CDHB welcomes funding announcement for hospitals

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, March 18, 2013

CDHB welcomes funding announcement for Christchurch and Burwood Hospitals

The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) has welcomed the Government’s announcement today to set aside around $500 million to fund facility redevelopments at Christchurch and Burwood Hospitals, which are expected to cost more than $600 million. The additional capital will come from CDHB.

Bruce Matheson, CDHB chair, says today’s announcement was a significant milestone after many years planning.

“We now have clear priorities and the expectation is that the first of our new facilities at Burwood will be open in two years. This is a very challenging time-frame and one we intend to meet,” Mr Matheson says.

“This is the biggest public health construction project to be undertaken in New Zealand, and we are very conscious of our responsibility to get value for money and deliver on time.

Mr Matheson says a new hospital complex in the city is a key component of Christchurch’s future and this, together with fast-tracked redevelopment of an older person’s facility at Burwood Hospital is very good news for the people of Canterbury.

“An investment of this magnitude will help stimulate economic growth in the region.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Hospital Redevelopment Partnership Group who have been on board since September and oversaw the development of the Detailed Business Case.

“I would also like to thank all CDHB personnel, our Board and the wider Canterbury Health family for their participation and time taken towards getting this approval,” Mr Matheson says.

David Meates, CDHB chief executive, says today’s announcement provided much-needed certainty and an opportunity to create world-class hospital facilities.

“Our staff and the wider health system community have been planning and working towards this announcement since 2009. New models of care and facility design processes are well underway. This investment by the Government means we can move ahead with pace, firm up our plans and get cracking with the build,” Mr Meates says.

“The older person’s facility at Burwood is our first priority and with a planned completion date of 2015 we don’t have time to waste. The redevelopments at Christchurch Hospital are due for completion at 2018.”

Mr Meates says this is an opportunity to create a new future with facilities that support the very best patient care.

“Clinicians have been an integral part of the process to date and their important input will continue - as will the involvement of everyone who works in our health system including those who use our services – patients and their families.

“As a tertiary hospital we provide complex care for patients from throughout the South Island and for some services the lower part of the North Island, who will all benefit from modern facilities designed to support patient flow and modern health care practice.

“Getting the green light today is a remarkable achievement for the clinical and management teams involved in the redevelopment project. It’s an absolute credit to the commitment they have shown despite many challenges, including multiple earthquakes and disruptions,” Mr Meates says.

ENDS

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