Hiccup hits $34m Northpark hospital redevelopment builder buckles

STALLED building work at the Northpark Private Hospital will resume in four weeks, according to hospital general manager Gaylyn Cairns.

She said the $34 million redevelopment, which started 18 months ago, had stopped for six weeks.

National media have reported the hospital builder, Reed Group, was facing “cash flow problems” earlier this year and had outstanding state government projects.

Ms Cairns said Reed Group “are not working here any more”.

“We can’t comment on Reed,” she said.

Ms Cairns said a new builder was in discussions with the hospital, and a contract was due to be signed soon. She wouldn’t give the new contractor’s name.

A Reed Group spokeswoman said “our position is no comment as we are in discussion with the government regarding funds owed”.

Ms Cairns said 20 consulting suites on Plenty Road still need to be completed. She expected building work to be finished by January 2013 instead of November 2012.

The redevelopment includes new buildings and refurbishment of existing ones.

Some of the completed works include the extension of the operating theatre building, mental health unit and the mother and baby unit plus additional surgical beds, new reception, main entrance, consulting rooms and suites as well as refurbishment of the in-patient area.

“It’s like a brand new hospital. We had 87 beds, now we have 153,” Ms Cairns said.