5. JAMI-LEE ROSS (National—Botany) to the Minister of Health: What decisions has the Government made in relation to providing better services at Counties Manukau District Health Board?

Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) : I am pleased to announce that the Government has given Counties Manukau District Health Board the official go-ahead for the design phase of the new clinical services block at Middlemore Hospital. This clinical services block will include three new theatres, as well as replacement of the existing 11 aged theatres, a 40-bed assessment and planning unit, and an 18-bed high-dependency unit. This whole project began under the National Government in 2009. The Government is contributing $100 million towards the $208 million total cost of the project, which when completed will provide better health services for the people of one of the fastest-growing and most important parts of the country.

Jami-Lee Ross: Can he tell the House what other improvements are being made to Middlemore Hospital as part of this development?

Hon TONY RYALL: This $208 million redevelopment also includes the refurbishment of the Edmund Hillary Block with 31 extra beds, and an addition of 33 beds and an upgrading of services in the adult medical centre for assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation in-patient wards. Over the last 3 years, the Government has increased spending at the Counties Manukau District Health Board by over $180 million, with 180 more doctors and over 300 more nurses. Despite the tight financial times, the Government is providing better care for people in the Counties Manukau area.