New Kaitaia hospital hitch

A $9.3 million redevelopment is planned for Kaitaia Hospital - if the Government will finance it.

The future of the country's most northerly public hospital was in doubt this year when 24-hour surgery was cut.

Now the Northland District Health Board wants a multimillion-dollar upgrade, including an integrated emergency department and accident and medical centre.

GPs and other primary health providers would also be housed at the site.

The board expects to know by Christmas whether the project has Ministry of Health approval. Work could begin early next year, with the facility completed in July 2005.