The National Health Board says a special panel will help decide how services are delivered in Queenstown.
A proposal by the Southern District Health Board to set up an Integrated Family Health Centre has raised questions about the future of Lakes District Hospital and heightened community concerns.
Among the concerns of some in Queenstown are that they could be charged for services that are currently free.
The National Health Board says the DHB has invited it to help find a solution.
It says people need to know the plans and timelines for the future of Lakes Hospital and other services.
The panel - to be led by the past chairman of the Medical Association Peter Foley, consumer advocate David Russell and an emergency doctor - will hold meetings and seek consensus.
It is to make a recommendation to the DHB by the end of July on the best structure for primary and secondary services in the area.
