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Tuesday 13 December 2022
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Sailing away
Building a career
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A map for the future PAGE 10
Tourists’ huge health debt PAULA HULBURT
paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Overseas patients who disappear without paying for emergency care have racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt.
Nelson Marlborough Health is owed $211,000 by tourists visiting from abroad who have left the country without settling their bills. Figures from the financial year 1 July to 30 June 2022 show over-
seas patients paid $471,000 in costs after being treated in either Nelson or Wairau Hospital. But more than $200,000 remains unpaid and health bosses are urging travellers to the region to ensure they have travel insurance
that includes health cover. A Ministry of Health spokeswoman says patients from overseas who needs critical care will be treated. “In practice, in situations where a person needs critical, emergen-
cy treatment at a public hospital, but is ineligible for publicly funded health care, in most cases, the patient will be triaged as to how critical their care needs is.
SEE PAGE 2
A Pollard Park Christmas SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 12
Hundreds gathered on a balmly Sunday night to celebrate the message of Christmas. Songs and psalms were sung at the popular Christmas in the Park, at Pollard Park. Bands and dancing, Santa and lollies entertained young and old alike. Photo: Sarah Purser.
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