Revamped hospital to be opened
THE revamped Maniototo Hospital will officially open its doors this week.
The opening of the multimilliondollar Ranfurly medical facility would take place this Wednesday, Maniototo Health
Services Ltd general manager Geoff Foster said.
The ceremony will be attended by Health Minister David Clark along with Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan.
Last year, the Government confirmed a $1 million grant for the project after former Labour leader Andrew Little had pledged the money prior to the election.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who travelled to Ranfurly last April for the funding announcement, was also on the invitation list but was unable to commit to an appearance, Mr Foster said.
The $7 million redevelopment includes 29 new beds and a transformation of existing resthome facilities into a medical centre and community services facility.
Mr Foster said some aspects of the project were still in construction, including dental rooms, plunket rooms and an Xray facility.
‘‘We’ve finished the accommodation, resthome and residential stuff. The builders are working through the old resthome [at present] converting it over into which will become the medical centre, dental rooms, plunket rooms, Xray, visiting rooms.’’
Completion of the remaining works was expected in about six months, Mr Foster said.
Mr Foster said Dr Clark would be taken around the hospital before the opening but tours for district residents would not be permitted.