Maternity ward demolished

Tokoroa Hospital’s former maternity ward has met the wrecking ball.

After having welcomed hundreds of babies into the world since the 1950s when it was built, the now derelict building, known as Ward 5, is being demolished.

Waikato District Health Board asset manager Mike FitzPatrick said it has been over 30 years since the building was last used for maternity purposes due to its poor state.

‘‘The old maternity unit closed on May 10, 1988. It has been unoccupied for a significant period of time over which it has started to leak, become dilapidated and increasingly uninhabitable,’’ he said. Prior to its closure the ward had two delivery theatres and a nursery. Antenatal clinics, specialist antenatal clinics, and post natal services were also on offer while caesarean sections were sent to the main hospital theatre.

FitzPatrick said after its closure all services were moved into the larger hospital building for logistical reasons.

‘‘We believe it had around 30 beds. We don’t have any other statistics I’m afraid as it has been out of action for some time but we do know that in 1973 there were 543 births,’’ he said. Asbestos has also been found on site and signs and security fences have been erected to warn people to stay clear during the demolition process.

‘‘In terms of demolition activity the Te Rau Oriwa Early Learning Centre, who are the only immediate neighbours, were consulted and no concerns were raised. Worksafe New Zealand were also notified of the demolition,’’ FitzPatrick said.

He said work is expected to be completed by mid February but there is no intended use for the site along Maraetai Rd at this stage. Maternity services are however undergoing a shakeup in the district with work underway to develop a new Maternity Resource Centre in Tokoroa.

— Luke Kirkeby