92 | “It has always been our focus to provide people in the Bay of Plenty with care of the highest quality and the best possible working environment for our medical teams.” COMMUNITY Grace Hospital A new era for Bay of Plenty health Sue Russell Cutting edge: the Wilhelm Orthopaedic Suite to be used in the new Theatre 8 and 9. Planning for a major new development at Tauranga’s Grace Hospital has been underway since 2019. Initially the plan was to add one additional theatre (OT7), however, with a mind towards future-proofing capacity, the shell for two further theatres was built. When the decision was then made to fit out and commission these new theatres it necessitated the extension of supporting services as well. Grace Hospital General Manager, Janet Keys, describes the new development as very timely and says the design team of Archimedia Waikato (architects) and Beca Tauranga (engineers), with input from Grace’s own health professional experts, has ensured the latest build and health facility standards have been utilised. “The next phase of the project is increasing the number of admission rooms. “There are several further stages of work that will be commenced later this year with more again the following year, so the redevelopment is a major project,” explains Janet. Fosters Construction completed the initial construction project for OT7 and will continue with subsequent phases of development. Janet says Grace found them very responsive and considerate of the requirements of constructing around a busy and functioning theatre suite. “Precautions related to dust, noise, vibration and maintenance of essential services are vital to ensure the safe operating of the hospital’s facility. “The company has a good understanding of infection control and health and safety requirements during construction. “The quality of the finished product also attested to their ability to perform this on-going project.” The current phase of development, outfitting of two theatre shells (OT8 and OT9), is $2.5m and construction on this stage is due to be completed next month. These theatres will be outfitted with the latest world-class technology, and offer the highest standard of personal care to patients. “Theatre 7 is the first theatre in New Zealand to have the AirFRAME air handling system. “This system is also going to be fitted into the new theatres and now includes Indigo-Clean, a continuous environmental disinfection system, which has ISO 5 classification and aids significantly to the prevention of infection during surgery.” Surgeons will also use 4k technology for the camera systems and viewing monitors, giving a high-definition view when operating, resulting in better surgical results. All this new technology is combined into an integrated system which allows for greater flexibility of equipment use and theatre layout to suit the procedure. The build is part of a much larger development at Grace Hospital’s campus set to add a whole new wing of theatres and facilities to the Cheyne Road site in Oropi. “The next phase of development includes a procedure room for endoscopy, temporary stores and extra car parking. A variety of other phases are also currently being developed,” Janet says. Reflecting on development to date, Janet says construction has gone very well. Being proactive in ordering long lead time items in advance has assisted the smooth delivery of the project. The new development will result in the employment of an additional 20 staff and will increase the availability of operating sessions for specialists. During the previous stage of development there were in excess of 350 people and over 35 sub-contractors in the Bay of Plenty engaged. Janet says it is gratifying the company’s shareholders, Evolution Health Care and Southern Cross Health Care, in collaboration with Vital Healthcare, the owners of the campus buildings, recognise the need for ongoing investment in the region. “It has always been our focus to provide people in the Bay of Plenty with care of the highest quality and the best possible working environment for our medical teams.” The new theatres will mean there is capacity for hundreds more additional surgeries to be performed in Tauranga each year. Call us on 07 571 1114 today. Your COMMERCIAL FLOORING SPECIALISTS carpet, f loors &more Cnr 11th Ave & Cameron Road www.theflooringroom.co.nz • CARPET • TIMBER • LAMINATE • VINYL Proud supplier of commercial flooring for the Grace Hospital development 25 Koromiko Street, Tauranga | 1A Tara Road, Papamoa t: 07 577 1009 e: tauranga@geflooring.co.nz w: www.flooringxtra.co.nz GREIG & ESTERMAN
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