These photos show the great progress being made by Colspec Construction and their team.
A huge new addition is shown at the back of the centre while the main entrance and pharmacy takes shape around the side.
You can watch a time lapse video of the new centre build by having a look at the Feilding Health Care site on Facebook. This shows the view from the back that can't be seen from Duke Street.
Some history Notes on the old Clevely Ward and the Maternity Unit
Summarised from Feilding Herald (5 April 2005)
Maternity Unit - Maternity care changed, becoming more dependent on midwives and specialists who favoured Palmerston North Hospital. The birth rate dropped, and staffing issues put the final nail in the coffin of the maternity unit. Although the unit was old, the staff were caring and competent and provided a quiet, homely atmosphere enjoyed by mothers for uncomplicated births and the postnatal period. The maternity unit closed in 2003, first temporarily, then permanently, despite a maternity review carried out by the Feilding and Districts Health Group that showed women overwhelmingly preferred to give birth in a primary maternity unit.
Clevely ward was opened in 1983 to provide continuing and respite care close to residents’ homes and families. It was named after a former Hospital Board member the late Jim Clevely who was instrumental in establishing a geriatric ward that provided an alternative to the old Awapuni hospital.
The kitchen closed in 1992 to save money, then meals for patients and Meals on Wheels were delivered from Palmerston North Hospital. Clevely underwent a series of restructurings and was closely monitored by MidCentral Health for viability. Part of the ward was converted for psychogeriatric residents but, although the unit ran at a profit, it was not enough to keep the ward viable. The ward closed on 31 March 2005. Psychogeriatric residents were transferred to Levin and continuing care residents stayed in Feilding at Ranfurly Manor and Woodlands Lodge.
During the Clevely Health Centre Review a large group of committed people from throughout the Manawatu District investigated options to keep it open. A community trust was investigated and the group looked at other towns where private companies operated maternity units, but they failed to attract commercial interest.
Community Health services including outpatient clinics, public health and district nurses continue to operate from the Duke Street building. They have now been shifted to the Clevely wing while the Maternity Unit is being rebuilt.
Colspec is making great progress and the build is on schedule for its opening in late February 2016. The shape of the new building is starting to emerge.
