On the sunniest day of August, the new purpose built building for Wairarapa Facilities, Maintenance and OT staff was recently blessed and opened. Facilities Manager, Brian Freeman and OT Team Leader, Franky Spite, cut the ribbon with pleasure, to the base located at the Blair Street entrance. Inside is a workshop for maintenance and repair of equipment, a store for OT, physiotherapy and oxygen equipment, a staffroom and offices, a washbay and a reception area.
“This is the realisation of a long process of design and build,” said Brian Freeman. “It has taken us a couple of years to finalise the design which will be a big improvement on what we had in the old building. It’s a pleasure to be at the end of that journey. The work flow will greatly improve the process from dirty to clean equipment, ensuring it is managed most appropriately.”
Brian also praised the resilience of his team who have waited patiently for their new space since vacating the earthquake-prone brick building more than a year ago. “At last we are in a totally-integrated building designed for our needs.”
Franky said it will improve patient service by providing an easily accessible location for the collection and return of therapy equipment used in the community. “Being closer to our offices will be a boon and better access from Blair Street will make it easier for things like crutches and walking frames to be picked up and returned.
“As the aging population has increased, our service for palliative care and the community has also increased. We’re busier than ever and it’s marvellous knowing we now have a permanent equipment base that is light and accessible. It
will be much more efficient for us and for patients.”
Holmes Construction of Greytown built the single storey, light steel frame building designed by Proarch Architects Ltd. They also built across the road next to the oxygen storage tanks a small storage area for the Enable therapy equipment
service. Enable supplies to the community long term loan equipment such as toilet seats and wheelchairs.
