NEW HOSPITAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 24 November 1938, Page 7

NEW HOSPITAL

AUCKLAND PROJECT j TO COST ABOUT £1,500,000 BOARDS UNANIMOUS DECISION I United Press Association! AUCKLAND, 23rd November. A unanimous decision to proceed forthwith with the erection of a main base hospital on the present site, the buildings to have approximately 750 beds, in addition to 1 medical, surgical, X-ray and all administrative departments, was made by the Auckland Hospital Board at a special meeting to-night. Demolition of the old wooden buildings and other structures is involved in the scheme, but in conjunction with accommodation in the present buildings to be retained, there will be a total of approximately 1000 beds. The decision followed a highlycritical survey of 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, he submitted a comprehensive plan which involved the erection of a main, or base, hospital in the present grounds, the sale of the present office block in Kitchener street, and the building of a convalescent home and chest hospital and additions to the Epsom infirmary. The board proposes to employ joint architects for the scheme, Stephenson and Turner, of Sydney and Melbourne, and Mr R. Farrell, Auckland. If an arrangement is reached between the two firms they will be instructed to prepare sketch plans immediately.