It was formally opened by the MP for Palmerston North, Tangi Utikere, on Friday 17 February 2023. The development of the new facility has helped manage the flow of people through the hospital, increasing bed count in MAPU from 13 to 20 and re-locating next to the emergency department. While the new EDOA facility increased bed-count from 6 to 10 and has freed up much-needed space within the ED unit for its use.

The expanded MAPU and EDOA enables greater co-ordination and collaboration of the acute triage and assessment services. View our image gallery illustrating the significant milestones reached along this journey.

2020 2021

Project commenced.

Business case approved by board.

Detailed design, stage 1 (foundation and civil works completed).

Detailed design, stage 2 (building) completed. 

Contractor appointed.

Building zone cordoned off and building sheds moved on site.

Construction site blessed. 

Construction commenced ground breaking.

2022 2023

12 new accessibility car parks opened.

Foundation laid. 

Building commenced.

Roof completed.

Building enclosed.

Blessing.

Completed and opened.

February 2023 - Official opening celebrated

Officially opened by the MP for Palmerston North, Tangi Utikere, on Friday, 17 February 2023.

January 2023 - Building is complete and MAPU unit opens for use

Following construction, MidCentral’s teams worked to stock the facility and get it ready for use. MAPU moved in late January. To support hospital works to create another Ward with air handling systems more suited to managing COVID patients, the new EDOA unit was used for inpatient care while this happened. EDOA moved into their new accommodation in May 2023.

September - December 2022 - Construction completed and building blessed

Many trades were involved in completing the interior and fit-out, while staff were given an early tour.  The plant room was completed, and electrical, mechanical and other services were connected.

May - September 2022 - Construction commenced and within four months the building was enclosed

A steel structure was erected and then the timber framing.  The roof went on by July.  Exterior wall cladding, windows and doors were installed.  Throughout a lot of work was done to install the plant room in the ceiling.  Disability car parks were displaced by the building works and temporary ones created.  In March, 12 new accessibility parks opened for use.

October 2021 - May 2022 - Building site blessed, contractors commence preparing the foundation

Construction commenced, first with grounds works and installation of underground services installed.  The building foundation was then laid.

April 2020 - October 2021 - The Beginning, turning a concept into a detailed design

We developed a concept design and business case, received Board approval and funding, and then completed the design process.  The design process was done in two stages, with the first being the building foundation and civil works, and the second the construction of the facility. 

Contact us

For any enquiries of feedback relating to the MAPU and EDOA Project, you can contact us on +64 6 350 8967 or email ourplace@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact us at hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz