8 August 2005
First stage of new community hospital opens today.
The opening of Staff 1 at Kenepuru Community Hospital (10m) is another milestone for Capital and Coast District Health
Board in the redevelopment of facilities throughout the Wellington district.
Stage 1 will be officially opened at 3.30pm Monday 8 August by the Minister of Health, Annette King. This Stage has seen
the completion of a new Therapies unit, a Child Health unit, the new Accident and Medical Clinic and the new main
entrance.
Chairman of Capital & Coast DHB, Bob Henare, said he was delighted with the new facilities. “I would like to extend thanks to the many
involved in the journey towards this opening, including the Minister of Health who has provided her support and
commitment to the redevelopment project.”
DHB Chief Executive Officer, Margot Mains, acknowledged the efforts of design team and the Mainzeal Construction Team
for completing the work on time. “The opening of Stage 1 is the realisation of a dream which has been shared by many in
the community,” said Ms Mains. “Patients, staff and the community will soon realise the benefits the new facilities will
bring to the communities of Kapiti, Porirua and northern Wellington.” Ms Mains also confirmed the DHB commitment to work
together with the community on future services issues, on sharing information and promoting health messages.
Further work at Kenepuru includes the completion of the new Outpatient Department, alterations to the Radiology
Department and the Education Centre, due for completion later this year. Early next year work will commence on the
construction of additional rooms in the Maternity Building and a new Regional Psycho-geriatric building.
At Wellington Hospital in Newtown a new Blood and Cancer Centre and a Short Stay Unit are almost complete and will open
in September. The preparatory contract with Maycroft Construction includes a new driveway and piling. Tenders for the
main building will be called later this month.
ENDS