TRG Imaging rebuild to take longer than expected

Fire and smoke damage at TRG Imaging's Tutanekai St clinic. Photo/Supplied

The extent of the damage from a fire at TRG Imaging's Tutanekai St clinic has proved to be much worse than anticipated, with the rebuild time-frame likely to be the end of the year.

Service manager Debbie Cartwright said it was disheartening but made less stressful thanks to all the support staff had received.

The fire happened at the end of April and in May specialist fire investigator Bay of Plenty Coast Jon Rewi confirmed the cause was the failure of a fluorescent light fitting. It was thought then the rebuild would take six months.

Ms Cartwright said there was a lot more involved with the rebuild than first anticipated.

"The physical rebuild is likely to take longer and the end of the year is a more realistic time-frame to work towards. Until we get into the rebuild we don't know for sure."

She could not confirm whether the rebuild would be on the same site or at a different Rotorua location but said the intention was to create a similar type of building as the TRG Imaging flagship in Auckland.

"We're excited how the future looks for us - it looks bright."

Ms Cartwright said its services were back up and running "smartly considering the extent of the damage".

"Everyone helped us get back on our feet and back to providing the services to the community."

She said since the second week following the fire TRG Imaging had offered full ultrasound services at Southern Cross Hospital and at its clinic on Haupapa St.

"Between both locations we have four ultrasound machines available again."

She said the Breast Screen Aotearoa mammography service continued to run in Taupo and take the overflow of Rotorua patients until the service became available from May 15, with the arrival of the breast-screen mobile bus.

"All other mammography services including diagnostic and screening continued to be available from our clinic in Taupo and in conjunction with the Lakes District Health Board, we offered assistance to Taupo for patients that required it."

She said this service was moved back to Rotorua when a new machine was installed and running from Monday, May 29.

X-ray services were made available at Southern Cross Hospital and continue to operate from there.

Ms Cartwright said the organisation was humbled by the support shown from Southern Cross Hospital, the Lakes District Health board, Breast Screen Aotearoa, and the wider community.