West Coast DHB calls for expressions of interest

4 April 2012

West Coast DHB calls for expressions of interest

The West Coast District Health Board is seeking expressions of interest from individuals, investors or companies keen to be involved in the development of the proposed integrated family health centre for the Buller region.

After several rounds of public consultation, the DHB decided last year to go ahead with the concept of a new health facility for Buller and last month agreed that its preferred site for the proposed integrated family health centre is the current Buller Health site.

The DHB is now investigating funding and investment options and hopes to go to tender for project management and building works in June, with building work starting in September this year and the facility fully operational by late 2014.

The next stage in the process is a call for expressions of interest. The project is being advertised on the government electronic tender website as well as West Coast media with a closing date of 20 April.

David Meates, West Coast DHB chief executive, says the DHB is seeking a party or parties with the required capacity to develop a facility “that supports our strategic objective of a balanced and sustainable ‘whole of health’ system.

“This new facility will integrate with existing facilities while supporting and enhancing the ability of health professionals to deliver the right care in the right place, at the right time.”

He said the scope of private sector involvement could involve the design, construction, finance, maintenance and the non-clinical operation of an integrated health centre with full facilities supporting up to 80 elderly patients.

The DHB would be seeking debt and equity funding for all, or a significant portion, of the project capital costs. Mr Meates said some of the key considerations to progressing the project were the need for services to be sustained while the development was underway, seismic compliance, integrating some existing structures, flexibility for further expansion, and affordability.

“By building a new facility we will be able to provide the Buller community with a sustainable healthcare system that’s high quality and effective now and into the future. It is imperative that people living in this region, or contemplating moving here, have trust and confidence in the healthcare system,” he said.

Information on the project will be accessible from Thursday 5 April on the government tender website www.gets.govt.nz

ENDS

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