Intensive Care Unit Charge Nurse Manager Shayne Wylie, pictured with Southern DHB Chief Executive Chris Fleming, at the first opening of the ICU last year. Photo: ODT files
The 12-bed facility - the first part of a two-stage development of intensive care and high dependency units - was officially opened in November and was expected to receive its first patients in December.
However, issues with ventilation and the air-tightness of the ward's isolation room meant the transfer of staff and patients was delayed until repairs were done.
Charge nurse manager Shayne Wylie said
staff were thrilled to finally be using the new facilities.
Mr Wylie, who was heavily involved with the design of the new unit, said very few issues had arisen with layout of the facility.
"We did a lot of preparation but there's nothing like actually using something."
Stage two of the redevelopment is due to begin later this month.
