Media release from Canterbury District Health Board

Consultation on redevelopment of Christchurch Hospital begins

The Canterbury District Health Board and Christchurch City Council have begun a joint consultation which gives Canterbury people the chance to give their views on the proposed Christchurch Hospital Redevelopment.

Public submissions are being accepted on the consultation from Tuesday 30 March to 4 May 2010.

In September last year, the Canterbury District Health Board revealed a proposal for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Christchurch Hospital. This came about after its facilities planning process, which included input from a wide range of clinical leaders, identified the need for a new hospital.

The proposed design includes two new multilevel buildings being constructed behind the current hospital buildings (for more information about the proposed design see the attached brochure).

CDHB Chief Executive David Meates said the recent planning process had highlighted the need for new facilities to ensure Christchurch Hospital could continue to provide high quality healthcare in the future.

"Christchurch Hospital's current facilities are inadequate,'' Mr Meates said. "There is a need for more space, earthquake-resistant buildings and the flexibility to meet the future demands of a rapidly ageing population."

Mr Meates said while people across the health system were working to offer more health services in the community in order to keep people healthier at home, good hospital facilities would always be vital. Unless the existing site was redeveloped or
another alternative was found, it would be difficult to continue providing many core health services in Canterbury in the long term.

"The proposed redevelopment is an exciting concept which offers the best option for meeting demands for healthcare in the 21st century.

"It also provides the best option for improved access to the hospital with drop-off zones and separate access ways for patients, visitors and vehicles. A new pedestrian street through the middle of the hospital is just one of the major improvements.

This design will also enable us to provide the best care and treatment possible for Canterbury people and the rest of the South Island."

The proposal involves the exchange of an area of Hagley Park (which includes a car park currently used by the hospital) with a similar sized piece of land between the hospital's Riverside Block and the Avon River.

If at the end of the consultation process, the Council and the CDHB decide to proceed with the land exchange, a procedure to amend two local Acts of Parliament will be initiated.

Alan Bywater, Christchurch City Council Programme Manager Strong Communities, said Council supported the hospital redevelopment as it is needed to ensure the provision of first-class health facilities and services for the people of Canterbury.

Council also wants to see earthquake resilient hospital facilities in the city, he said.

"The land swap will provide an opportunity to acquire a piece of Hagley Park with Avon River frontage which can be enhanced over time. This is a win/win situation.

"The proposed redevelopment also supports Council's Central City Revitalisation Strategy by securing the long-term future of the site with its associated level of activity and work force,'' he said.

Information about the consultation and submission forms are available from:
• Main receptions in Canterbury District Health Board hospitals.
• Christchurch City Council service centres and libraries.
• The ground floor foyer of University of Otago, Christchurch, next to
University Bookshop on the Christchurch Hospital site.
• Or visit www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay or www.cdhb.govt.nz
To speak to someone face-to-face about the proposal, people are also able to visit the
University of Otago, Christchurch ground floor foyer on;
• Tuesday 6 April 2010, 6pm-8pm
• Thursday 8 April 2010, 9am-11am
• Wednesday 21 April 2010, 1pm-3pm.
For more information, contact the CDHB Communications team on 027 531 4796.