History and milestone for city private hospital

When Braemar Hospital opens stage two of its development today, it will become New Zealand's second largest private hospital on a single site.

The hospital, which serves the population in the Greater Waikato and beyond, is now second only to Auckland's Mercy Ascot Hospital.

"It's a remarkable milestone in the hospital's 85-year history," says chief executive Paul Bennett. "It demonstrates Braemar's commitment to the highest standard of care, plus an appreciation of the changing demands of an ageing population. The hospital is well prepared for that demand."

Braemar has previously operated its hospitals on two sites in Hamilton: the main hospital on the corner of Kahikatea Dr and Ohaupo Rd - opened in 2009 at a cost of $35 million - and the Braemar Day Hospital in Knox St.

The opening of the $11 million second stage of the main hospital means all operations will be housed under one roof.

Two sons of the founder of Braemar Hospital were to attend today's opening. John and David Young are the sons of Sister Frances Young, who established Braemar Hospital at its original site in Tainui St in 1926.

To commemorate the opening, they gifted to Braemar a wooden patu (short club), given to their mother by Princess Te Puea, grand-daughter of Tawhiao Te Wherowhero, the second Maori King. Te Puea became a crucial figure in reviving the Kingitanga (King Movement) among the Tainui people in the 20th century. Princess Te Puea presented the wooden patu to Frances Young following a stay at Braemar Hospital. The patu will be framed and hung at Braemar Hospital with a memorial plaque.

Mr Bennett said the integration of the main hospital and the day hospital would have benefits for Braemar's surgeons, patients and staff. While Knox St had worked well, there were advantages to having all facilities on one site.

"Things like not having to transport supplies between the two hospitals and staff having to adapt to two different environments. Having all our staff on one site will see us being able to provide a more flexible and responsive service to our surgeons and patients."

The new facilities include two additional operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms and an additional 18 beds, bringing the total number of hospital beds to 80. The new endoscopy unit will be one of the largest in the country.

The day hospital treats around 4000 patients annually.

The hospital's original design incorporated the second stage plus a third stage to be completed in about three years.

The third stage will include three more operating rooms and additional day patient beds, bringing the total number of operating theatres to 11 and the number of beds to 100. The hospital has also recently bought more land for further expansion.