Building issues monitored – hospital boss
Despite refusing to release its infrastructure risk register to the media, the boss of Taranaki’s hospital says there are no leaky buildings on its campus and the seismic issues are being addressed.
Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB) refused to release a copy of its current risk register to NZME as part of the media company’s investigation into the state of the nation’s ailing hospital buildings and infrastructure last month.
Health Minister David Clark has previously put the cost of addressing the nationwide issue at about $14 billion.
Registers are kept by the country’s district health boards which record the most pressing risks to the organisation, its staff and patients.
In a written statement TDHB chief executive Rosemary Clements said it declined to release its risk register to NZME under a section of the Official Information Act which related to maintaining the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions by, or between, Ministers of the Crown or members of the organisation.
However, Clements said there was a rolling maintenance programme to ensure the more than 65 buildings on the hospital campus were in good repair and fit for purpose.
The oldest buildings date back to 1952 with the newest – the $80 million Acute Services Block – officially opened in 2014.
‘‘Due to the age of the buildings, it is normal to expect leaking pipes and roofs and prioritisation ensures repairs are undertaken as appropriate. TDHB does not have any leaky buildings within its campus.’’
She said between 2018-2019, TDHB undertook a detailed seismic assessment of all its buildings.
Based on its findings, a seismic risk management plan has been developed to address the issues in compliance with the law.
Clements said the planned stage two, $300m new build at the hospital would address the ‘‘more immediate seismic issues’’.
In October last year, Clark announced Taranaki’s main hospital would get the new wing as part of the next stage of its redevelopment, known as Project Maunga.
Due to open within four years, it will include a new Emergency Department, purpose-built maternity facilities and delivery suite and upgraded laboratory and radiology services.
Clements confirmed the reported incidents tabled in a report to the hospital board, for the period July to September 2019, which were classified as being caused by exposure to unsafe environmental conditions, related to several factors, including broken lights, fixtures and fittings, machinery and an incorrectly disposed needle.
‘‘All of the incidents were resolved in a timely manner,’’ she said.