Health Precinct partners formalise their collaboration

21 May 2014

Health Precinct partners formalise their collaboration

Christchurch’s new Health Precinct will boost New Zealand’s health work force, provide new opportunities for cutting-edge research and enhance the link between education and health, the Precinct partners say.

The formal signing of a collaboration agreement of agencies developing key elements in Christchurch’s new Health Precinct is a significant step forward for the Anchor Project, says Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority chief executive Roger Sutton.

The Health Precinct will capitalise on the fastest growing sector in the world, delivering economic growth and world-leading health delivery. It has the advantage of having the busiest tertiary hospital in Australasia and tertiary education providers willing to co-locate.

Representatives from CERA, the Canterbury District Health Board, University of Otago, University of Canterbury and CPIT are working together to develop the new precinct, which will incorporate health services alongside state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities.

Mr Sutton says the Health Precinct concept has made great steps in its planning since it was announced as part of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan’s blueprint, and he is pleased to see the private sector already stepping up their plans.

“We know that the attraction of investment and business, especially new national and international partners, is significantly dependent on the delivery of the collaborative research and education facilities,” he says.

“We worked from a unique position of being able to consider all options, as if we had a blank canvas. From that we have worked steadily towards identifying what we all agree we want, towards what we can make happen.

“With so many players involved this is an understandably complex project, with layer upon layer of parts needing to be connected. I am very pleased that we remain on the same page with a common goal of creating this world class precinct.”

Representatives from each of the key agencies have today signed the collaboration agreement, and the next step is to set up an Advisory Council. This will oversee the partnership and provide opportunities for new collaborative research activities and teaching initiatives.

In tandem, the planning, design and construction for the facilities that will feature within the Precinct will continue.

CERA’s partner agencies say today’s collaboration signing is a key development for the Health Precinct.

“The Canterbury DHB sees the health precinct as a key development in enhancing, strengthening and building our health system and its workforce now and into the future which will enhance our ability to continue to build a vibrant, innovative and sustainable health system for our population,” says the Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates.

CPIT chief executive Kay Giles says the organisation is looking forward to the opportunities the collaboration will offer.

“As a leading nursing and allied health education provider, CPIT’s participation in the Health Precinct Collaboration Agreement will build on our strong partnerships with the Canterbury District Health Board and other health education providers, open up opportunities for our students and ensure that our graduates continue to meet the workforce demand for skilled nurses and allied health workers here in Canterbury and internationally.”

The University of Canterbury is excited about its involvement to the Health Precinct, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science) Professor Paul Fleming says.

"Health research and teaching are key components of our work at the University. The possibilities of the Health Precinct in enhancing this work are considerable.”

“We are delighted to be a key partner in this landmark collaboration. It is exciting to see the development of the vision for the precinct. Our commitment to the next stage of site development plans has been reflected through a key financial contribution.

"The Precinct will benefit Christchurch and the wider region and will also provide a state-of-the-art environment for our postgraduate students and researchers,” Professor Fleming says.

“It will be a fantastic opportunity to place parts of our Health research and teaching at the heart of cutting-edge health developments which are being led by Christchurch’s world class health science and clinical academics.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media