Prime Minister Bill English has announced this morning the rebuild of the Dunedin Hospital, the largest rebuild in New Zealand history, which will cost between $1.2billion -$1.4billion.
Mr English said starting again with a complete rebuild of the hospital was the most economically efficient way to go and it was a "step that needs to be taken".
A central city site was preferred however, a final decision on the location had not been made yet, Mr English said.
"I know this will be welcomed news for people in Dunedin certainly but also as the Commissioner pointed out, to the wider southern area."
Health minister Jonathan Coleman said the rebuild would be the largest hospital rebuild in the history of New Zealand.
Mr English was escorted from the hospital by security after about 35 protesters calling for "equal pay" and "better health care" stood chanting at the hospital's front entrance.
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Hopefully the new hospital will have provision for other than physical health patients.
You know, cater for those suffering from political panic and sudden needs to announce sundry splurges with the aim of being seen to be munificent. In that case Bill English and Jonathan Coleman could be the first beneficiaries of the beds.
Couldn't agree more zonda2, Perhaps while they're taking up those very scarce and valuable beds, we should feed them pork from that flock of flying pigs, which escaped from their pork barrell.
In regards to Bill's comment about the rebuild. When in God's name will they decide where the new hospital is to be built? Because at this rate, the 1.2 billion will need to include a transportable hospital option.