鈥淐abinet has agreed to set aside around NZ$500 million from the Future Investment Fund for the largest and most complex building project in the history of New Zealand鈥檚 public health service,鈥� said health minister Tony Ryall. The total cost of the project is expected to be more than NZ$600m. 鈥淭he rebuild will go a long way to setting Canterbury health services back on their feet after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.鈥�
Burwood and Christchurch Hospitals will together have 938 beds, an increase of 159, and eight extra operating theatres, to a total of 24.
Construction is being fast-tracked at Burwood Hospital with some site clearing beginning in the middle of this year. 萝莉原创 contracts will be let by Christmas, with completion in 2015.
Christchurch Hospital鈥檚 redevelopment includes a new expanded intensive care unit and emergency department, purpose-designed space for children, eight new operating theatres, inpatient wards and new outpatient facilities. It is due for completion in 2018.
鈥淭his project will give a tremendous boost to doctors, nurses and other health professionals as well as the general public.聽 Christchurch will have world class facilities once the rebuild is complete,鈥� said Ryall.
The Hospital Partnership Group 鈥� made up of Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), officials and others in the health sector has fast-tracked the project. 鈥淭o ensure the momentum continues, at least in the design phase, the Hospital Partnership Group will continue to lead the project working very closely with CDHB,鈥� said Ryall. 鈥淭his will allow the DHB to focus on the delivery of services and repairing other health facilities that have been damaged by the earthquakes.鈥�