16 July 2015

Charity Hospital extensions to be opened by Governor-General

An increasing need for the Canterbury Charity Hospital’s free services has led to an extensive renovation of its Bishopdale premises.

The new look Canterbury Charity Hospital premises is being opened on Tuesday 28 July by Hospital Trust Patron and Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae to celebrate the many people who volunteer within the medical sector.

“We are honoured to have the Governor-General here to celebrate our success and to help us mark this occasion,” says Trust chairman and surgeon Philip Bagshaw.

With over 300 volunteers including surgeons, nurses, dentists, technicians, doctors, support staff and anaesthetists, the Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust provides free day medical, surgical, dentistry and counselling services to Cantabrians in need.

“Our much larger recovery ward will give us more space for our patients so we can increase the number of surgeries we perform on any one day. The unmet need through the public health system continues to grow and we are very excited about being able to help more people with what is often very simple but life changing operations,” says Mr Bagshaw.

The extensions to the original villa also include improved changing facilities for staff, along with bathroom facilities for visitors and a larger foyer/entrance.

“With the new extensions we will have nine beds and five second stage recliners so we can increase the number of surgeries we perform on any one day,” says Phil.

The hospital remained open during the three months of building and patients were seen in the hospital’s second building on the other side of the car park.

The extensions cost over $400,000 and would have cost more without the generous help from Leighs Construction and their team of contractors. The Canterbury Charity Hospital does not receive any Government funding.

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