Ministers see hospital plans

Press, 27 November 1982, Page 6

Ministers see hospital plans

Christchurch Hospital’s $9B million Stage 111 redevelopment plans were studied on the site : yesterday morning by the Minister of Health, Mr Malcolm, and the Associate Minister of Finance. Mr Falloon. They Visited the hospital because rising costs of the project are causing concern to the Cabinet works committee. Approval in principle was given for the development last year when the cost was estimated at $54 million; inflation has increased costs considerably since then. Cabinet approval is now awaited by the North Canterbury Hospital Board for. its plans for a main building, a pathology building, and an oncology building .for cancer patients. . v . The board's chairman, Mr

T. C. Grigg, said yesterday that Messrs Malcolm and Falloon inspected the old parts of Christchurch Hospital that were to be replaced by the proposed new development, and then discussed the plans and costs of the new buildings. “They asked searching questions, and I felt that the board gave good answers," Mr Grigg said. “I hope we will have a decision from the Cabinet before Christmas." he said. Preliminary work is due to begin on the new buildings in December next year. About 240 extra beds will be provided. The oncology and pathology buildings are not due to be completed before 1985. and the main building is due for completion in 1990.