Source: Radio New Zealand
Nelson Hospital. RNZ / Samantha Gee
Construction has begun on a temporary 28-bed inpatient ward at Nelson Hospital.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the ward would ease pressure on beds and improve patient flow while Nelson’s permanent inpatient building is completed.
The Nelson ward is one of five rapid‑build wards being built nationwide through the government’s accelerated hospital wards programme.
Brown previously told RNZ the temporary wards had a life span of 50 years and could be transported for use at other hospitals in the future.
“These rapid‑build wards can be delivered more quickly and at lower cost than traditional builds, enabling us to expand hospital capacity where demand is greatest. Off‑site construction allows faster delivery, better cost control, reduced disruption for hospitals, and earlier benefits for patients and staff,” he said.
A major redevelopment of the hospital announced last year will cost $500 million and take four years to complete.
The project includes a new five-storey inpatient unit with 128 beds, adding 41 beds to the hospital’s current numbers. The hospital’s existing buildings will be refurbished and seismically upgraded.
Brown said the new ward would strengthen services across Nelson Marlborough to help people access care close to home.
“Investing in modern, purpose‑built infrastructure is about supporting better care and ensuring patients remain at the centre of every decision,” he said.
The temporary ward will allow services to be relocated while the major redevelopment of the hospital gets underway.
The unit will be built off site and is expected to open later this year.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
