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New Zealand faces bed closures

BMJ 1994; 309 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.309.6948.147a (Published 16 July 1994) Cite this as: BMJ 1994;309:147
  1. C Essex

    Rural hospitals in New Zealand are threatened with closure under new government proposals to cut the number of hospital beds. New Zealand, which is the same size as Britain but has a population of only 3.4 million people, has numerous small rural hospitals. Some have permanent specialists and resident staff; others are run by general practitioners and visiting specialists. Prime Minister Jim Bolger, said last week: “Every medical professional knows we have too many hospital beds and that change was and still is necessary. Most people want the best health care for themselves and their families, and are prepared to travel to get it.” …

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