Construction costs have delayed Clyde’s new primary birthing unit but the Wānaka unit is progressing well, Te Whatu Ora Southern says. 

Last year Te Whatu Ora Southern purchased a 545sqm lodge in Albert Town to convert into a unit for the Upper Clutha, scrapping initial plans to build from scratch.

Te Whatu Ora Southern director of midwifery Karen Ferraccioli said in February the unit was on track to open before the middle of the year and last week she provided an update on the renovation work.

“We have finished the necessary fit-out work with fire and electrical engineers to prepare a maternity facility and are now moving on to further renovations, which are set to commence in the coming weeks,” Karen said.

Te Whatu Ora Southern would be able to confirm an opening date for the facility when additional renovations are completed, she said.

Some fit-out work has been completed and Te Whatu Ora is now moving on to further renovations for the facility.

“We are excited to deliver an amazing facility that will benefit our community for years to come.”

Meanwhile, the Clyde unit has been held up due to increasing construction costs, Karen said.

A 550sqm unit has been designed for a site next to Dunstan Hospital but the organisation may have to go back to the drawing board with the design.

“The procurement process for Clyde is ongoing, but there has been an increase in construction costs since the initial planning phase. We may need to look at the planned building to see if efficiencies can be found in the design.”

The regional health organisation announced its plans for the Wānaka and Clyde primary birthing units in mid-2021 after many years of advocacy from local groups concerned about the state of maternity care and the distance to other units.

A primary birthing unit is a facility which is equipped to support healthy women with no medical complications through labour, birth and in-patient post-natal care. 

The Clyde unit, when completed, will replace the existing Charlotte Jean unit in Alexandra.

PHOTO: Wānaka App