There was “no current timeframe for the upgrade”. “Time frames will be determined once I have been provided with advice from officials regarding the prioritisation of District Health Board capital projects,” Little said. Smith said the redevelopment would be “the largest capital project ever undertaken in Nelson” and would take “years to plan and build, which is why the development needs to get underway as soon as possible”. He said it was “unacceptable” that Nelson “would not have a functional hospital in the event of a substantial earthquake, similar to what hit Christchurch . or Kaikōura”. In April 2016 the then Nelson Marlborough District Health Board chief executive Chris Fleming estimated building would begin in “four to five years” but that time frame has almost lapsed and the third phase of a four-stage business case is yet to be presented. Costs then were estimated to be between $120m to $150m.
Canterbury Charity Hospital founder and surgeon Phil Bagshaw described the role as a “poisoned chalice”. Bramley will be heading an organisation with a $180 million deficit – the largest in the country – and the recent resignation of seven members of the executive management team. “I know from my experience . there are always areas where we can improve,” Bramley said.
JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/Stuff
Former CDHB chief executive David Meates resigned in August after 12 years at the helm. It is understood the relationship between his executive management team and the board and Ministry of Health had broken down over funding. His clashes with the Ministry of Health, Treasury and the CDHB board over funding – which he believed to be unfair – and delays to new Christchurch Hospital building Waipapa were understood to be behind the decision.
Dr Peter Bramley.
Photo: Supplied / CDHB
Earlier this year, 11 members of the senior management team including the chief executive quit as the board struggled with a budget blowout.
Board chair Sir John Hansen said Peter Bramley had been appointed to the position of chief executive.
Dr Bramley has been the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board chief executive, and was the acting chief executive of the other boards from August until October.
He will start in the new roles on 15 February, 2021.
Sir John said Dr Bramley had a proven track record in bringing about large-scale transformation. During his time with us as acting chief executive he proved his relationship management skills and worked positively with all stakeholders from throughout the heath system. He has strong networks and familiarity with the sector, he said.