The government will spend $305 million repairing and upgrading Auckland hospital buildings.
Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement at Auckland City Hospital today, saying: "It's no secret that our hospitals have been under-funded for many years. That's left us a legacy of deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure."
Of the total, $275 million will come from the $750 million of new money earmarked in the recent Budget for capital projects.
The remaining $30 million will come from the Auckland District Health Board over the next three years.
Ms Ardern said it will fund a programme of work including lift upgrades, new fire protection systems, new electrical substations and water storage at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Children's Hospital and the Greenlane Clinical Centre.
"This is a huge investment and will ensure the DHB can continue to deliver safe, quality care to its 500,000 patients," she said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and officials at the announcement of $305m spending on Auckland hospital buildings. Photo: RNZ / Karen Brown
Health Minister, David Clark, said it's much-needed work on the often invisible infrastructure that keeps the DHB's major hospitals running.
"While patients, whānau and staff may not immediately see a lot of difference as a result of this remediation programme, it will mean fewer operational failures, greater efficiency and responsiveness, and improved safety and resilience."
He added the work is a necessary precursor for any future development of the city hospital and Greenlane.
"Today's announcement is important for the people of Auckland -- but there's no question that further investment will be needed to deal with a backlog of building issues nationwide and a growing population."
