Taihape Health is looking to move into the former hospital building due to a lack of space at its current premises. Photo / NZME
Taihape Health is looking to move into the former hospital building due to a lack of space at its current premises. Photo / NZME
The Taihape community is investigating the possibility of having a hub of health services under one roof in a once familiar facility.
Taihape Health wants to move into the former hospital building, as it has outgrown its current premises just down the road.
It became apparent in the past 12months that the facility was too small for Taihape Health to offer all its services effectively alongside its vaccine rollout programme.
The hospital has been mostly vacant for the past 10 years, with just small sections of the building being used for maternity and elderly programmes.
It was the home of the former Ruanui Rest Home which closed in 2010 after the trust that managed the facility went into liquidation.
The option to refurbish the facility and make full use of it was put forward to the Whanganui District Health Board by Whanganui Regional Health Network, Taihape Health directors and Mokai Patea Services.
There have been two community hui in recent months, with plenty of enthusiasm for preserving and utilising the community asset.
Whanganui Regional Health Network chief executive Jude MacDonald said Covid-19 certainly created pressure on the facility and impacted the way they could operate.
"It was difficult to separate patients, and people were having to wait outside."
The Otaihape Community Trust, which owns the current facility Taihape Health operates from, has been in discussions with the Whanganui DHB to become the new landlords of the old hospital.
"I can say the hui went really well and work has begun on coming back with estimates and costs," MacDonald said.
"The Taihape campus has so much potential for health providers, private businesses and community, and by working together to create a shared vision, many of the broader issues of health and wellness could be considered."
To be viable, the building must be 100 per cent full, MacDonald said.
Whanganui Regional Health Network chief executive Jude MacDonald hopes the hub will be operating by early 2022. Photo / File
Private providers, such as physiotherapists and community groups, have expressed interest in having a space of their own in the former hospital building.
"This is a great solution to expand the working footprint for our general practice and primary care, as since Covid-19 we have felt the pressure about not having adequate space to deliver our services," Taihape Health practice manager Gemma Kennedy said.
"For the last 10 years, the future of the old hospital has been a mystery. The DHB owns the building and has been looking after it for a big cost."
Mokai Patea Services general manager Tracey Hiroa said it would be "huge" for the local community to have such a wide range of services together.
"In order for it to be viable for Taihape Health Ltd, they need partners to go into it. It is such a huge space, it is too big for just them. It will be a huge thing for our town."
Rangitikei district councillor Gill Duncan said it was a great opportunity for Taihape to utilise a fully functional building after years of neglect.
"It's not used that much. But it is pretty much up to speed. It is a huge complex and has stunning views across all of Taihape."
MacDonald said it was a great chance to revitalise an under-utilised space in Taihape, and it was hoped the new hub would be up and running in early 2022.
"It is really pleasing to see it come full circle and we can create a vibrant atmosphere and use the facility once again."
