The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is proud to announce a $1.5 million donation to the Taranaki Health Foundation (THF), marking a significant milestone in the development of the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Taranaki Base Hospital. This contribution, sourced through local fundraising efforts, underscores RRT’s commitment to enhancing healthcare in the Taranaki region.

The donation will play a crucial role in the fit-out of the ICU within the new East Wing Building, which is currently under construction. Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will be officially named the ‘Rapid Relief Team ICU,’ a testament to the collective efforts of the local community and RRT’s dedication to supporting vital healthcare infrastructure.

Cameron Prestidge, RRT New Zealand Director, emphasized the importance of this contribution in meeting the healthcare needs of the growing Taranaki region. “This is about helping the Taranaki Health Foundation deliver a cutting-edge hospital that meets the needs of the growing Taranaki region,” he said.

“The support from locals has been incredible, and we are glad we can make a combined, significant contribution to this new ICU. When people have an emergency or need help after an operation, this new facility will provide them with the very best care.”

Cameron Prestidge

Rapid Relief Team New Zealand Director

The new ICU is part of a larger project that includes a six-story building designed to house a range of critical services, including a new emergency department, maternity and neonatal units, radiology, and a rooftop helipad. The building is being constructed to Importance Level 4 standards, ensuring it can withstand natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions or major earthquakes, which are potential risks in the Taranaki region.

Taranaki Health Foundation’s General Manager, Adrian Sole, expressed deep gratitude to RRT and the local community for their unwavering support. “This donation is going to go a long way to making sure we have a hospital that is equipped to meet the community’s current and future care needs,” Adrian said. “Taranaki needs a state-of-the-art hospital, and it is fitting that the community has rallied together to help make it possible. We are very grateful to the Rapid Relief Team and local individuals and businesses who’ve made this substantial donation to improve the future health of our region.”

Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora Group Director of Operations in Taranaki, Gillian Campbell, also highlighted the significance of the new ICU, noting that it will offer separate rooms for each patient, ensuring the highest standard of care. “This funding means we can have an ICU that has separate rooms for each patient, providing the care that everyone in our community deserves,” she said. “In addition to the ICU, when complete, the six-story building will house a new emergency department, maternity, primary birthing, neonatal unit, radiology, laboratory, and a rooftop helipad.”

RRT’s donation to the Taranaki Base Hospital represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in the region. By supporting the development of the Rapid Relief Team ICU, RRT and the local community are ensuring that the people of Taranaki have access to world-class medical care, now and for generations to come.

Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future for Taranaki!

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