114 | COMMUNITY Project Maunga: Taranaki Cancer Care Centre Purpose built cancer facility The new facility will provide significant benefits by bringing all oncology outpatient services under the one roof. T T Sue Russell It is an exciting time for Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora in Taranaki as several key projects get underway at Taranaki Base Hospital. One of the most significant is the purpose-built $56m Taranaki Cancer Centre (TCC), which has been designed by architect Chow:Hill and is being built by Leigh’s Construction. The new facility will provide significant benefits to those in Taranaki diagnosed with cancer by bringing all oncology outpatient services under one roof. Great thought has gone into all aspects of the purpose-built facility’s design and footprint, ensuring spaces are appropriate and comfortable for patients. “It is going to mean the majority of cancer patients in Taranaki will be able to receive the care they need without having to attend treatments at multiple locations or travel to Palmerston North for radiation treatment at what is often a very challenging time,” says Te Whatu Ora Group Director of Operations, Gillian Campbell. The state-of-the-art building will sit on the site of the hospital’s old laundry, which was demolished earlier this year. In preparation for construction to commence, the site was formally blessed by Taumaruroa – made up of mana whenua Ngāti Te Whiti and the eight Iwi of Taranaki. The ceremony, held in August, brought together current oncology patients, Te Whatu Ora employees, representatives from the National Cancer Control Agency - Te Aho O Te Kahu, and leaders of the Project Maunga construction team. “Ensuring the site is culturally ready for its new purpose and acknowledging the site’s history for Taranaki Iwi is an important moment for all those involved,” says Gillian. The facility will also house the region’s first Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine. It uses radiation to destroy cancer cells while leaving “It is going to mean the majority of cancer patients in Taranaki will be able to receive the care they need without having to attend treatments at multiple locations or travel to Palmerston North for radiation treatment at what is often a very challenging time.” surrounding tissue undamaged and will have a significant positive impact on patient health outcomes. Clinical oversight of Taranaki Cancer Services will continue to be provided by specialists from Palmerston North. They will also provide the specialist staff required to operate the LINAC machine. As well as providing the latest cancer treatment technologies, the design includes: • 10 chairs and two single isolation rooms for chemotherapy • Eight outpatient consult rooms with video conferencing capacity • Restful and appropriate decor for wait spaces • Whānau facilities • Accessible facilities with carer-assisted change and bathrooms • Staff offices and amenities With Te Whatu Ora’s commitment to sustainability, the Cancer Centre is targeting 5-star Green Star certification for both design and as-built interiors. To be considered, a building must be designed and constructed using strong sustainability principles. This means reduced energy and water consumption, improved indoor environments, the use of sustainable materials and reduced impact on the surrounding environment. “We are all excited knowing what the Taranaki Cancer Centre will mean long-term for our cancer patients. We understand how important it is for people to be close to their homes and support networks during treatment,” says Gillian. Along with the Taranaki Cancer Centre, Leigh’s Construction have recently completed the region’s new and award-winning Renal Unit, Te Huhi Raupō and are currently constructing a 20,000m2 six-storey acute clinical services building, the New East Wing Building (NEWB). Both projects are due for completion in 2025. Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) is proud to be providing full quantity surveying services on the Taranaki Cancer Centre. RLB.com Auckland T 09 309 1074 We share with the project team a passion for achieving excellence in delivering this world-class, 5-Star sustainable healthcare facility.
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