The new mental health inpatient unit at Whangarei Hospital is progressing well with the last section of the roof recently installed to the unit. The project timeline remains on track for construction completion by October 2011 and operational by December 2011.
Northland DHB chair, Tony Norman says “after months of earthworks, it is pleasing to reach this milestone and see the new unit taking shape. With the structural steel, blockwork, roof and interior framing in place, the team can now visualise the new unit following so many months planning the design.”
Karen Roach, Northland DHB chief executive said, “Our clinical and support staff have been working on this project now for a couple of years, from the development of the model of care and business case, so to see construction well underway is very rewarding.”
To create a building platform approximately 5,000m3 of dirt was excavated and removed from the site and 61 piles have been completed for the retaining wall along the back of the building. Stormwater drains and sewer lines have also been installed.
“The heavy amounts of rainfall in January held up the excavations and building work on site, however thanks to the extra subcontractors on site we have been able to work around this and the project looks to be ontrack for completion in October. The subcontractors on site to date have done a great job. It’s great to see the last of the roofing installed and we can now concentrate on the interior of the building over the wetter months” says Mainzeal’s Project Manager Larry King.
The mental health inpatient unit is planned to have two seven bed general wards that can be split into three and four bed sub-wards if required. There is a four bed elderly ward and a separate two bed child and youth area. Two swing beds can be included in the general, elderly or child and youth area as required. There is a three bed intensive care area with its own lounge. The unit will also contain a gym and a multi-disciplinary team room, adding to the flexibility of the unit.
For more information about the new unit or to keep up-to-date with the build, its layout, pre-construction and construction photos and to subscribe to receive regular newsletters visit http://redevelopment.northlanddhb.org.nz/.
Mainzeal’s contractors installing the last of the roof on the child and youth wing in the new mental health inpatient unit at Whangarei Hospital.
The roof installation is now complete on the new mental health inpatient unit.
For further information contact:
Fleur King, Public Relations Manager, Northland District Health Board
Phone: 09-470 0000 extn 3315