Private hospital expansion benefits DHB

Media Release
From: Jill Stringer
Date: 19 January 2010
Subject: Private hospital expansion benefits DHB

Wairarapa’s only private surgical facility, Selina Sutherland Hospital, has had plans approved to double its size this year, from 6 to 12 beds, with additional space also for future development. Co-located on the Wairarapa Hospital site, Selina Sutherland Hospital leases theatre time and support services from the DHB.

“We are really pleased that these plans have been approved,” says DHB Chief Executive Tracey Adamson. “It has always been the case in the Wairarapa that we rely on having a private hospital to help attract and retain senior medical staff. But the biggest winners from this will be the patients. Insured patients seeking elective surgery will benefit from the increased capacity, thereby clearing places on public waiting lists. Others to benefit will be local tradesmen involved in construction. “

The new building will be owned by the DHB, with construction funding provided by Selina Sutherland Private Hospital.

Selina Sutherland Hospital first opened in 1996 in a vacated wing of Masterton hospital, as Masterton’s only private surgical facility, Glenwood Hospital, closed in the face of mounting compliance costs for the aging building.

“The economies of leasing space and facilities has benefited both hospitals, and Wairarapa patients” says Tracey Adamson. “When the new Wairarapa Hospital was completed in 2006, Selina Sutherland remained an integral part of the design, and moved to our new, purpose built wing adjacent to the periopertive suite at the same time.”

The hospital is managed by a Charitable Trust and headed by a Board of Directors.

“We have found having the private facility in the Wairarapa has been of particular benefit in attracting and retaining surgeons,” says Dr Rob Dimock, chair of Selina Sutherland Ltd. ‘This has enabled us to go from strength to strength, and we have planned this extension fro some time. It will ease the pressure on our beds, which are well supported by the Wairarapa public. This venture has also cemented our excellent working relationship with the DHB and we are looking forward to working with them to make the plans become a reality.”

Ends.

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