Roads at Gisborne Hospital labelled ‘disgusting’, repairs under way

Some of the potholes and uneven surfaces in the public carpark at Gisborne Hospital. Photo /Wynsley Wrigley

Improvements and repairs are being made to roads at Gisborne Hospital which one unimpressed person described as “disgusting”.

Alan Groves rang the Gisborne Herald after his experience of driving into the hospital grounds to drop off his daughter.

“It’s pretty disgusting,” he said with regard to the potholes and uneven surface, and how long it was taking for hospital management to address the problem.

In January, the Herald made similar inquiries about the state of the roads at the hospital.

Gisborne Hospital group director of operations John Swiatczak this week said initial repairs to road surfaces around the Gisborne campus had recently been completed.

“The next tranche of repairs, which includes the main loop road, is expected to commence shortly.”

All repairs had been funded from the operational infrastructure budget, he said.

“Some immediate areas of concern have been addressed in 2024.

The road and carpark outside the offices of district nurses at Gisborne Hospital are both littered with potholes. Health New Zealand – Tairāwhiti says "initial" road repairs have been done at the hospital campus and more repairs will follow. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

“Health and safety is a primary focus, and we prioritise health and safety concerns within our maintenance planning and repair programme.”

The main loop road, the public carpark and the carpark where district nurses are based are far from level and smooth. Motorists need to drive with caution.

Groves said he was not impressed with how long it was taking to “sort it out”.

The hospital was just offering excuses, he said.