Resource consent has been granted for Nelson Hospital’s new 128-bed inpatient building.
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora announced that Nelson City Council has approved the consent for the new inpatient unit, which is a key part of the hospital's redevelopment.
The building will span 11,000 square meters and rise six storeys.
Group director of operations for Nelson Marlborough, Phil Wheble, stated that the consent represents a significant step forward for the project. "This project will deliver modern healthcare facilities designed to meet the needs of our growing community now and into the future."
According to Health NZ, the inpatient unit will provide at least 41 additional adult medical and surgical beds and facilitate new care models. It will feature an Acute Assessment Unit, a patient transit lounge, a pharmacy, and assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services, in addition to essential back-of-house facilities.
Site preparation for construction has commenced, including earthworks, piling, and ground improvements. These initial works are anticipated to take approximately 12 months before the construction of the new inpatient unit begins.
The previous Labour Government had planned a $1.1 billion redevelopment of Nelson Hospital, which included a large new acute services building with 255 beds and a new emergency department. However, the National-led Government opted for a phased approach, planning a series of smaller new buildings, including the current inpatient unit.
In September, health minister Simeon Brown marked the beginning of the inpatient unit's construction by turning the first sod, remarking that it had been "a very long time coming."
Points of care across the hospital are set to increase from 153 to 197, he added.
Mayor Nick Smith welcomed the consent, describing it as a "milestone in this significant project for our city." He stated, "It will be the largest and most important building to be constructed in Nelson in over 50 years. The big gains are the much-needed additional beds to match our ageing and growing population and the huge improvement in the standard of facilities for our Nelson patients, doctors and nurses."
The consent was approved by an independent commissioner on a non-notified basis last week. "The consent provides for details of the construction environment plan, sediment and storm water control, noise and vibration, traffic management, heritage and landscaping."
