Future of old hospital building questioned

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 576, 7 March 1995, Page 1

Future of old hospital building questioned

Construction having started on the new Waimarino health care centre, some Waimarino residents are asking what is to happen to the old hospital building. "The feeling is that the hospital was built by the people of the community and that it should go back to the people," said ex-staffer Betty Longcroft. She said as well as the original building, publicly raised money was used to pay for various equipment and extensions and alterations including the day room.

Another ex-staff member, Jessie Seaman, said if the property were to be given away, as is rumoured, then it should not go to one segment of the community, "If the board doesn' t want it, it should be handed back to the whole community. If it is to be sold, we'd like the money to stay in the community." They said as well as the original hospital construction, the day room was added at a cost of $25,000, raised over 18 months in the late 70' s.

A community-sponsored staff walk raised money for a foetal heart monitor, and various equipment was bought with funds raised and/or donated by Lions and Rotary service clubs. "There was a lot of enthusiasm among staff and the community," said Mrs Longcroft. She said the staff played rugby against Wanganui staff as a fund-raiser. She remembers it well as she kicked off the match. "All the doctors played too."

Fund raising also included gala days, wool and hay saies. The service clubs also provided manpower for building things like access ramps. They said a lot of the money that went into funding the hospital came from bequests, and other money bequeathed was never spent. They cited a $40,000 donation from the Irwin Estate as an example. "None of that money was spent, so where is it?"