The first relocation of patients from existing wards at Christchurch Hospital to the new Hagley building (Waipapa) has taken place today.

Haematology and Oncology wards have now finished moving their patients, with approximately 24 patients making the journey over to the Hagley building.

Radiology services are now fully operational in the new building and ready to image patients as various wards relocate over the next two weeks.

Director of Nursing Lynne Johnson said “the relocation of wards to a new facility is a huge undertaking and our teams have been so impressed by the commitment of our staff, the effort that has gone in to planning these moves and the support from all over the health system to enable a smooth transition.”

 The move from the existing wards takes patients on a 8-10 minute journey through the new ‘linkway’ and on to the Hagley building named Waipapa.

Haematology Charge Nurse Manager Sally Braycotton who was a key part of the ward’s relocation said it was quite a task to move sometimes quite unwell patients from one hospital building to the other.

“What makes it all worth it is the smiles we saw on the patients’ faces today as they are whisked away from the existing Christchurch Hospital to the brand new sparkling wards of Waipapa!”

Haematology patient Tane Loper was one of the first patients to make the move to Waipapa, and once he was settled in to his new room he told us how impressed he was with the new space.

“It’s got all the mod-cons and is very tidy, it’s awesome. The best thing about it is the view from the rooms, they’ve done well designing it.

“There’s heaps of room. I’m blown away. It’s actually a whole heap better than I thought it would be!” Tane said.

Other wards and departments will also be making the move to the new Hagley building over the next two weeks including ICU and children’s wards.

 The new Emergency Department will be open on the ground floor of the new building on Wednesday.