The Government allocates $28.3 million.
A new 28-bed temporary inpatient unit is set to be built at Hawke's Bay Hospital by mid-2026, thanks to a $28.3 million funding injection from the Government. The project aims to alleviate pressure on acute services due to high inpatient occupancy rates and lack of capacity.
According to Health Minister Simeon Brown, the temporary unit will enable the hospital to meet current demands while planning for longer-term development. This is expected to improve patient flow, resulting in shorter stays in the emergency department (ED) and reduced wait times for elective treatment.
The initiative supports the Government's health targets and addresses a pressing need for an immediate solution. While a permanent solution is being worked on as part of the hospital's wider redevelopment, this interim remedy will allow Hawke's Bay Hospital to increase capacity quickly.
This announcement follows recent approvals for significant expansions to radiology services and provision of the first Linear Accelerator for the district. The funding for these projects totals $94.8 million.