3. Hon PHIL HEATLEY (National—Whangarei) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What announcements has the Government made regarding building developments at Whangarei Hospital?
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yesterday the Government announced approval for stage one of the redevelopment of Whangarei Hospital. This redevelopment involves a $25 million investment by the district health board to replace the existing acute mental health unit by constructing a purpose-built 25-bed facility. In addition, stage one includes a new hospital kitchen and other infrastructural work that will allow for a more comprehensive future redevelopment of the Whangarei Hospital.
Does the Minister accept that mental health buildings at Whangarei Hospital have reached an unsatisfactory condition, and that much of the rest of the hospital is in need of improvement as well?
Yes, there is no doubt that the acute mental health facilities at Whangarei Hospital need replacement. That is why the district health board and the Ministry of Health have given this project priority. I am advised that the current facility was built pre-1940, and was extended in 1992. To secure the best facilities outcome, the Northland District Health Board has developed a stage-by-stage master plan that will enable it to look at the results of each stage and then inform and make changes to subsequent stages as necessary.