Government funding of $8.8 million announced for seismic strengthening

The Government’s funding announcement of $8.8 million for seismic strengthening of Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s theatre block is great news, chief executive Kevin Snee said today.

Dr Snee said Hawke’s Bay was in a high seismic risk zone and it was important hospital buildings like operating theatres were able to function effectively, even after a significant event.

The new seismic strengthening requirement for the theatre block had arisen as the district health board prepared a business case to build a new eighth theatre.

“Learnings of how buildings withstand significant seismic activity changes continually and with a new theatre planned, new building standard requirements meant some strengthening work was needed in theatres and the hospital’s Acute Assessment Unit.

“We are pleased to receive this funding from government, which means we can strengthen the building and continue with our plans to build a new theatre.
“Work will begin as soon as detailed building plans are finalised, which is expected to be early next year,” he said.

The district health board had already begun seismic strengthening work of its Acute Assessment Unit.

Seismic strengthening of the hospital’s radiology unit is also expected to be required in the near future as a part of plans to upgrade and refurbish the radiology department and purchase a new MRI scanner, Dr Snee said.

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