Bay of Plenty hospitals are undergoing upgrades to better prepare for Covid-19, should the need arise.
The Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Response – Oxygen Supply and Related Environmental Systems project has begun in Tauranga Hospital and continues in Whakatāne Hospital in various phases from October 4 to mid-February 2022.
A statement from the Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOPDHB) said the work was part of the national pandemic response planning being led by the Ministry of Health and will re-purpose a section of Tauranga Hospital's Orthopaedic Ward to provide additional oxygen supply and improved air management for environments in the ward, and areas in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The upgrades will result in the BOPDHB having areas for the treatment of Covid-19 patients where high volumes of oxygen and improved air management systems can be made available, the statement said.