Originally mooted as a $1.4billion project, the Government last year conceded that the hospital would cost more than that.
An extra $127million was allocated to the project yesterday, as well as an additional $8.9million for land acquisitions.
There was also more money for the Southern District Health Board, which received a $7.4million top-up to cover a range of expenses, which included pharmaceutical costs and pay equity settlements.
The SDHB and other health boards collectively received another $2.7billion in operating expenditure, $700million for capital expenditure, and money to support deficits projected to reach a combined $800million by the end of the financial year,
Other notable health initiatives included:
- $100.3million to improve air and road ambulance services.
- A $200million budget increase for drug buying agency Pharmac.
- $486million to implement system reforms announced by Health Minister Andrew Little earlier this month.
‘‘Putting more effort into keeping people well so they don’t get so sick they have to go to hospital is at the heart of the health reforms,’’ Mr Little said.
‘‘The Budget increases funding for primary healthcare by $46.7million a year so that as our population grows, GPs can continue to provide affordable healthcare to the people who need it most.’’
Additional funding was also earmarked for cochlear implants for those who have lost hearing, and 320 more people will get implants by 2025.
