Media Release

Update on Buller Health Centre

Date: 28 November 2016

Good progress is being made towards building the new Buller Integrated Family Health Centre in Westport.

“After discussions with the West Coast DHB, we have decided to progress with a timeline that will see the Centre completed in the first half of 2019. This timeframe ensures the DHB is able to focus on the transition to the new Base Hospital in Greymouth. It also takes into account the opening of Canterbury DHB’s new Acute Services Building and Outpatients facility, which are both expected to be completed in 2018,” Chair of the West Coast Hospital Redevelopment Partnership Group Cathy Cooney says.

“We are also finalising sale, purchase and lease arrangements with a viable partner, after the other interested party withdrew their interest. We hope to be in a position to announce the details of this agreement early next year.”

A site for the new facility will also be confirmed following geotechnical reports.

“We hope this work will not be delayed by geotechnical resource constraints following the Kaikoura earthquake but will revise timings if this is the case. We are also working closely with the Buller District Council on resource consent and planning implications for the sites and thank them for their help in ensuring a good outcome for the community.”

The three sites being investigated are the current Buller Hospital and two sites across the road – at 22 Pakington Street which currently houses the boiler house and the former Kynnersley rest home site at 30 Henley Street.

The facility is expected to be 1632 square metres in size and contains two emergency beds, one maternity bed, six medical beds, and one palliative care bed. Adult dental services will also be integrated into the family health centre which will also include a range outpatient, community and primary care services including GPs, Practice Nurses, and Allied Health.

© Scoop Media