Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop are set to make an announcement about the new Dunedin hospital today, but a spokeswoman for the ministers could not provide any further details before deadline yesterday.
Confusion and concern about the future of the new Dunedin hospital has been rife in the wake of the Otago Daily Times revealing Health New Zealand is planning cuts to the inpatients building, including possible reductions to short-stay emergency department beds and the number of high-spec operating theatres.
A march against any cuts to plans for the new Dunedin hospital is scheduled for Saturday, led by Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich and city councillors.
Mr Radich told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he wanted the ministers’ assurances that all the facilities of the new Dunedin hospital would be built as promised.
"I know Dr Reti has been working hard on it.
"I’m waiting with bated breath and some optimism."
"We would have to have discussions about that."
Several groups have signalled their intention for members to join the march, including the New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation, Grey Power and Business South.
Protesters will march at noon on Saturday from the University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry in Great King St to the Octagon.
