Napier protest against declining health services scheduled

A protest rally is planned in Napier on Sunday at 1pm. It will take place at the Sound Shell and move to the Napier Health Centre on Wellesley Road. The rally is organized by the group Patient Voice Aotearoa. They are protesting against the reduction of urgent overnight health services in the area. Despite the government's recent announcement of an "enhanced" health service, the organizers remain determined to voice their concerns. Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the government's plan to improve services. He mentioned that Health New Zealand would provide more comprehensive care, including access to nurse prescribers and overnight medical support from a doctor through telehealth. Brown believes this plan is a significant upgrade over the previous service. He stated that it would give the Napier community access to better health services, available 24/7 at the local health center. However, organizers of the rally feel this change does not go far enough.