Dates Announced for the First Services to Move to Burwood

Dates Announced for the First Services to Move to New Facilities at Burwood Hospital

The first of Canterbury's new Christchurch-based hospital facilities will be open and in use in just over four months.

The new facilities at Burwood are part of the Government's $650 million plus developments at Christchurch and Burwood Hospitals.

The Burwood facilities include over 32,500m2 of new ward blocks for medical, rehabilitation and mental health services for older people. There will also be new outpatient areas, including radiology and pharmacy areas. The new buildings link to the current Burwood facilities and will have a brand new entrance off Burwood Road.

David Meates, Canterbury DHB chief executive, says it's great to be able to announce dates for the moving in to the new facilities at Burwood Hospital.

Mr Meates says it's going to be an exceptionally busy time as the inpatient wards for older people at The Princess Margaret Hospital will be relocating to the brand new facility and others will move to the new site from within the Burwood campus.

"It's a complex process fitting out and moving in to a new hospital but we aim to be all moved in by June 16, 2016. It takes just a few hours to move each ward, and the process will be carefully planned to minimise disruption to patients. We will keep patients and their families updated on plans closer to the moves," he says.

Taking advantage of the Queen's Birthday long weekend at the beginning of June, Mr Meates says the move will take place as a gradual "cascade" of moves.

"We will be fitting out the new facilities at Burwood from the end of May.

"Radiology, which includes the Canterbury Community Radiology Facility currently based in Merivale, will be the first to make the move.

"This is because it will take time to set up their equipment on site at Burwood. Our new Burwood facilities will be fully operational to all outpatients and ready to admit inpatients by June, 13, 2016."

The new hospital reception area, the new pharmacy and the first ward will all be up and running on June 13.

Mr Meates says ahead of the move, a team of migration planners are busy working hard behind the scenes, with staff training and orientation to the new ways of working in the new facilities about to get underway.

"Staff need to be congratulated for their efforts so far and for what they'll be doing between now and then to get everyone ready."

There will be a number of events take place before teams move in to Burwood. These include farewells to old facilities, blessings of the new buildings and open days for staff and the public.

Burwood – Fast Facts

• When finished the hospital will have been transformed to include 230 inpatient beds

• It will manage 80,000 outpatient visits every year

• The hospital will also feature:

• A new 'front of house' area, including a new main entrance, café and reception

• An extended radiology department

• A new wing for older persons mental health

• A new 'back of house' area comprising a new hospital kitchen, clean and dirty docks, supply and distribution area and the plant to support these areas.

• A new environmentally friendly boiler house that runs on wood waste

• Large car parking area for staff, patients and visitors

• Landscaped grounds and new signage

Facts about the new buildings at Burwood

• Approximately 15,000m3 of soil and sand has been removed

• The building footprint is 14,000m2

• The approximate area of all floors is 32,500m2

• 1800 tonnes of structural steel reinforce the new building

• Approximately 450 pre-cast panels make up parts of the buildings

ENDS

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