Waimea Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
Wednesday 3 February 2021
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St John sees changes in call-outs
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Leadership role for Ingham
MP’s in agreement over hospital rebuild Jenny Nicholson Reporter
jenny@waimeaweekly.co.nz
National’s Nick Smith welcomes the government’s announcement that Nelson’s hospital rebuild will begin before the end of this term of parliament. “It’s critical that we meet the timetable that I set as Building Minister to make the hospital
earthquake-proof, and earthquake-prone hospitals be upgraded by 2028,” says Nick. He says 2028 sounds a long way away but the rebuild is a massive project with a budget of over $700 million. “That will require years to plan, design and construct,” he says. It is a legal requirement that seismic work is carried out on the hospital by 2028.
In 2020 the Government looked at New Zealand hospitals and the George Manson block in Nelson was in the worst condition of any hospital building. “We know there needs to be a replacement building sooner rather than later, so we’re onto it,” says Health Minister Andrew Little. While the build has been costed at about $713 million, Little said it had been sent back for revision.
“That’s a little bit beyond what was expected,” says Little. “I think what we are saying is, let’s look at actual need and bearing in mind too that our health system is a network so not every hospital has to have absolutely everything. But look, we are committed to a rebuild for the Nelson Hospital.” The option of a rebuilt hospital being relocated in Richmond has not been favoured by the govern-
ment. Nick Smith says that the rebuild will be Nelson’s largest ever infrastructure project and it is important it is done well to ensure the facility will meet the region’s health needs for the next half century. “I will be continuing to put constructive pressure on the government and health board to ensure the timetable is met,” says Nick.
The new NPD Refresh service station celebrated it’s opening in style last Friday with ‘Gas n Gander’ a big part of the all-day event with over 100 rare, interesting and colourful cars being showcased by proud owners.
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