'World class' health centre plan axed

Two health centres have cancelled a planned medical centre on the current Bunnings site that would have catered to 38,000 patients. Photo / Warren Buckland

The proposed "world class" multi-million dollar primary health centre in Hastings , from the combined Hastings Health Centre and Totara Health practices, has been cancelled.

It was to be one of New Zealand's largest and most advanced medical practices, including after-hours emergency care.

With patients retaining their existing healthcare relationship the new centre was planned to employ 40 doctors, 50 nurses and 70 other staff for 38,000 patients.

The current Bunnings site in King St was purchased for the centre by Big Tree Development Ltd, a company 64 per cent owned by Hastings Health Centre and 36 per cent owned by Totara Health.

A completion date for 2017 was announced April last year but last month Totara Health general manager, also a shareholder in the company, said it was "very early days for the project" and plans were still being considered.

She confirmed the project cancellation after further questions from Hawke's Bay Today.

"Medical rooms are an expensive build and the numbers didn't work," she said.

"One of the critical aspects of the integration was the financial implications for both organisations.

"After careful consideration and a significant amount of work, we have agreed that the financial implications do not work for either organisation in the current health economic environment.

"We will continue to work together as part of the Hawke's Bay health sector to improve the health of our enrolled populations."

Health Board chief executive Dr Kevin Snee said similar developments have been tried many times, both nationally and internationally, "and often don't happen because of the complexity involved, despite the best intentions of everyone".

He said it wasn't a wasted exercise.

"I am optimistic the learnings and knowledge gained can be applied to other initiatives such as a health and social care network concept the district health board is working on," he said.

"These networks will bring all sorts of health and social care organisations together to form a kind of community health hub for different communities in Hawke's Bay."

Hastings Health Centre chief executive Hayley Anderson has resigned and an interim chief executive appointed in her place. Ms Anderson's replacement will be former Hawke's Bay District Health Board general manager of planning and performance Andrew Lesperance, currently working in the South Island.

Ms Foster said no decision had been made on what to do with the King St site.