Two-year countdown to children’s hospital

With its concrete foundations poured and a date finalised for the frame to go up, the muchanticipated Wellington Children’s Hospital is beginning to feel real.

While still a couple of years away from opening its doors, the multimillion-dollar project, primarily funded by philanthropist Mark Dunajtschik, has many buzzing with excitement. For clinical leader of child health Dr Andrew Marshall, the build represents the start of a new era of providing first-rate care in a setting that matches the skills of his staff.

‘‘We provide really good clinical service but in a building that’s not fit for purpose, so we’re all really keen to be in a building that will work so much better.’’

The present children’s hospital, which is almost 30 years old, had long been deemed not fit for purpose.

‘‘Areas that are particularly challenging are that multiple-bed rooms, and even some of our single rooms, don’t have ensuites so it’s really hard for a parent and sick child to have a good experience,’’ Marshall said.

‘‘We do a good job, despite our building.’’

Gilly Buick-Constable knows just how uncomfortable and claustrophobic the current children’s hospital can be, having been in and out over the past few years with her two daughters, Emily, 10, and Evie, 7.

Both her girls, who have type-1 diabetes, primarily visit outpatient services but have had occasional stints on the ward.

‘‘With two girls, three specialists and me in one of the rooms, it’s a very tight squeeze . . . You get a bit hot and bothered.’’

Almost two years ago to the day, it was announced that Dunajtschik – a millionaire property developer – would pay for, build and donate the hospital to the Capital & Coast District Health Board.

At the time, Dunajtschik said he wanted to take on the project so he could build more at a cheaper cost than government departments were able to.

‘‘Most benefactors write out a cheque but, in this case, that wouldn’t get nearly as much done for the money,’’ he said.

‘‘I can use my skill as a builder and developer to get the maximum value out of the $50 million I’m donating for our children.’’

His philosophy was that people blessed with a sound mind and body could look after themselves but those born with or suffering illness and disability needed support.

While he had footed the bill and hastened the build significantly, the Government has had a hand in the project as well, with Health Minister David Clark committing $45.6m of taxpayer money last year.

Clark, who noted that Dunajtschik’s donation was ‘‘incredibly generous’’, said it was important the taxpayer contributed ‘‘a little’’ to make sure it was built to the right standards.

The hospital is due to open in mid-2021.