DHB applauds Government’s commitment to West Coast

Media release
Friday 27 May

DHB applauds Government’s commitment to West Coast

West Coast District Health Board Chair Peter Ballantyne has applauded the Government’s commitment to the health of West Coasters with today’s announcement of extra funding to allow the new Grey Base facilities to proceed.

After preferred contractor Fletchers Construction conducted a full tender of sub-trades and detailed design work to refine costs and reduce risks, the Minister of Health has approved an extra $9.7 million to build what is now a $77.8 million new Grey Base Hospital and Integrated Family Health Centre.

“The project team, led by West Coast clinicians, will be much relieved that the Government is going to ensure these much needed facilities get built. Thousands of hours of West Coast time has been put into researching, analysing and developing the best facility possible to meet the needs of Coasters. We are thrilled to hear construction will start next week,” Mr Ballantyne says.

He said everyone involved appreciated that the facilities will proceed with no reduction in scope.

The 8,500 square metre facility adjacent to the current Grey Base Hospital includes 56 in-patient beds, three operating theatres, and an integrated family health centre to support the delivery of primary healthcare services. It will also house and support the delivery of other clinical services including a 24/7 emergency department, critical care unit, acute and planned medical and surgical services, maternity services, and outpatient care.

He also welcomed the news that the new hospital was expected to open in the first quarter of 2018.

“We can now start planning around the new opening dates and it will be a huge relief to the people of the Coast that there will be no further foreseeable delays in getting their new base hospital.

“The Minister of Health has also confirmed that the Hospitals Redevelopment Partnership Group will assume oversight of the Buller IFHC development.”

Ends

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