The West Coast Health Charitable Trust (WCHCT) is hoping to buy the land for its visionary community-owned health hub over the next few months, as ongoing fundraising continues.
About a year down the track, the trust has raised about $860,000 in pledges, mostly in grants and sponsorship from community and health organisations such as the Lions and Midland Health Network, says trustee Fiona Edwards.
The Raglan Community Trust, which used to own the Raglan Trust Hospital, has given some of that money as a partner in the joint venture.
“It’s going to be a big project for Raglan, and it’s going to take time,” Fiona says.
The WCHCT hopes to have raised another million dollars by this time next year so it can start earthworks at the site, which is almost opposite the current West Coast Health Clinic location in Wallis Street.
An anticipated $3 million is required for the venture, which aims to build a dedicated health centre to ensure long-term affordable health care stays in Raglan. The trust hoped to start building by the end of next year.
“It’s going to be a big effort to raise $3 million,” Fiona says. “We definitely need the community’s help.”
The trust plans to approach larger businesses and organisations to ask for help with products or services for the project as well. “We will be knocking on many doors,” Fiona says.
The WCHCT is also planning a big fundraising and awareness campaign at Labour Weekend in Raglan, with raffles and information available.
Plans have been drawn up for a 478-square metre medical hub to house doctors, nurses, health specialists, a councillor, a pharmacy, rooms for community health groups and health resources.
It will also have a treatment area, two critical care beds with an access bay for an ambulance, an isolation area, administration rooms, a reception area, a large waiting room and a 17-car parking area.
Fiona says the West Coast Health Clinic, which has outgrown its current premises, will move to the new centre once it’s built as a lease.
Other health organisations are expected to join the clinic there, while the existing clinic premises may be filled with other health providers, in line with the vision of a health hub.
Rachel Benn
