National would spend an estimated $ 500 million to rebuild Hawke’s Bay Hospital

National has pledged to spend between $ 400 million and $ 500 million to rebuild Hawke’s Bay Hospital if elected to government.

The “urgent” upgrade would rebuild the main hospital block, include the immediate installation of air conditioning, and expand the emergency department.

National Party leader Judith Collins made the announcement along with health spokesperson Dr. Shane Reti and Tukituki MP Lawrence Yule at the hospital on Tuesday.

The main hospital block was built in 1961 and, despite some modernization and strengthening from the earthquake, it is “outdated and barely serves its purpose,” Collins said.

According to a design by the National Government, reconstruction work would begin in 2021 with the goal of having excavators on site by 2025.

The emergency department would also be expanded to better serve current needs and future growth.

The hospital is currently without air conditioning, prompting complaints from both staff and patients in recent summers.

Last summer, fans and blocks of ice were distributed and tinted glass sheets were installed to combat temperatures that reach 34 degrees Celsius.

According to National, the air conditioning installation would begin immediately and has been identified as an “urgent” project that cannot wait for rebuilding, Collins said.

Yule said she has been a strong advocate for these improvements since entering parliament in 2017.

“I am proud of National’s commitment to the district. This investment in Hawke’s Bay Hospital, combined with the already announced $ 300 million investment in roads, is the largest investment ever made in the Hawke’s Bay region.”

“Hawke’s Bay is a rapidly growing part of New Zealand, and the hospital needs to grow to match this,” Reti said.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to access world-class healthcare regardless of income, background or zip code.”

The investment is estimated between $ 400 and $ 500 million and includes an estimated $ 7 million to install the air conditioning.

It would be financed by the National Government as part of the investment in Health Infrastructure.

Collins said National is “the infrastructure party.”

“Today’s announcement is a continuation of our plan to invest a record $ 31 billion in new transportation projects over the next ten years and our 30-year growth plan to improve our schools and classrooms.”