Latest news with #HealthInfrastructurePlan
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
New Tauranga Hospital intensive care and high dependency units opened by Health Minister Simeon Brown
This included adding two ICU beds and four HDU beds and moving the CCU to another floor and expanding it by five beds. The beds were expected to be ready by April 2022. When asked what had caused the delay, Brown told the Bay of Plenty Times the key thing was being there to open the expansion. 'The last Government announced a range of projects which were going to be delivered, and actually, we're getting on and delivering them. That's our focus.' Brown said the expansion was 'really important' because of the growing population in the Bay of Plenty. 'Separating the coronary care unit from the ICU and HDU means the hospital can plan care better, care for those different patients without having to cancel elective surgeries.' He said this had been a challenge in the past when there had been a limited number of spaces. The expansion upgrade increased intensive care and high dependency capacity from 10 to 16 beds on a separate, dedicated floor. Photo / Brydie Thompson The CCU was now on its own floor with space to expand to 20 beds in the future, which could be used for coronary care or other acute care services as demand required. This included access to the hospital's two cardiac catheterisation labs, the second of which opened last month. The newest lab replaced the hospital's original suite, which had reached the end of its clinical life after delivering more than 1200 procedures annually since opening in 2017. 'By having the separation of those two [CCU and ICU/HDU], we're able to plan that care better, and also speed up access to beds by having increased capacity.' Brown said this was important for emergency departments so patients could be seen quickly. 'It's critically important for our Government's target of 95% of patients being seen, admitted, or discharged through an emergency department.' He said hospitals around the country were making significant progress in improving performance. Tauranga Hospital's upgraded ICU featured three negative-pressure rooms, providing additional protection for patients and staff by helping contain infectious diseases when needed. 'I know how important this will be to the staff being able to work in a modern environment with new equipment,' the minister said. Clinical nurse manager for ICU/HDU Fiona Kishor and Health Minister Simeon Brown. Photo / Brydie Thompson 'They can provide timely access to quality care, which they want to deliver for patients here in the Bay of Plenty.' Brown said work was under way for stage one of the Health Infrastructure Plan, which would determine what else was required for Tauranga Hospital. Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford attended and welcomed the official opening of the new ICU and HDU. 'For too long, limited capacity meant our ICU and HDU were under pressure.' He said the newly expanded and refurbished facilities would make a huge difference for Bay of Plenty families. 'This upgrade means more beds, better facilities, and faster access to life-saving care when it matters most.' Rutherford said the project was about ensuring there was a bed and the very best care available for critically ill people. He said the upgrade would reduce surgery delays, improve patient flow from the emergency department, and help meet targets for shorter emergency stays and faster elective treatments. 'The opening marks a significant step forward for healthcare in the Bay of Plenty – one that will save lives and improve outcomes for years to come.' Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has been approached for more information about the project delay and budget increase. Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
1News
09-06-2025
- Health
- 1News
Brown outlines Budget 2025 infrastructure spend at Auckland hospitals
Health Minister Simeon Brown has detailed how funding set aside in Budget 2025 will be used to upgrade ageing infrastructure at Auckland Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre. The third tranche of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme is part of the Government's $1 billion Budget hospital infrastructure investment. The programme seeks to identify, upgrade, and replace infrastructure that poses the greatest risk to hospital operations in the Auckland district. Speaking from Auckland City Hospital, Brown said the Government was committed to investing in critical health system infrastructure. "That includes ensuring the hospitals we rely on every day are safe, modern, and fit for purpose." ADVERTISEMENT The investment included upgrades to the high voltage power supply at Auckland Hospital, replacement of the ageing steam heating system, as well as improvements to electrical monitoring and building management systems at Auckland and Greenlane. It also included design work for the next stage of the Auckland hot water pipes replacement project, with construction on the first stage already underway. A water leak in one of the wards at the main adult building at Auckland Hospital in January saw a full shutdown in place for up to 10 hours, with bottled and hot water being delivered to patients. Brown said the replacement of the hot water pipe system in the main building at Auckland Hospital was a priority within the Health Infrastructure Plan. "This investment will help speed up delivery by funding the design work for the next stage of this project. Getting ahead on the design work now will mean we can fast-track the next stage by eight months." Health NZ would be carefully managing the work to minimise disruption to services, patients, and staff, he added. "This is about investing in the future of Auckland's health services – getting the basics right so frontline teams can keep delivering high-quality care to New Zealanders."
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Stage 3 Of Major Auckland Hospital Upgrade Funded
Press Release – New Zealand Government Minister of Health Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced a major investment to strengthen critical infrastructure at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre, as part of the third tranche of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme. 'This Government is committed to investing in and upgrading critical infrastructure that supports our health system – and that includes ensuring the hospitals we rely on every day are safe, modern, and fit for purpose,' Mr Brown says. 'Over the next three years, tranche three of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme in Auckland will fund critical upgrades and replacements to the power, heating, building management, and safety systems that support clinical services at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre. 'These upgrades are about ensuring Auckland Hospital is able to deliver reliable care for patients and has increased resilience through upgraded systems.' This third investment tranche is part of the Government's $1 billion Budget 2025 hospital infrastructure investment includes: Upgrades to the high voltage power supply to improve power security at Auckland City Hospital. Replacement of the ageing steam heating system to boost reliability and reduce utility costs. Improvements to electrical monitoring and building management systems at both sites. Design work for the next stage of the Auckland hot water pipes replacement project, with construction on the first stage already underway. 'Replacing the hot water pipe system in the main building of Auckland City Hospital is a priority within the Health Infrastructure Plan, and this investment will help speed up delivery by funding the design work for the next stage of this project. Getting ahead on the design work now will mean we can fast-track the next stage by eight months.' This tranche builds on the first two stages of the remediation programme, which addressed the most urgent infrastructure issues at these sites and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Health New Zealand is carefully managing this work to minimise any disruption to clinical services, and ensure patients and staff are not impacted as this vital infrastructure is upgraded. 'This is about investing in the future of Auckland's health services – getting the basics right so frontline teams can keep delivering high-quality care to New Zealanders. 'As we continue to invest in hospitals across the country, projects like this are key to ensuring our infrastructure can keep pace with growing demand and support better health outcomes over the long term,' Mr Brown says. Note:
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Stage 3 Of Major Auckland Hospital Upgrade Funded
Press Release – New Zealand Government These upgrades are about ensuring Auckland Hospital is able to deliver reliable care for patients and has increased resilience through upgraded systems Minister of Health Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced a major investment to strengthen critical infrastructure at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre, as part of the third tranche of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme. 'This Government is committed to investing in and upgrading critical infrastructure that supports our health system – and that includes ensuring the hospitals we rely on every day are safe, modern, and fit for purpose,' Mr Brown says. 'Over the next three years, tranche three of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme in Auckland will fund critical upgrades and replacements to the power, heating, building management, and safety systems that support clinical services at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre. 'These upgrades are about ensuring Auckland Hospital is able to deliver reliable care for patients and has increased resilience through upgraded systems.' This third investment tranche is part of the Government's $1 billion Budget 2025 hospital infrastructure investment includes: Upgrades to the high voltage power supply to improve power security at Auckland City Hospital. Replacement of the ageing steam heating system to boost reliability and reduce utility costs. Improvements to electrical monitoring and building management systems at both sites. Design work for the next stage of the Auckland hot water pipes replacement project, with construction on the first stage already underway. 'Replacing the hot water pipe system in the main building of Auckland City Hospital is a priority within the Health Infrastructure Plan, and this investment will help speed up delivery by funding the design work for the next stage of this project. Getting ahead on the design work now will mean we can fast-track the next stage by eight months.' This tranche builds on the first two stages of the remediation programme, which addressed the most urgent infrastructure issues at these sites and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Health New Zealand is carefully managing this work to minimise any disruption to clinical services, and ensure patients and staff are not impacted as this vital infrastructure is upgraded. 'This is about investing in the future of Auckland's health services – getting the basics right so frontline teams can keep delivering high-quality care to New Zealanders. 'As we continue to invest in hospitals across the country, projects like this are key to ensuring our infrastructure can keep pace with growing demand and support better health outcomes over the long term,' Mr Brown says. Note: The Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme is a rolling Auckland district programme to identify, upgrade, and replace infrastructure that poses the greatest risk to our largest hospital operations. Tranche three sets out work to be delivered through to 2027, with planning for a fourth tranche already underway.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Stage 3 Of Major Auckland Hospital Upgrade Funded
Press Release – New Zealand Government These upgrades are about ensuring Auckland Hospital is able to deliver reliable care for patients and has increased resilience through upgraded systems Minister of Health Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced a major investment to strengthen critical infrastructure at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre, as part of the third tranche of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme. 'This Government is committed to investing in and upgrading critical infrastructure that supports our health system – and that includes ensuring the hospitals we rely on every day are safe, modern, and fit for purpose,' Mr Brown says. 'Over the next three years, tranche three of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme in Auckland will fund critical upgrades and replacements to the power, heating, building management, and safety systems that support clinical services at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre. 'These upgrades are about ensuring Auckland Hospital is able to deliver reliable care for patients and has increased resilience through upgraded systems.' This third investment tranche is part of the Government's $1 billion Budget 2025 hospital infrastructure investment includes: Upgrades to the high voltage power supply to improve power security at Auckland City Hospital. Replacement of the ageing steam heating system to boost reliability and reduce utility costs. Improvements to electrical monitoring and building management systems at both sites. Design work for the next stage of the Auckland hot water pipes replacement project, with construction on the first stage already underway. 'Replacing the hot water pipe system in the main building of Auckland City Hospital is a priority within the Health Infrastructure Plan, and this investment will help speed up delivery by funding the design work for the next stage of this project. Getting ahead on the design work now will mean we can fast-track the next stage by eight months.' This tranche builds on the first two stages of the remediation programme, which addressed the most urgent infrastructure issues at these sites and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Health New Zealand is carefully managing this work to minimise any disruption to clinical services, and ensure patients and staff are not impacted as this vital infrastructure is upgraded. 'This is about investing in the future of Auckland's health services – getting the basics right so frontline teams can keep delivering high-quality care to New Zealanders. 'As we continue to invest in hospitals across the country, projects like this are key to ensuring our infrastructure can keep pace with growing demand and support better health outcomes over the long term,' Mr Brown says. Note: The Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme is a rolling Auckland district programme to identify, upgrade, and replace infrastructure that poses the greatest risk to our largest hospital operations. Tranche three sets out work to be delivered through to 2027, with planning for a fourth tranche already underway.
