A celebration and site blessing was held at Kawarau Park, Lake Hayes Estate with representatives from Southern Cross Healthcare (SCHL), Central Lakes Trust (CLT), Ngāi Tahu, Southern District Health Board (SDHB), local government, and others to officially open the new hospital.

The hospital, which includes three operating theatres and 13 inpatient beds, each with its own ensuite, is a 50/50 joint venture between SCHL and CLT.

The facility is being leased to the joint venture and SCHL will now manage the facility with Central Lakes Trust as its investment partner.

SCHL chief executive Chris White said despite the challenges of various Covid-19 lockdowns, excellent progress was made on the build and the hospital was handed over from the developer, Queenstown Commercial, on time.

“The surgical equipment and furnishings have been going in since the building was handed over and staff will spend the next few weeks ensuring everything is in place to begin operations in January 2022."

The hospital will employ around 35 people with more starting in March when the hospital starts admitting inpatients.

The SDHB has contracted the hospital to undertake various elective surgical procedures, including a regular weekly operating list for acute orthopaedic procedures which will save patients the need to travel to Invercargill for treatment.

SDHB chief executive Chris Fleming says the new hospital allows the DHB to provide more convenient services to the Queenstown and central lakes population and relieves pressure on services in Invercargill and Dunedin.

“Southern Cross identified Queenstown/Central Lakes as a high growth area that needed better access to surgical services at least a decade ago.

“The plan is to begin low complexity day surgery in one theatre, before bringing a second theatre on stream in March when inpatient services will also begin."

Over time, an increasing schedule of specialist surgery is planned, including orthopaedics, ophthalmology, urology, gynaecology, plastic and general surgery.

The hospital will not be providing accident and emergency services but will be funded by ACC to provide surgery for qualifying injured patients.