Wakefield’s stage two development charging ahead

The second stage of Evolution Healthcare’s redevelopment of Wakefield Hospital is progressing smoothly. Stage 2 commenced in mid 2021 and the expected completion date is 2024. It will span five levels and will be home to a 37-bed inpatient ward, 10 ICU/HDU beds, cardiac cath lab, seven theatres, recovery areas, an endoscopy suite, reception and day of admissions area. Wakefield’s stage two follows the successful opening of stage one in July 2021, which involved the construction of parking, medical imaging suite, specialist consulting suites and procedure rooms, and a café. Sue Channon, Chief Executive Officer of Evolution Healthcare, says the $166m project, being constructed by Hawkins, will bring world-class hospital facilities to the Wellington region and meet growth for future healthcare demand.”

Once completed, Wakefield Hospital will transform the patient experience for healthcare services in the region and provide our clinicians with a superior healthcare environment in which to provide care. We are also future-proofing our hospital with the addition of a shelled fifth level, shelled second cath lab and our eighth operating theatre to provide for future services and an increase in our inpatient ward capacity,” she says.

The pre-emptive growth for Evolution’s Wakefield Hospital also includes an increase in day surgery and endoscopy suites. “This significant increase in scope from our original plans demonstrates our strong commitment to the Wellington region and to provide key healthcare services,” says Sue. She says the project has been undertaken with people and safety in mind. “The facility has been designed to the latest seismic codes and standards, making Wakefield one of the safest hospitals in New Zealand with the use of base isolators,” explains Sue. “Patients will benefit from a patient pathway designed to make their journey with us exceptional. Their stay on our ward will feel like a hotel stay with procedures undertaken in operating theatres with the latest technologies available.”

Matt Taylor, Lower North Regional Manager says successfully delivering highly complex and sophisticated buildings, such as Wakefield Hospital, is a challenge that excites the Hawkins team. The design team for the project includes Health Architects, CCM Architects and Aurecon.

Sue says Wakefield Hospital is a good example of Evolution Healthcare’s focus on investing in facilities and leading technology that promotes health and wellbeing and enables its staff and specialists to be their best. “Through the delivery of innovative healthcare environments, we better position ourselves to deliver timely and accessible world-class healthcare and excellence to all those in our care. Wakefield Hospital will provide central New Zealand with access to some of the most advanced medical services and treatment in the country, using the latest medical technologies.”

Fast Facts

Once completed Evolution’s Wakefield Hospital will offer:

• A new five-storey hospital building adjoining the five-storey specialist centre with a spacious atrium.
• Seven fully digital operating theatres with AirFRAME and Indigo-Clean technology. An eighth theatre shelled for future growth.
• 10 ICU/HDU bed ward.
• Spacious and modern recovery areas.
• One cardiac cath lab with a second cath lab shelled for future growth.
• 37-bed inpatient ward with ensuites and whanau areas.
• Spacious day of admissions area.
• Level five shelled for future growth and expansion of the hospital.
• Improved pedestrian access.
• Landscaped gardens.
• New car parking areas around the hospital.
• Electric vehicle charging stations and ample bike racks for cyclists.

To see the full magazine spread in Business Central https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-central-may-23/20/