Establishing a health planning and research unit: the first two years of operation

The Christchurch Health Planning and Research Unit was established in April 1975 to develop an approach to regional health services planning based upon researched community need, making the best use of available resources and involving agencies, health professionals and the community. This paper reports on the background to its establishment, the development of a planning strategy and progress and problems to date, especially in the fields of geriatrics, mental health and primary care.