Lakes District Hospital is getting a much-needed cut of a $100 million government health grant, aimed at upgrading hospitals across the country.<\/p>\n
However, there is anger among local politicians that only three of the 21 projects to receive funding are from the South Island.<\/p>\n
They are Lakes District Hospital, in Queenstown, Burwood Hospital, in Christchurch, and Ashburton Hospital.<\/p>\n
Dunedin Labour MP Rachel Brooking and Taieri Labour MP Ingrid Leary said they were “angry and extremely disappointed, but not surprised” by the government\u2019s announcement yesterday.<\/p>\n
“The fact that only three projects made the cut from the whole South Island once again shows how this National government continues to deprioritise us,” Ms Leary said.<\/p>\n
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the funding would allow Lakes District Hospital to expand its emergency department, as well as improve patient flow with a dedicated ED entrance, expansion of triage space and additional points of care.<\/p>\n
The funding, as part of Budget 2025, formed part of the government\u2019s wider plan to restore core public services and deliver timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders, he said.<\/p>\n
“We are backing our hospitals with the upgrades they need \u2014 expanding clinical spaces, addressing urgent problems and ensuring facilities are fit for purpose, both now and into the future.”<\/p>\n
The $100m programme would be delivered through two key streams, he said.<\/p>\n
In the first, funding would be given to 21 local projects across the country to expand and modernise clinical spaces and supporting services.<\/p>\n
In the second, funding would be put towards a remediation programme focused on strengthening essential infrastructure and reducing the risk of disruption to clinical services.<\/p>\n
Each of the projects would reflect local priorities, which included increased clinical space in emergency departments; new transit lounges; additional clinical spaces; laboratory refurbishments; and additional car parking, he said.<\/p>\n
“Every project will make a real difference for patients and staff \u2014 whether that means shorter emergency waits, faster cancer treatment, more timely elective surgery or improved access to services.”<\/p>\n
Alongside the local upgrades, the funding would support nine remediation programmes across hospital facilities.<\/p>\n
“These works will strengthen the critical infrastructure that keeps hospitals safe and reliable \u2014 including heating, power, hot water and air conditioning.<\/p>\n
“By tackling urgent risks and building resilience, we are ensuring hospitals can deliver the care New Zealanders rely on, every hour of every day.”<\/p>\n
The projects would also support jobs across the construction sector nationwide, most set for delivery next year, some extending into 2027, Mr Brown said.<\/p>\n
Labour health spokeswoman Ayesha Verrall said the government put less into hospital infrastructure in its last Budget than Labour did.<\/p>\n
“Today\u2019s announcement is a bundle of routine maintenance and minor upgrades, but insufficient to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.<\/p>\n
“Hospital infrastructure will continue to get worse under Christopher Luxon.”<\/p>\n