12 April 2006
Opening of the second stage of the Kenepuru Community Hospital
It is a privilege to be here today to celebrate with you the opening of the second stage of the Kenepuru Community
Hospital.
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I am aware that the former Minister of Health, Annette King, was a strong advocate for improved hospital facilities for
the Wellington region. The strength of her support was a major factor in Government approving the $303M Regional
Hospital Project in 2002, involving extensive capital development at three sites in the region: Kenepuru, Newtown and
Kapiti. Thank you too to my colleague Luamanuvao Winnie Laban who works tirelessly for her local people - young and old.
Modern models of care indicate the importance of a foundation of good health established in childhood, a physically
active lifestyle and healthy diet as an adult, and easy access to primary health care services to address health
problems in their early stages.
Technology and pharmaceutical advances over recent years have also made it possible for many health conditions to be
managed at home and not in a hospital inpatient setting. Many people achieve a faster recovery or better management of
their conditions when they are able to access medical treatment but remain in their familiar and supportive home
environment.
However, there are times when most of us will have to access hospital health services. Capital and Coast DHB has had the
vision to develop Kenepuru into a Community Hospital for people who live north of Wellington city.
Having a range of services available at Kenepuru makes it easier for local people. It is also makes it easier for
patients to be supported by their family and friends during their recovery. This is good step toward improving health
outcomes and assisting in the reduction of health disparities within our communities. This Labour-led government, the
District Health Board and community, are united in their desire to achieve the best health outcomes for people accessing
public health services. We share a strong commitment to provide high quality health services for the people of this
region. In August 2005, Annette King opened the First Phase of the Kenepuru Community Hospital. This included an
Accident and Medical Clinic; a Medical Assessment Unit; a Paediatric Assessment Unit and Child Development Unit; and
extension of the Radiology facility; the movement on site of Assessment Treatment and Rehabilitation (AT) services and Allied Health facilities for outpatients and specialist rehabilitation.
The value of the Kenepuru campus to its community is further extended today with the opening of the second phase of the
development, which includes an expanded Outpatient Services, including specialist Ophthalmology services. Overall the
new Outpatient Service will bring approximately 40 per cent of regional outpatient consulting to Kenepuru. Also included
is a specialist Audiology service providing paediatric assessment, and an Education Centre for staff and the community
usage.
When the Psychogeriatric unit is completed later this year, Kenepuru Community Hospital will be a vital part of a
continuum of health care, providing services that integrate and are co-ordinated across the sector.
Capital & Coast DHB's development of its Newtown site will see Wellington Hospital remain the centre for intensive care,
specialist treatment and tertiary services for the lower half of the North Island and for Marlborough and Nelson.
The new facilities at Wellington Hospital will have the capacity to accommodate the development of secondary and
tertiary services in this area for the foreseeable future, and will be an asset of enormous value for people throughout
the Wellington region. Good progress is being made on this project with work expected to be completed by the end of
2008.
The major capital project being undertaken by Capital & Coast DHB is part of a significant investment in New Zealand health infrastructure that Labour-led governments have
approved over the last six years.
In addition to the new facilities at Kenepuru and Newtown, there have been new hospital facilities opened at Waitemata,
Auckland, Southland and Dunstan. Wairarapa will formally open its new hospital on 4 May. In addition, there are projects
planned or underway in Tauranga, Thames, Waikato, Kaitaia and Horowhenua.
We have good reason to be optimistic about the public health system in New Zealand.
In opening the Second Stage of the Kenepuru Community Hospital, I wish the Board, staff, future patients and their
family and friends, the very best from this new facility. I am confident that it will serve the community well.
ENDS