The $1 million plan, announced in June last year, will see 100 extra paramedics and additional training for rural ambulance staff across the country. 

Though air ambulances transport about three in every 100 ambulance patients, their costs represent two in every ten dollars of the $150 million spent by Health and ACC on ambulance services.

“We are committed to supporting and furthering our health service sector in the years ahead,” Mr Woodhouse and Mrs Dean say.

The helicopter serves the emergency needs of the population of the lower South Island, spread over an area of 66,500 square kilometres.

The crew is made up of dedicated and highly trained staff. The primary crew is made up of an experienced pilot and an advanced paramedic rescue crewman. Dunedin Hospital's Intensive Care Unit doctors and St John Ambulance advanced paramedics support the primary crew.

For specialised missions there is a range of support teams including water rescue and cliff rescue squads, who are on standby.

The helicopter also transfers critically ill and intensive-care patients.  It is also equipped with a specialised neonatal intensive-care incubator for transferring premature babies and their mothers from throughout the region to the neonatal unit at Dunedin Hospital.

ENDS

Posted by admin in News at 13:55 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

MEDIA RELEASE

1 July 2010

Michael Woodhouse welcomes the retrofitting of more than 50,000 homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.

“When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a target to make 27,500 homes warmer and healthier in the first year,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013.”

In Otago more than 2391 households have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme, Mr Woodhouse says.

 “Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in Otago.”

About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.

“We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation.  Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.

Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.
 
“I am delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost.”
 
ENDS

Posted by admin in News at 16:49 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

MEDIA RELEASE

30 June 2010

More than 3590 local students will benefit from the latest round of network upgrades to prepare schools for ultra-fast broadband, says National MP Michael Woodhouse.

“Broadband is essential for modern schools. It’s great to see National investing in frontline services for the classroom,” Dunedin-based MP Michael Woodhouse says.

“John McGlashan College, Otago Girls’ High School, King’s High School, Queen’s High School, and Taieri College are among 239 schools across the country sharing the $37.5 million upgrade. This is part of the Government’s $1.5 billion Broadband Investment Initiative.

“Ultra-fast broadband will enable these local schools to enhance their teaching and learning programmes, and bring education into the 21st century.

“The learning opportunities provided by broadband will help our young people reach their potential.

“National is working hard to make our education system one of the most connected in the world.”

ENDS

Posted by admin in News at 11:19 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)