Clutha Health First (CHF) chief executive Sharon Mason (left) and team leader for inpatients Shona McDonald stand outside the mobile surgical bus during its visit to Balclutha last Thursday. Bus personnel focus on a specific area of surgical health during each visit, last week being dental health assistance. Surgery is available for dental issues, orthopaedic issues, and general and gynaecological treatments. Patients from as young as 6 can be treated in its mobile surgical suite. A new, second bus is in the works to continue to tour the South Island, as the current bus will be transported to Auckland to assist with surgical issues. Mrs Mason said it was a ‘‘vital aspect’’ in assisting with patients at CHF and it was important for people to know it was available in the area. REPORT & PHOTO: EVELYN THORN
