Wairarapa hospital opens endoscopy suite to boost local care

It forms part of a $34.2m investment.

A new purpose-built endoscopy suite will be built at Wairarapa Hospital, New Zealand,  aiming to improve local access and reduce the need for patients to travel out of the region.

According to a press release, endoscopy services at the hospital are delivered from one of three theatres, which does not meet national standards.

“Colonoscopy volumes have increased significantly in recent years and are expected to continue growing as the population ages,” Health Minister Simeon Brown said.

The new suite will also increase local capacity with a dedicated facility for endoscopy procedures.

The suite is part of a broader $34.2m diagnostic services investment, which includes the $3.7m MRI scanner announced in March.