The Ministry of Health in New Zealand (NZ) is now in talks for next planning and design stage in the New Dunedin Hospital which is the largest health infrastructure project in the country.

The new hospital will have more beds (increase from 352 to 421) and its design and use of latest technology will mean better patient flow around the hospital and better access to diagnostics and treatment spaces. This efficiency and reduction in unnecessary delays will be great for patients across the entire Southern region and for staff.

Discussions on the contract for the Inpatient Building have begun between the Ministry of Health and CPB Contractors, which is the preferred respondent for a pre-construction contract for the New Dunedin Hospital Inpatient Building.

"The input of this building company is important for ensuring we get it right for the next 18 months of design and build planning, and leading into construction. This is a significant step in the construction of the $1.47 billion New Dunedin Hospital,” says Acting Deputy Director-General Infrastructure Karen Mitchell.

Compared to the Inpatient Building the Outpatient Building is smaller, less complex and has a shorter construction time of three years.