A $17m upgrade progresses at Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s Puawānanga facility

A milestone in a nearly $17 million refurbishment of the Puawānanga Outpatients facility at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has been reached with the completion of the second of its three stages.

Inside the refurbished Puawānanga Outpatients facility at Hawke's Bay Hospital in Hastings. Photo / Supplied.

A person who visited this week, during which the orthopaedic clinic saw more than 100 patients in a day described it as “pretty flash”.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Hawke’s Bay group director of operations David Warrington said during a blessing on Thursday morning that the refurbishment will provide a modern setting to deliver a range of health services.

General surgery, vascular and plastics outpatients will move in over the next week.

The $16.9m project refurbishes the Puawānanga building, named after native plant the puawānanga (clematis), and for its white starry-flower bloom.

The shift to a bright and colourful palette reflected an inviting mood of calm, peace, and tranquillity that will enhance services for the Hawke’s Bay community, Health NZ said.

Mana Hazel said the design is “symbolised through the whakataukī Kahungunu Ahu Whenua, Kahungunu Rukutai”, emphasising the provision of care and the region’s connection to the land and people.

Associate general manager surgery and electives Phillip Manoy said the refurbishment was a great step forward for Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s development.

“Designed with the needs of both patients and staff at its core, the refurbishment will improve patient safety and flow as well as enabling us to deliver contemporary models of care.”

Stage three will provide more multi-purpose clinical consultation spaces to relieve pressure on the main hospital.

In mid-2023 Te Whatu Ora confirmed planning for hospital redevelpment in Hawke’s Bay was under way.

Doug Laing is a senior reporter based in Napier with Hawke’s Bay Today, and has 51 years of journalism experience, 41 of them in Hawke’s Bay, in news gathering, including breaking news, sports, local events, issues, and personalities.