Frequently Asked Questions

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Why does Taranaki Base Hospital need to be redeveloped?
How have we got to where we are now?
As part of the redevelopment project, what are the phases that are worked through?
What are the Guiding Principles behind the Redevelopment project?
What is the design philosophy that will underpin redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital?
When will construction start and the new hospital open?
What kind of services are going to be offered in the new West Wing of the hospital?
What will the provision of car parking be?
Will there be any disruption to the hospital?

Q Why does Taranaki Base Hospital need to be redeveloped?

The buildings that were built in the 1970’s and 1980’s have become outdated and do not allow for modern service delivery. The redevelopment will bring Base Hospital in line with modern practices, and is vital for the future health of the people of Taranaki to 2015 and beyond. The need for an upgrade was identified several years ago and initial work began in 1998/99. The aim was to refurbish areas and deliver greater efficiencies through improved workflows and levels of service. The original programme included refurbishment of the Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit, Critical Care Unit, Emergency Department, Children’s Inpatient Unit and the Renal Unit. This work was completed in 2002, and it was soon realised a longer term programme was needed.

Q How have we got to where we are now?

In 2006, a dedicated team of staff developed a Business Case for the redevelopment. In August 2007, the Ministry of Health approved $80m for stage one of the hospital redevelopment. The Ministry of Health will fund $43 million for stage one and the remainder will be funded by the DHB. In March 2009, the Project Team was established. It is led by Project Director Ian Grant and the Auckland based firm NCOUNTER GROUP. The Project Team is in the process of selecting the Design Team, which will include architects, a health planner, quantity surveyors, project managers, and structural, civil, electrical and fire engineers.

Q As part of the redevelopment project, what are the phases that are worked through?

The Business Case Master Plan that was agreed by the TDHB Board will be developed into a Concept Plan by the architect and health planner, in consultation with user groups. User groups will then move into the Preliminary Design phase where more detail, such as placement of beds and doors, will be added. Next is the Developed Design phase, which will include room layout detail (tables, chairs, sinks, dirty utility, computers and specialist equipment). The Detailed Design phase finalises colour schemes, furniture, signage and materials.

Q What are the Guiding Principles behind the Redevelopment project?

For the development of the original Clinical Services Plan, and subsequent Business Case, Taranaki DHB decided on the following guiding principles:

1. Patient focused day stays will ensure that on one visit a patient will receive as many services as required. Where possible, multi-disciplinary services should allow consultation, diagnostics, procedures, tests and treatment to occur on the same visit.

2. Clinically proven technologies and best clinical practice will be adopted for moving from a predominantly inpatient based treatment model to a day procedure model.

3. Patients will experience a coordinated and smooth progression of care through primary (GP and community health services), secondary (Base Hospital services) and tertiary (specialist hospitals such as Wellington and Auckland) care.

4. Improved access to clinical information to support patient flow through stages of care. This will require effective, integrated information systems and improved communication between professionals and services.

Q What is the design philosophy that will underpin redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital?

The service and facility design philosophy is:

To have a clinical and operational service plan that is effective and of a high standard.
To have a plan that is consistent and fits with service intentions and the Business Case.
To have a building that is of good quality, welcoming and benchmarked against national and international facilities. The facility will be easy to maintain, meet safety standards and be accessible.

Q When will construction start and the new hospital open?

It is expected that construction of stage one will start by early 2011 and be completed in the middle of 2012.

Q What kind of services are going to be offered in the new West Wing of the hospital?

The new Acute Services Building will include operating theatres, endoscopy and procedure rooms, day stay facilities, the Older Person’s Health and Rehabilitation Service, paediatrics, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and medical and surgical inpatient accommodation. New models of care have been developed to improve patient care and collaboration between primary, secondary and tertiary care. The models of care will also help improve staff satisfaction through information access, technology, training and personal development.

Q What will the provision of car parking be?

The main car park near the Lorna Street entrance has been extended.

Q Will there be any disruption to the hospital?

Some hospital processes will change – we ask for your patience and tolerance. Patient and staff safety will not be compromised during construction. Occupancy of the new buildings will take place at the earliest, most efficient and cost effective way.

Last updated: Thursday, December 29, 2011