In a statement yesterday, Simeon Brown announced sod had been turned at the site of the new $5 million Clyde Primary Maternity Unit.
Mr Brown said site works would begin on the replacement for the existing Central Otago Maternity Unit in Alexandra.
Construction was set to take around 14 months, with the unit scheduled to open in the middle of next year, Mr Brown said.
‘‘We want women and their families to have access to safe, quality maternity care in facilities that are fit for purpose and closer to home.
‘‘Once constructed, this modern maternity facility will serve Central Otago families for generations to come.’’
The new unit would bring primary maternity services together in one facility, giving families access to care near their homes and throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal period, he said.
‘‘Having these services available closer to home means less travel for families and greater access to the care and support they need during one of the most important and exciting times in their lives,’’ Mr Brown said.
The unit would include a birthing room with a birthing pool, dedicated antenatal and postnatal care rooms, flexible clinical spaces, a waiting area with a play space for siblings, a dedicated family room and space for antenatal classes and education.
Every inpatient room would have a private ensuite, with space for partners or family to stay overnight.
The facility will also be closely connected with existing health services through a safe walking path to Dunstan Hospital and the helipad, alongside on site parking for patients and staff.
Alongside primary maternity units in Queenstown and Wānaka, the new Clyde facility would form an important part of the regional maternity network, Mr Brown said. — Allied Media
