A welcome site for sore eyes

Eleven years after the new build hospital opened, a new dedicated ophthalmology clinic has opened.

Health bosses hope the move will allow a more streamlined service and help reduce wait times and improve health outcomes.

The upgrade comes as both the outpatient department and ophthalmology services were experiencing capacity constraints.

Charge Nurse Manager at Wairau Hospital Brenda McAlpine says the team is very excited to deliver healthcare from the new space.

“Maintaining eye care is important, especially as people age.

“The new dedicated ophthalmology space will allow the community to protect their vision and stay on top of any developing conditions,” Brenda says.

Works to upgrade the building began in July 2023 and were completed last month.

The new ophthalmology centre has seven clinic rooms, including extra testing areas.

There is also a new procedure room with an accessible bathroom and waiting area, seven clinical consulting rooms, an administration and nurse workspace and a utility room.

This will be used to diagnose and treat patients with eye disorders and diseases across Marlborough.

More than 4000 patients have been seen at Wairau Hospital’s ophthalmology department in the last 12 months.

Figures show between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, 4740 patients were seen.

Nelson Marlborough Group Director Operations Hospital Specialist Services Lexie O’Shea says the move means space will be freed up in other departments – including the day stay unit and operating theatres.

“We are delighted to open the expansion to the outpatient department building at Wairau Hospital. The upgraded facilities will allow us to continue providing the best care for our community in Marlborough.

“Thank you to all staff and the community for their patience and cooperation while the works were underway.

“We look forward to welcoming patients and whānau to our new outpatient areas.”