Project adviser Pete Hodgson reasserted at a public update in the city last night the gross floor area for the new hospital would be slightly larger than had been envisaged in a now-discarded detailed business case.
He cannot yet be precise, because detailed redesign of the inpatient building is not due to be completed until September next year.
The redesign announced late last year was prompted by a budget blowout, resulting in the Government increasing the budget while looking to claw back $80million in savings.
Asked whether the new design would be utilitarian, new Dunedin hospital programme director Bridget Dickson said it was important for the hospital to have a sense of connectedness to the city and to fit in well with nearby buildings.
Expressions of interest were sought concerning provision of parking and next steps were being considered, she said.
The sparse audience at the meeting was told the new hospital would be set up so it could house the city’s second PET scanner, when required.
Dunedin could have a PET scanner by early 2025 at Pacific Radiology’s new central Dunedin facility.
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Southern clinical transformation group deputy chairman Prof Patrick Manning said the group had been assured there would be a review about whether New Zealand public hospitals should have PET scanning facilities.
None did so at the moment and the scanners were in private hospitals only.
Prof Manning said he expected PET scanners would become pivotal equipment.
"This hospital will be far more ready for a PET scanner than any other public hospital in New Zealand."
