Hotel-style hospital treats first patients

Two of Rotorua's hospitals completed their merger yesterday as 16 patients underwent surgery at the new Southern Cross QE.
The hospital on Otonga Rd marks the end of eight years' endeavour - and an $8 million revamp - with QE Health moving its surgical team to the Southern Cross site.
Five patients got to stay the night in the hotel-like rooms last night, with more lined up for surgery this week as the hospital works its way up to capacity.
There are two new operating theatres and new clinical facilities for medical specialists and patients.
There are 30 patient beds in rooms with en-suite facilities and Sky TV.
"Building a new hospital while it's still operating was a huge challenge," said Southern Cross QE general manager Hayley McConnell.
"We've had a big planning process to have the businesses move together over a week-long period.
"Everything was moved in for yesterday with 11 day surgical patients and five staying overnight to give the staff a busy working day.
"There's been a good feeling all day. It's been a long time in the planning."
QE Health's existing rheumatology, rehabilitation, research and spa facilities will continue operating independently at the Whakaue St lakefront site.
"QE Health will now be focusing on helping to change the lives of people with chronic conditions through an emphasis on total wellbeing," QE Health chief executive Ben Smit said.
The merger has seen 30 clinical and administration staff moving to the Otonga Rd site.
 Miss McConnell said the QE Health and Southern Cross staff had chosen their new uniforms themselves and were getting used to working together.
"They're having to learn each other's skills and abilities, learning each other's expertise and sharing their knowledge.
"We've got two quite diverse organisations and cultures and it's been an incredible challenge to bring them together."
Southern Cross Hospitals chief executive and chairman of Southern Cross QE, Terry Moore, said the eight years of working towards the merger had come together well.
"It's fantastic for Rotorua to have a facility like this," Mr Moore said.
"The previous hospitals, by themselves, were too small."
He said Southern Cross QE tried to replicate a "hotel feel" to patients' rooms.
"They have wood panels, which act as sound-proofing, Sky TV, as well as the clinical services. It's less intimidating."

Services at the hospital include orthopaedic surgery, general surgery (including breast surgery), opthalmology, maxillofacial and dental surgery, gynaecology, urological services and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and ear, nose and throat surgeries.