The first of a series of public meetings about the proposed merger of the Otago and Southland district health boards has been held in Dunedin.
Just seven people came and all but one supported the merger, on the grounds that it would improve healthcare for the public and reduce the boards' costs.
The one dissenter believed it would lead to privatisation and service cuts.
Southland DHB chairperson Paul Menzies says it's important to hear feedback from the public, no matter how small the turnout.
A further 11 public meetings across Otago and Southland are scheduled in the coming fortnight.
