Witnessing huge community criticism has triggered MidCentral District Health Board to drop its plans to cut in-patient beds at Horowhenua Health Centre.

The board proposed to downgrade the centre's 24 assessment, treatment and rehabilitation beds to elder healthcare, and had National Health Board permission to delay achieving the planned savings.

It is reported that nearly 200 nurses and elderly local residents launched a rally last week, revolting against the board's proposal to it, according to an item on Stuff. co. nz.

"We will now work with primary care, the community and staff to look at the future of the Horowhenua Health Centre," claimed Board Chief Executive, Murray Georgel.

However, its future proposals would be made around changes required to transform the centre into an integrated family health centre, and would introduce community engagement.

"That indicates we will be working together to make things work for both parties," quoted, Mrs. Robins. "We can move forward, and move forward together.

Murray Georgel posted that this decision signifies that the $1.2 million to be saved by the bed reconfiguration would not be achieved in 2010-11 as planned.

The board would now aim to extend support to the development of an integrated family health centre at the Horowhenua facility, one of five reported to be planned in the district.