$10.6m Nelson Hospital ED expansion begins

The government has committed $10.6 million to expand Nelson Hospital's emergency department (ED) with work on the 18-month-long project kicking off on Monday.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this marks a “major milestone” in the work to improve services for the local community and is part of a broader plan to redevelop the hospital.

It was announced in August that the long-awaited hospital rebuild will now be made up of several smaller buildings and include existing infrastructure.

The expansion to the ED is set to increase capacity, provide a more functional and efficient workspace for staff and a more comfortable environment for patients.

Plans include six additional patient spaces, including two new isolation rooms and a state-of-the-art negative pressure pod, improving the ability to manage and contain infectious diseases.

There will also be a new fast-track area for patients who can be treated and discharged quickly, two dedicated mental health consultation rooms, an additional triage room, and a whānau room.

“Last month, approximately 78 per cent of patients spent less than six hours in Nelson Hospital ED,” Shane says.

“This is another example of our government’s commitment to achieving our target of 95 per cent of patients being admitted, discharged, or transferred from an ED within six hours.

“These additions will help reduce wait times for patients, ultimately helping provide more timely access to quality healthcare.”

Existing ED services will remain open as usual during the construction period, however there will be some changes to vehicle access. There will be no vehicle access to ED from Waimea Rd, with access now via Franklyn St. Pedestrian and bus access will not be affected.

The main entrance to ED has also been temporarily relocated 10 metres towards the Medical and Injury Centre.

The project budget is being funded by the Crown through the Health Capital Envelope, the Rapid Hospital Improvement Programme, and also by utilising Health New Zealand funds set aside from asset depreciation.

“I want to assure the people of Nelson, wider Tasman and Marlborough regions that the Government remains committed to delivering a hospital that meets their needs and provides modern models of care,” Shane adds.

“The redevelopment of Nelson Hospital is important to provide timely access to quality healthcare for the people of the Top of the South.”

Work is expected to be completed in early 2026.