Major upgrade for Taranaki Base Hospital
The Government has approved the next stage of a major redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital, which will deliver new
and improved facilities for patients.
Health Minister Dr David Clark has announced details of a $300 million dollar project to build a new East Wing at the
New Plymouth hospital. It will be funded out of the $1.7 billion set aside in Budget 2019 for upgrading our hospitals
and health facilities.
The project will create new critical and acute care facilities, including:
· A new Emergency Department (twice as large as the current ED) and Intensive Care Unit
· A rooftop helipad which will mean faster, safer patient transfers
· Purpose built maternity facilities and delivery suite, a new postnatal ward and neonatal unit
· Upgraded laboratory and radiology services
· A dedicated tupapaku facility (morgue)
“Taranaki Base Hospital serves a population of 120,000 and last year its Emergency Department treated 33,600 - with
tens-of-thousands more receiving inpatient, outpatient and other services. They deserve modern, fit for purposes
facilities that support high quality services,” David Clark said.
“This Government is serious about the long-term challenge of rebuilding our neglected hospitals. In our first two
Budgets we have invested twice as much into upgrading hospitals and health facilities as the previous Government managed
in nine years.
“This much needed work at Taranaki Base Hospital will address the poor condition and seismic issues with the buildings
that currently house the remainder of acute clinical services.
“It will improve the resilience of the hospital so it can provide emergency clinical care after a major disaster.
“The building will also target a 5-star Greenstar certification, reducing the energy, water and carbon footprint of the
hospital.
“Most importantly, these upgraded facilities will improve how acute clinical services are delivered, ensuring high
quality care and better health outcomes for the community.
“I’m particular pleased that the new maternity ward will house a primary birthing unit, delivery suite, antenatal clinic
and assessment unit – and that a postnatal ward will be collocated with the neonatal unit. That will be great news for
new mothers and their babies.
“The new, much larger Emergency Department will also mean there’s more capacity to manage acute demand. A new acute
assessment unit will also help ensure people get the appropriate treatment and reduce hospital admissions.
“Final approval of this project is subject to the detailed business case. Work towards this next stage is already well
advanced. Clinicians, user groups and local iwi will continue to be consulted to ensure we get the best outcomes for
staff and patients.
“Today’s announcement means the people of Taranaki can be confident their hospital will continue to deliver the care
they need into the future.
“But there is much more to be done to improve hospital facilities around the country and I expect to make further
investment announcements in coming days and weeks,” David Clark said.
Construction of the new East Wing at Taranaki Base Hospital is expected to begin by the end of 2020 (or early 2021) and
it is expected to open in late 2023. Stage One of the hospital’s redevelopment, the $80 million Acute Services Building,
was opened in July 2014.