Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Statement attributable to Health New Zealand spokesperson
The number and make-up of bed spaces outlined in the Detailed Business Case for the New Dunedin Hospital in March 2021 was based on the best information available at the time.
Late last year, Health New Zealand updated its approach to bed modelling for all regional hospitals, using a standardised approach. This was based on a predicted shift towards more outpatient and community-based care and a greater alignment with other Australasian bed modelling benchmarks.
The updated national bed modelling for the new hospital has resulted in some adjustments in capacity for different areas to align with the expected demand, now and in the future. Overall, the New Dunedin Hospital will provide a similar total number of beds as was outlined in the Detailed Business Case, but there is a change in the mix of bed types required and the timing of when they may be needed.
There will be a total of 424 overnight beds, including 43 spaces earmarked for future fit out and 10 ICU bed spaces fitted out as interim workspace. In addition, the sixth-floor space included in the hospital design will provide for further expansion over time. The project team is still working through what the sixth-floor space may be used for.
We are aware that the health needs of the region will continue to change over time, and the new hospital offers flexibility to allow for this. What is important for now is that the total floor area has been retained. Additional spaces can be fitted out based on demand, including in the years before opening.
The new hospital will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose health facility that allows us to use bed spaces better, making use of innovative and time-efficient treatment pathways.
Clinicians continue to be involved in refining the design and will be key partners in the future operational commissioning of the inpatient building.