The development of a new hospital Greymouth has been delayed because of price uncertainty.
Funding for a $68 million hospital to replace Grey Base Hospital was approved by the Government in 2014.
Chief executive of the West Coast District Health Board David Meates said the project had now been delayed because it was not clear that it could be completed within budget.
He said the Ministry of Health was doing further work to confirm the price.
Mr Meates said the delay was unfortunate but the board remained committed to building the hospital.