Quake risk could close more of Ashburton Hospital

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More buildings on the Ashburton Hospital site may end up closed due to quake risk.

The operating theatre block, dating back to the 1920's, was closed yesterday after a report highlighted a high risk of collapse.

Two other building have already been closed after failing detailed engineering evaluations.

Canterbury District Health Board CEO David Meates says they're waiting for engineering assessments on other buildings including hospital wards.

"And it is likely that there could well be some further earthquake-prone buildings that may be identified through that process,'' he says.

David Meates expects the additional reports in the next two weeks and he's not sure what the future shape of Ashburton Hospital will be.

"This has been a real shock because of staff, patients and the community and we're needing time to get the remaining reports through and really step back and look at the full range of options,'' he says.

David Meates says it's obvious the earthquake costs are mounting for the DHB.

Meanwhile Ashburton District Mayor Angus McKay is confident the Canterbury District Health Board will reinvest in the area.

He says they've come a long way since the DHB tried to shut down acute after-hours services a few years ago.

"That was when our population was around 19,000 to 20,000. Now the population is 30,000 and growing. And also it is probably easier to rebuild in Ashburton than it is in Christchurch at the moment,'' he says.

Angus McKay says most quake refugees who've relocated from Christchurch are there for the long haul.