Thu, Nov 2, 2023 8:00 AM
Sponsored: Growing to meet Marlborough’s health needs
Churchill Hospital, Marlborough.
Tessa Jaine
Churchill Hospital’s dedicated Specialist Centre is expanding to meet a growing demand for medical services in Marlborough.
Specialist Centre manager Chris Parnell says expansion plans for the Specialist Centre are progressing well, with the design phase of the project nearly complete and construction projected to start early in 2024.
“We now have sixteen surgeons that consult and operate here at Churchill Hospital with five of those visiting, so this enables us to cover a wide range of needs.”
Surgical specialists consult from Churchill Specialist Centre and are supported by a dedicated team, delivering patient-centred care at Churchill Hospital.
They offer a growing availability of surgical services including general and laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery and urology.
“Upon completion, the Specialist Centre will have seven consulting rooms, two minor procedure rooms and a dedicated ophthalmology suite. This expansion will provide more opportunity to attract a wider range of specialists to the region to benefit the broader community,” says Chris.
Owned by the Churchill Private Hospital Charitable Trust since 1984, Churchill shares a mutually beneficial relationship with Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough. Having a private hospital in Marlborough that offers world-class facilities has helped attract medical specialists to the region and in turn increase resources that benefit the community.
Whether patients are covered by ACC, health insurance, or are self-funded, many no longer need to travel out of town for consultations or surgery, and this has helped ease the pressure off the public waiting list.
As a charitable trust, it is important to the team to give back. Churchill supports a range of community initiatives that promote wellness and physical activity in the Marlborough region through the availability of a community donations programme.
Not-for-profit organisations that have benefitted from Churchill’s support include Marlborough Riding for the Disabled, Hospice Marlborough, The Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough, The Creative Kids Trust and various sporting organisations like women’s cricket and tennis.
Trust chair Andrew Meighan says, “We want to keep Marlburians fit and healthy, but we are here for them if they need us.”
As well as providing one-off grants, Churchill Hospital sponsors many major charitable and annual events. This year marks Churchill’s fourth as a major sponsor for one of New Zealand’s premier gardening events, Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough, and the sponsorship is a natural fit. “Gardening is a great way to stay active and healthy. It helps support strength and mobility, provides fresh produce and is so good for your mental wellbeing.”
