The launch of a new health centre at the North Shore Hospital will provide Aucklanders better access to cardiology services. The government has set aside $8.5 million for the facility that will function from the first floor of the hospital.

The new centre is expected to start operations by January next year, after its opening, two cardiac catheter labs will be opened at the facility as well. Apart from them, a cardiology ward and a coronary care unit will be in the pipeline.

Talking about the study, lead author Dr. Tony Scott informed that the new facility will help in reducing the stay time of patients admitted in the hospital. It will also add another 25 beds to the hospital, which will further improve the wait times for patients coming in for treatment.

Prior to the announcement of the new centre, a 50 bed Assessment and Diagnostic Unit was opened by Health Minister Tony Ryall on the 1st of March.

Chief Executive Officer of the Waitemata DHB, Dr. Dale Bramley, informed that the new decision will help in ensuring better utilization of the first floor of Lakeview. Apart from expanding the area of services, it will help in providing better patient care.