Christchurch Hospital gets new wards

11:23 am on 19 December 2011

Christchurch Hospital will gain four new wards as the Canterbury District Health Board responds to the region's earthquakes.

The board says the projects will address an urgent, short-term need for health service delivery.

It says the work is in addition to immediate repairs and earthquake strengthening, the cost of which is estimated at $70 million but expected to rise.

The new projects include a 36-bed acute assessment unit and a 10-bed surgical progressive care unit.

Two inpatient wards will be created, offering 53 beds. A temporary outpatient facility will be established.

At the Hillmorton site, the inpatient mental health service will be extended to four wards, each with a high dependency unit.

The board says the need for most of this work is a direct result of the Canterbury quakes.