2 August 2013

Christchurch’s St George’s Hospital announces redevelopment plans.

St George’s Hospital in Christchurch announced their plans for the redevelopment of hospital facilities today.

Like many organisations in Christchurch, St George’s suffered damage during the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

Working closely with Trengrove Architects, a three stage redevelopment is planned from now until 2017. The four year project will cost $122 million and most of it will be paid for by St George’s insurance earthquake pay out, accumulated reserves and future surpluses until the buildings are completed.

The redevelopment will provide patients, clinicians and staff with world class facilities that are modern, future proofed and most importantly safe.

“We have a unique opportunity to replace what we lost in the earthquakes with new buildings and facilities along with increasing our ability to provide first class care for our patients. We are really proud of the plans and incorporation of the latest engineering standards so patients, staff and visitors feel safe and comfortable”, said St George’s Hospital CEO Greg Brooks.

Planned developments for the hospital include: a replacement cancer care treatment centre; four-storey atrium; reception area; staff café; chapel; radiology services; operating theatres; instrument sterilising services; intensive care and high dependency units; education rooms and a maternity unit.

St George’s Hospital will remain fully functional throughout the redevelopment; however some services will relocate between buildings as work is completed.

“Patient and staff safety is our number one objective. Throughout these developments and on completion we will endeavour to maintain a safe environment for everyone working at or visiting the hospital”, said Mr Brooks.

The hospital provides a critical health service to Canterbury and as a result the new buildings will be built to IL4 standard or 180 per cent of the new structural building code.

Structural engineers and geotechnical engineers have incorporated ground improvement techniques and a base isolation system into the design of all new buildings. Base isolation will protect and minimise damage to building structures, contents and people during a significant earthquake.

Other key features of the redevelopment include supplies of emergency water, bulk septic tanks and standby generator capacity to ensure that the hospital remains operational and safe should another significant event occur.

ends

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