Government approval and funding in Budget ‘25 for the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital is momentous for our city. It is overdue and will enable a step change in the quantity and quality of healthcare for our region.
I have been involved in lobbying as Nelson’s MP and Mayor for government funding for dozens of major projects. The Stoke Bypass in 2000 was $130 million. The last major hospital project in 2002 for the entrance building was $36 million. The Ruby Bay Bypass in 2010 was $30 million. Government contributed $43 million to the Waimea Community Dam. Bridge to Better, currently under construction, is getting $36 million from Government.
The Budget ‘25 commitment of over $500 million for this hospital redevelopment is more than all of these projects added together, even adjusting for inflation. This achievement comes at a time when budgets are tight. We are getting the lion’s share of the total $1 billion nationwide allocated for hospital upgrades.
The proposed new inpatient building to be constructed by 2029 will be the largest building in Nelson at 11,000m2. It’s more than double the size of Civic House at 5100m2. The two existing hospital tower blocks, the George Manson of 4900m2, built in 1955, and the Percy Brunette of 6400m2, built in 1970, are both to be strengthened and refurbished as part of this plan.
This new inpatient building will have 128 beds in medical and surgical wards, a medical assessment unit, blood bank, pharmacy and helipad. The redevelopment also includes a new energy centre, new parking building, upgraded infrastructure and the new emergency department that is already underway.
I am further encouraged that the Government has announced a 32-bed temporary modular inpatient ward in the next year to alleviate current pressures and reduce disruption during the redevelopment. This is the first for NZ.
Skilled and caring doctors and nurses are the heart of good healthcare, but they cannot do their jobs with too few beds and substandard facilities.
My thanks go to the Health NZ team who have put so much work into these plans. We need to back them. Council will be doing all we can to help get this plan delivered.
