BOLD HOSPITAL SCHEME

Evening Star, Issue 23123, 24 November 1938, Page 20

BOLD HOSPITAL SCHEME

ACCOMMODATION FOR 1,000 PATIENTS AUCKLAND BUILDING TO GOST £1,500,000 [Per United Press Association.| AUCKLAN D, November 23. A unanimous decision to proceed Forthwith with the erection oF a main or base hospital on the present site, the buildings to have approximately 750 beds in addition to medical, surgical. X-ray, and all administrative departments, was made by the Auckland Hospital Board at a special meeting tonight. The demolition oF the old wooden buildings and other structures is involved in the scheme, but in conjunction with the accommodation in the present buildings to be retained there will be a total oF approximately 1,000 beds. The decision Followed a highly critical survey oF the existing Facilities by the chairman (Mr Allan Moody) He advocated a bold rebuilding scheme, which he broadly estimated to cost £1,500,000. Deprecating what he termed the delays and indecision oF the past, Mr Moody submitted a comprehensive plan, which involved the erection of a main or base hospital in the present grounds, the,. sale of the present oflice block in Kitchener street, and the building of a convalescent home, chest hospital, and additions to the Epsom Infirmary. The board proposes to employ joint architects for the scheme, Messrs Stephenson and Turner, of Sydney and Melbourne, and Mr R. Farrell, of Auckland. If an arrangement is’.reached between the two firms, they will be instructed to prepare the sketch plans immediately.