Determined resistance from clinicians and a strong public backlash appear to have deterred plans to dramatically decrease the size of the new Dunedin Hospital. In July, the Otago Daily Times revealed health officials were reconsidering the design of the $1.47 billion hospital’s inpatient building, and last month confirmed that cuts in beds and services had been proposed as part of that review. However, consent has yet to be sought for the larger inpatient building, and spiralling construction costs led Health Minister Andrew Little earlier this year to order a review of the cost of all major health sector capital projects. It is understood the latest iteration of the inpatient building will include fewer beds, but the drop is likely to be much smaller than the 58 earlier considered by planners. The five-storey outpatient building is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and the inpatient building in 2028.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 22, 2022 07:52 UTC