Friday 9 October 2009 First Sod Turned to Launch Rotorua Hospital redevelopment The Minister of Health Hon Tony Ryall and Ngati Whakaue kaumatua Alec Wilson today turned the first sod, marking the beginning of the new $83 million Rotorua Hospital redevelopment. About 100 Rotorua dignitaries and community representatives as well as Lakes DHB staff attended the ceremony which saw Ngati Whakaue kaumatua Mitai Rolleston welcome the Minister to Pukeroa Hill - traditionally owned by Ngati Whakaue and gifted to the crown to build a hospital for servicemen returning from the first World War. Noted Rotorua Historian Don Stafford recounted his memories of Pukeroa Hill both in a personal sense, thanking hospital staff for the great care they had given members of his family, and also retelling some of the history of the area as recounted to him over many years by Te Arawa elders. The Minister spoke about the vital role of clinical leadership in improving health service and the need to improve productivity. He said the active engagement of doctors and nurses in how health services are provided is a fundamental driver for better health outcomes. The Minister quoted research in the UK which found a clear link between strong clinical leadership and hospital performance. “Stronger and more direct clinical involvement means more service and better quality. Your redevelopment in Rotorua will be impressive. But it will be made impressive not by the entranceway, nor by the extra theatres, but by the people that will make it the hospital you deserve.” The Minister mentioned the work done at Rotorua Hospital using Lean Thinking to improve productivity and service, noting work which has reduced by one third the time taken to transfer a patient from the emergency department to a bed in the wards. He also talked about a nurse-led project in Taupo Hospital which replaced a written referral system with a visual information board helping to reduce the average length of stay at Taupo’s Inpatient Unit by over a day. Lakes DHB Chair Stewart Edward thanked staff who have contributed to the development of the models of care required for modern medicine as the basis from which the hospital services are provided. He said the Board very much appreciated the way that all of the staff have helped the transition process, in the relocation of the main hospital and ED entrance. Stewart Edward said the project is very important for the infrastructure of the Lakes district community and will enhance Lakes DHB’s ability to attract and retain clinical and allied staff. He said the redevelopment project represents value for money in today’s environment. Stewart Edward said the Board had welcomed the involvement of clinical staff in the development of the hospital project and was focussed on the Minister’s goals of providing hospital services that are better, sooner and more convenient. The $89 million Rotorua and Taupo Hospital’s redevelopment is the culmination of years of planning after reviews and reports since 2001 identified compelling reasons for Lakes DHB to improve service delivery from reconfigured facilities. ends
