19 Jun 2012

West Coast hospital land to be tested for quake risks

6:04 am on 19 June 2012

Land at the Grey Base Hospital site on the West Coast will be drilled to test for seismic risk this week as part of plans to redevelop the hospital.

The testing is part of a proposal that will be taken to National Health Board for approval next month, and if signed off, the West Coast District Health Board can proceed with a detailed plan to take to the Government for funding.

Canterbury District Health Board says drilling will help identify soil conditions and the risk of liquefaction in the event of a strong earthquake.

It says engineers will use the data when they design the foundations.