Funding for the replacement of the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit at Ōtara and the General Rehabilitation Service at Middlemore Hospital has been confirmed by the Ministers of Health and Finance.
The funding, first signalled by the Minister of Health, Andrew Little during a visit to the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit last year, will enable the development of a Specialised Rehabilitation Centre which will be based at Manukau Health Park.
The state of the art, 60-bed facility, due to open in 2026, will cater to patients with spinal cord impairment and those who have suffered stroke, as well as trauma patients, patients recovering from elective surgery, amputees, and patients severely debilitated from prolonged hospitalisation.
The facility will be designed to meet Green Star 5 requirements and most importantly will allow for the provision of a new model of rehabilitation.
Speaking at the time of the initial announcement, Counties Manukau Health Chair, Vui Mark Gosche, acknowledged the Government’s contribution to the new facility.
“CM Health has been seeking capital funding for these services for many years and the Government’s announcement means a lot, not only to the patients but the specialised staff who work with them.
“It will be great for our patients and staff to have access to fit for purpose, modern equipment and facilities which will facilitate improved health outcomes as well as patient, whaanau, and staff experience.”
This announcement is one of a number of recent investments at Manukau Health Park with the Government approving $216.4 million of funding in December 2020 for redevelopment which will see the establishment of four new theatres, over 30 new clinical outpatient spaces, a new radiology hub, an integrated breast care service and an expanded renal dialysis service.
Specialised Rehabilitation Centre Artist's Impressions
