Radiology and surgical services in Hawke's Bay will get a large funding boost from the government.
Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Hastings. Photo: RNZ / Peter Fowler
Health Minister Chris Hipkins today announced a $14.2 million package for the region's hospital in Hastings.
There would be $10m towards redeveloping radiology facilties, towards the total $19.9m required for this project, with the DHB self-funding the rest.
Radiology expansion:
- Larger clinical spaces to better support patient safety and privacy
- State-of-the-art imaging equipment
- Additional capacity for more diagnostic equipment in the future
- Larger waiting room
Surgical expansion:
- Increase in capacity ensuring wait times for planned surgeries are reduced
- Remodel of surgical services to ensure better patient flow from time of pre-admission through to discharge
Hipkins also announced $4.2m to improve surgical services, increasing capacity and reducing waiting times for surgeries.
He said there would be larger clinical spaces and modern state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
"These improvements will help the DHB to retain and recruit specialist radiologists and medical imaging technologists," Hipkins said in a release.
Health Minister Chris Hipkins Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas
"There is also flexibility built into the design to ensure there is capacity for more diagnostic equipment in the future.
"Unforeseen seismic remediation issues have caused delays in these projects, including the DHB's Acute Assessment Unit, and the government has already invested a further $8.8 million to put this right. Seismic strengthening of these facilities is a priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and patients.
DHB chair Shayne Walker said in a release that patients would get a better experience.
"A huge amount of work and effort from our staff, supported by the board, has gone into developing the business cases for both these projects," Walker said.
"I want to thank the people involved who have shown ongoing commitment and determination through a number of obstacles, including the need to address seismic remediation issues.
"The community and our staff will benefit from these fantastic future facilities."
Significant seismic upgrade work would begin first to bring the buildings up to new seismic standards.
Walker said it made sense to complete all significant structural upgrade work before progressing with the redesign and extension of spaces within clinical areas.