Two health providers will receive funding through the Government’s infrastructure programme for building projects in Christchurch.

The Bone Marrow Cancer Trust will receive $7 million to build 42 self-contained units for patients and their families.

The Cancer Society will receive $6.5 million for the construction of a fit-for-purpose, 50-bedroom accommodation facility for cancer patients and their families from outside Christchurch.

Greater Christchurch Regeneration Poto Williams says the construction projects are expected to create more than 420 jobs and put $13.5 million into the Canterbury economy.

“These are great projects which will provide the region with modern and fit for purpose facilities for patients and their whanau at a time when they need the best possible support around them.”

Ranui Apartments

The Bone Marrow Cancer trust has two facilities that provide 25 short-term residential accommodation units for patients and their families when the patient is required to come to Christchurch for medical treatment. Increasing demand means some patients and families cannot be accommodated.

In 2010 the trust purchased land close to the hospital to further expand its accommodation and support services at 508 Selwyn Street to offer an additional 42 fully self-contained two-bedroom apartments, to be known as Ranui Apartments.

The accommodation allows the patient and family to remain a unit in an inviting, supportive environment while treatment is undertaken.

Cancer Society accommodation

Before the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake, the Cancer Society delivered its regional services from a multi-purpose centre in Manchester Street and a purpose- built accommodation facility in Cambridge Terrace.

The accommodation component was acquired by the Crown following the 2011 quakes and the adjacent community facility was badly damaged. Because the Cancer Society Centre was not cost-effective to repair, the remaining land was sold and block of motels were purchased to accommodate out-of-town patients and their families.

The new facility aims to address accessibility needs, provide a ‘home away from home’ for out-of-town cancer patients and provide the citizens of Christchurch and the regions access to cancer information, support and cancer community programmes all on one site.

Crown funding for these projects will be administered by Ōtākaro Limited.