Business View Oceania | January 2020

99 100 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA JANUARY 2020 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA JANUARY 2020 WEST OTAGO HEALTH LTD (R I BBONWOOD COUNTRY HOME) the consultation. It’s also a better understanding for the patient or client about their condition. “We have a lot of advanced technology onsite, as well as a large triage room that can house another three beds if we were to run clinics. We have a minor surgery room, as well. We already do some but there’s the capacity for that to develop more. The business itself has the Medical Centre, Ribbonwood, and the DHS Community Nursing contract, so we employ a district nurse that works within our facility.” Anticipating what’s to come, Body suggests, “Five years down the road, more beds for Ribbonwood would be number one on the list. For 14 beds, we’re required to have a staffing level that could quite easily service another six beds without any detriment to the residents we’ve already got. That would improve profitability a lot – only a minor increase in costs and a big increase in income. We’re fortunate to have a stable GP and a good client base, so we’re still small enough that we can offer same day appointments and a high level of care and that’s a real draw card. We don’t want to lose the community feel. The staff here know the people and, especially for end of life care, they know who to ring, they know who the friends are. It’s just a lot more connected and a lot more special.” PREFERRED VENDOR n Oakley Gray Architects www.oakleygray.co.nz