Project Maunga ready to go ahead

11 March 2011

Project Maunga, the redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital, received approval from Health Minister, Rt Hon Tony Ryall today.

"It's really exciting to be able to confirm this project and assure all involved that we are on target to meet our timeframes," said Taranaki DHB Chairman Mary Bourke.

"I'm sure this will provide certainty to our existing staff and help us recruit staff into the future which is very important for the region."

Taranaki DHB Chief Executive Tony Foulkes agreed. "A great deal of time and effort has gone into the project. There has been a tremendous contribution by user groups and staff working together with the design team so this is great news for all of us."

"Most importantly, it is fantastic news for the whole Taranaki community," he said. "It will allow us to increase our capacity and improve the quality and efficiency of hospital services for years to come."

"The site has become tired," he said. "We want to bring Taranaki Base in line with modern practices. We have looked at our buildings and services in relation to patient care and clinical safety. The redevelopment will provide a more user friendly hospital and environment focusing on wellness for patients, staff and the public."

The development includes six new operating theatres (currently 4), day stay services, a new bigger inpatient ward block and overall will provide significantly better quality environment for patients and staff, including a building of very high seismic standard.

"This approval enables us to work within our timeframes. We will now progress our selection process for the main construction firms with building planned to begin around August of this year," said Mr Foulkes.

The development will be located at the southern side of the existing Stainton Ward Block. The Stainton Building will be demolished once the new build is completed, with a new link connecting the new block to the rest of the site.