Whakatane's new $67 million hospital has exceeded people's expectations during its first 12 months of operation says its leading doctor.
Whakatane Hospital medical lead Dr Matthew Valentine said staff and patients had been delighted with their experience of the new hospital - which was officially opened on 12 June last
year.
"It's gone remarkably well," Dr Valentine said.
"You're optimistic of course but I think the experience we've had over the last 12 months has exceeded many people's expectations.
"It's a very positive environment for staff and patients alike. A lot of the comments you hear are about how light, open and modern it is. That translates as a sense of pride for staff in their workplace and a hospital which is more welcoming and therapeutic for patients, which in turn contributes to the sense of the quality care they are receiving.
"When recruiting staff it's also great to be able to show them around such a modern facility and can only be a positive in their decision making.
"The structure also allows us opportunities for further development in the future and that's an exciting prospect."
When former Health Minister Tony Ryall opened the new hospital last year he referenced the potential for further expansion, saying it future-proofed health services in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
The new building includes three state-of-the-art operating theatres, a larger emergency department, a modern radiology department, bigger inpatient wards, an acute care unit for patient observations and a 10-bed children's ward. The building's bigger footprint, more hospital beds, and extra services, also ensures the region's 50,000 residents will continue to receive high quality healthcare for many years to come.
Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOPDHB) CEO Phil Cammish said Eastern Bay residents could be proud of the facility.
"It was a cold and blustery day when the then Minister of Health Tony Ryall opened the new Whakatane Hospital last year but after the ceremony, as we moved into the new hospital, how warm and inviting it was," Mr Cammish said.
"It is a truly wonderful facility of which the Eastern Bay can be justifiably proud.
"Our ability to provide quality care in an environment that is friendly to both patients and staff alike is something that the people of the Eastern Bay deserved. It was a long time coming but if we take care of our hospital then the hospital will be there to take care of us for many years to come."
Alongside Mr Ryall at last year's opening was East Coast MP Anne Tolley, who said she had fought hard to secure the $67 million funding required for the redevelopment. She praised the efforts of those responsible for bringing the project to fruition and ensuring the region would enjoy the high quality hospital and services its public deserved.
