The cost of dealing with asbestos at New Zealand's Dunedin Hospital has reached almost $5.5 million, according to an article on the New Zealand Herald website.
The figure includes almost $2 million for a retrofitted air-conditioning system in the radiology department. The ceiling area cannot be accessed to service the air conditioning.
A temporary tunnel had been constructed in one plant room to enable safe access to the helipad for staff to transfer patients. The facilities team leader was "basically working fulltime on asbestos management", leaving little time for other work, the article said.
Yesterday, chief executive Chris Fleming said senior staff were considering recommendations in an independent review of its handling of asbestos.
Making Healthcare Lighting Retrofits Work
Stadium Design is Reshaping Healthcare Facilities
AHN Reveals Plans to Build New Canonsburg Hospital in Pennsylvania
Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families
Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies