14 Nov 2019

Palmerston North Hospital mental health unit set for $30 million upgrade

11:31 am on 14 November 2019

Palmerston North Hospital's mental health services are to get a $30 million upgrade - as long as the final business case is signed off.

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Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The funding injection, announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Palmerston North this morning, follows similar announcements in Waikato and Tairāwhiti.

The money was set aside in May's Budget.

Jacinda Ardern said the region's acute mental health facility was almost 20 years old, and the lack of space and privacy was compromising staff and patient safety.

She said the upgrade would mean more beds and more shared spaces for family members.

The business case is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

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