Hon Tony Ryall
Minister of Health


23 November 2012 Media Statement

Government Approves New Multi-Million Dollar North Shore Mental Health Unit

The National Government has approved a new $25 million inpatient mental health unit at North Shore Hospital.

“The new mental health unit will be welcomed by the community and the new facility will provide better services for patients and their families,” says Health Minister Tony Ryall.

“The current Taharoto unit is an old maternity hospital and is no longer fit for purpose. There are a number of issues with the building including a lack of space, poor layout, and no ability to properly segregate male and female patients.

“The new unit will not only be larger, with seven extra beds, the doctors and nurses working in the unit will be involved in the design to ensure it is more user friendly for patients and their families.”

Local MP Maggie Barry announced the project, on behalf of Mr Ryall, during a visit to the DHB yesterday.

Building is expected to begin middle of next year, and take around 18 months to complete.

The government is also about to request proposals to build and operate a new secure youth forensic unit as part of a $33 million investment over four years to improve mental health services for youth offenders.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>