Concern about gas conversion

Press, 12 May 1981, Page 6

Concern about gas conversion

The North Canterbury Hospital Board wants urgent action from the Government on plans to convert from gas to electricity at three Christchurch hospitals. The Christchurch Gas Company will close next March, and even though the company has , assured the board that a supply will be maintained for some time after that, the board is concerned that not enough time is being allowed for the changeover at Princess Margaret, Coronation, and Christchurch Women’s hospitals.

The conversion might take up to 12 months from the time that the Government approves the change. Gas supplies to Princess Margaret Hospital alone cost the board more than $1 million each year, and with the expected rise in the cost of coal that figure is likely to double this year. The chairman of the board, Mr T. C. Grigg, said yesterday that the matter was one of “real concern,” particularly in view, of the big work load already being undertaken by the board’s engineers.