$3.2m upgrade starts at Canterbury maternity unit

A major upgrade of Ashburton Hospital's community birthing unit has started to ensure mothers and babies can continue to receive quality care in a new modern facility close to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

Work on the $3.2 million upgrade project is now under way. It is being paid for by the Government’s $100 million hospital infrastructure programme announced in Budget 2025.

The programme aims to speed up improvements to health facilities across New Zealand. The upgrades to the Ashburton Community Maternity Unit will include:

• Reconfiguring and refurbishing postnatal rooms into a single zone, with additional ensuites.
• Creating a dedicated antenatal clinic area, including a waiting room.
• Relocating the staff support area to a central position near the unit entrance to improve accessibility and workflow.

The work aims to create a safer, modern, and more comfortable birthing environment for the community.

All essential maternity services will continue uninterrupted during the upgrade. A temporary birthing unit area has been opened to provide a welcoming space for expectant mothers, postnatal care, clinical assessments, and lead maternity carer clinics.

The construction work is expected to take about seven months, with the upgraded birthing unit set to be completed by the end of 2026.

"These upgrades will ensure Ashburton Hospital’s community birthing unit meets modern health and safety standards while providing a more comfortable, efficient environment for patients, families, and staff," Brown said.

"Investing in health infrastructure is critical to ensuring New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare now and into the future.

"This project will support better maternity services for the Ashburton community and help meet growing demand for years to come."

During the upgrade work, families coming to the Ashburton Community Maternity Unit may have to temporarily use a different entrance.

The unit has moved to a temporary location beside the Ashburton Hospital outpatients area to allow the construction to begin. Access to the unit is now through the outpatients corridor or through the Elizabeth St emergency entrance. Clear signage and staff will be on hand to guide visitors.