Funding instead of family beds
Hospital won’t build accommodation on-site but seeks other support for families.
Plans for family accommodation at Middlemore Hospital will not go ahead, the Herald on Sunday can reveal.
Instead, a trust may be set up so families wanting to stay close to the hospital to be near loved ones can apply for funding.
In deciding not to proceed with a proposal for on-site facilities, Counties Manukau Health hospital advisory committee chairwoman Dr Lyn Murphy said the board considered other hospital issues.
Recently revealed building problems at Middlemore included rot and mould caused by leaking, asbestos, seismic and power supply issues, and sewage leaks.
“The board took into consideration the financial situation of the DHB, including the more pressing facilities issues that need to be addressed in the short term.
“The board decided not to support the proposal to develop wha¯nau accommodation on the basis that it is not the DHB’s core business, would require additional budget for detailed design and is likely to result in ongoing operational costs including administration, cleaning and facility maintenance.”
In October, the Herald on Sunday revealed that Counties Manukau Health had dropped plans for a Ronald McDonald House at Middlemore after its public health specialists reportedly opposed links with the fast food giant.
In November it emerged the decision was made without informing the DHB’s elected board, and chairman Dr Lester Levy said it needed to be presented for consideration. Ultimately, Middlemore didn’t go ahead with the proposal.
The executive leadership team decided to discuss with the Middlemore Foundation other sources of funding for on-site family accommodation facilities, Levy said.
But after April’s board meeting, Murphy said the DHB had decided not to proceed..
“However the board has agreed the DHB should approach the Middlemore Foundation to consider creating a charitable trust for accommodation support that people could apply for, depending on their circumstances. and eligibility for other assistance.
“With approximately 4000 patients coming to Middlemore Hospital from outside the Counties Manukau area each year, the CMDHB recognises that families often require flexible accommodation arrangements to enable them to stay close to their family member in hospital.
“Next steps will involve CMDHB formalising a proposal for the Middlemore Foundation to consider.”