136 | Timing critical in hospital extension The development offers advanced imaging and diagnostic services, including CT, MRI, breast imaging, various forms of ultrasound, and a walk-in X-ray service, alongside the hospital’s existing surgical facilities. COMMUNITY Bidwill Hospital T T Karen Phelps “One of the key highlights of our project was this ability of the design team to quickly respond to a change in the client’s brief regarding extending the radiology branch to cater for a new MRI machine, just as site works began,” Bidwill Trust Hospital’s radiology extension in Timaru has been recognised with a merit award in the 2024 Property Council New Zealand Warren and Mahoney Civic, Health & Arts Property Award, highlighting its significant contribution to South Canterbury healthcare. “The award reflects the project as a whole, how it progressed and the benefits it provides to the community,” says Tina Rogers, general manager of Bidwill Hospital. “ “The fact it was a very cooperative project between Bidwill Hospital and Pacific Radiology demonstrates how we worked together to achieve an outcome that was successful for both parties.” Christchurch practice Totem Studio Architects designed the Bidwill Trust Hospital expansion, local engineers Milward Finlay Lobb provided structural engineering services, and Powell Fenwick was engaged for mechanical, hydraulics, electrical and fire engineering. Timaru Construction Ltd led the build of the expansion. The project included 90sqm for the hospital’s own purposes, with the remaining 520sqm leased to Pacific Radiology. The development offers advanced imaging and diagnostic services, including CT, MRI, breast imaging, various forms of ultrasound, and a walk-in X-ray service, alongside the hospital’s existing surgical facilities. As the only private surgical hospital in South Canterbury, Bidwill Hospital comprises 15 in-patient beds, a 14-bed day surgery unit, and three fully equipped operating theatres. I t offers an extensive range of services, including general surgery, orthopaedic, ear/ nose/throat, gynaecology, endoscopy, and ophthalmology. Tina says the project faced several unforeseen challenges that affected the completion date. The construction and design period both coincided with Covid emergence and subsequent restrictions and lockdowns, and Gib shortage led to a series of programme delays and uncertainty, which was ultimately well managed by stringent coordination between the two main contractors and Totem Studio Architects. She says the design of the radiology building was also expanded after the initial base- build tender had been awarded. This meant the construction sequence was reversed, with the contractor now focusing on hospital revisions and extensions in order to accommodate a redesign of radiology without holding up progress on site. “One of the key highlights of our project was this ability of the design team to quickly respond to a change in the client’s brief regarding extending the radiology branch to cater for a new MRI machine, just as site works began,” says Tina. “ This addition was designed and priced while the contractor got underway on site with unaffected aspects of the original design. This overlap of design and construction meant a high degree of coordination and communication was essential between the clients, consultants, and the contractor.” Once the redesign was in place and the new opening day set, it had to be stringently adhered to. “Time was a critical factor because Pacific Radiology Group’s new X-ray facility replaced the only other private X-ray provider in the region at the time and services needed to be maintained for the region, as did the ongoing schedule of the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme. Bidwill Hospital’s extension timing was also critical as this sterilisation facility was essential to the hospital’s operating theatres. So there was a very specific window within which the facility could be offline and all work had to be completed within this period of only a few weeks so the hospital could get back to delivering critical private healthcare operations as quickly as possible.” Tina says the expansion has not only broadened the hospital’s service offerings, but has also increased its storage capacity and sterilising area to accommodate growing patient numbers. The development represents a continuation of the hospital’s long-standing commitment to community healthcare, with its roots dating back to 1912. Although no specific new projects are on the cards, the trust maintains a forward-thinking approach, says Tina. “We have a long tradition of continuously undertaking development. We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our services for the community.” Proudly supporting BIDWILL HOSPITAL
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