A new surgical hospital is expected to cut down on travel time and make healthcare more accessible in the Queenstown Lakes District.
Photo: Unsplash / Jeff Finley
Southern Cross Hospitals and Central Lakes Trust are working together to develop the new hospital next to the Queenstown Country Club on Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway.
It will provide elective surgical procedures including endoscopy, general surgery, gynaecology, dental, orthopaedic, urology, plastic surgery and ear, nose and throat surgery.
Currently local patients have to travel to Dunedin, Invercargill or Christchurch for these procedures - that's up to six hours away.
Southern Cross Hospitals chief executive Officer Terry Moore said the joint venture would enable quality, affordable healthcare to become more accessible.
"Having surgical facilities available closer to home is going to make a huge difference to people living in the region. With rapid population growth in the area and an increased demand for healthcare services, the new hospital will help to future proof the needs of local residents," Mr Moore said.
"We are grateful for the support of the Central Lakes Trust who has helped to make this vision a reality."
The hospital is expected to be completed in late 2021.