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Waikato Hospital celebrating 125 years

New Older Persons build starts at Waikato Hospital

Construction of the $40 million new building for Older Persons and Rehabilitation services at the Waiora Waikato Hospital campus in Hamilton is underway.

The new four-level building will have 113 beds for geriatric care, rehabilitation, ortho-geriatrics, Organised Stroke Service and Mental Health for Older Persons. 

Hawkins Construction have the contract to build the facility. The company is also building the $130 million Meade Clinical Centre.

Around 100 jobs have been created on site for the older persons build. The total rebuild at Waikato Hospital has provided more than 800 jobs with more than $100 million flowing into the community.

All patient bedrooms in the older persons facility will have only one or two beds and ensuites.
People aged under 65 requiring rehabilitation as a result of a stroke or traumatic event will also be accommodated in the building.

Significant outdoor areas and courtyard space are part of the plans.

A bridge over Pembroke Street will link the building with the main hospital.

The building work should be completed in May 2013.

The new building will locate existing services closer together to provide joint expertise for those older patients who require the full complement of specialist health services.

It will:
  • house both the current Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) and the Assessment Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (AT & R) providing a more integrated and co-ordinated approach to care 
  • provide a broad range of rehabilitation services for both young and old, with a focus on provision of specialist mental and physical healthcare
  • enable more improvements in services whether they are delivered in hospital, in the community or through general practitioners
  • significantly expand services to meet future ageing population needs
  • ensure stroke patients with complex needs get the best care
  • provide integrated mental health services for older people

Visit the Older Persons and Rehabilitation services web page for more indormation.
Visit the photo library for construction photographs.

ENDS


Date: 6 February 2012

Contact:
Kathryn Jenkin
Programme Manager: Communications
Waikato District Health Board
021 605 675