Work starts on Selina Sutherland extension

Work starts on Selina Sutherland extension

Work starts on Monday to double the size of Wairarapa’s only private surgical facility, Selina Sutherland Hospital, from 6 to 12 beds, with additional space also for future development. During construction, the access to Selina Sutherland Private Hospital will only be via the front entrance of Wairarapa Hospital.

“Once the project is complete, the new front entry to Selina Sutherland will once again be off Blair Street, but during construction we are asking patients and visitors to park at the front of Wairarapa Hospital,” says Nurse Manager, Lesley O’Hara.

“We are delighted to be breaking ground on this project,” says DHB Chief Executive Tracey Adamson. “The DHB worked hard to retain a private facility in the Wairarapa when Glenwood Hospital closed in the face of mounting compliance costs for the aging building. The Wairarapa relies on having a private hospital to help attract and retain senior medical staff. But the biggest winners in this development are the patients. Insured patients seeking elective surgery will benefit from the increased capacity, thereby clearing places on public waiting lists.’

Co-located on the Wairarapa Hospital site, Selina Sutherland Hospital leases theatre time and support services from the DHB. The new building will be owned by the DHB, with construction funding provided by Selina Sutherland Private Hospital. Construction was awarded to local firm Rigg Zschokke.

“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.”

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 for 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 as the plans become a reality.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media