$7m upgrade at Gisborne Hospital

INCOMING: Equipment is delivered to Gisborne Hospital for the $7m upgrade. The work is being paid for from the Covid-19 response fund, and involves improvements to air management, isolation areas and treatment facilities in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, wards and other areas. Picture supplied

Work has started on $7 million of improvements to Gisborne Hospital to provide better capacity and capability for the treatment of patients with Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

Upgrades to air management, isolation areas and treatment facilities will be made in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, wards and other areas.

Interim hospital and specialist services lead Lynsey Bartlett says the improvements will provide a range of benefits for the community, and asks for patience during the upgrades.

“The community will notice some changes around the hospital during the works, including an additional mobile building unit next to our Emergency Department to provide extra space,” she said.

“Our focus in planning for the works has been the safety and wellbeing of our patients, whānau and staff.

“The team is passionate about improving patient and whānau experience and we’re looking forward to having the works completed.

“Ahead of this winter and while these works take place, please help us keep our ED for emergencies only.

“Check in with your family doctor sooner rather than later, catch up with all immunisations and call 0800 TAKATU to speak to local, trained health professionals.”

The works are expected to be completed by the end of winter and are being funded by Government’s Covid-19 response fund.