Medical Assessment Planning Unit and Emergency Department Observation Area Project

Learn about the development of our Medical Assessment Planning Unit (MAPU) and Emergency Department Observation Area (EDOA) which was completed in early 2023.

It was formally opened by the MP for Palmerston North, Tangi Utikere, on Friday 17 February 2023. The development of the new facility has helped manage the flow of people through the hospital, increasing bed count in MAPU from 13 to 20 and re-locating next to the emergency department. While the new EDOA facility increased bed-count from 6 to 10 and has freed up much-needed space within the ED unit for its use.

The expanded MAPU and EDOA enables greater co-ordination and collaboration of the acute triage and assessment services. View our image gallery illustrating the significant milestones reached along this journey.

Take a tour and learn how the facility will help patients in the MidCentral region

Feb 2023 - Official Opening Celebrated

It was officially opened by the MP for Palmerston North, Tangi Utikere, on Friday, 17 February 2023

  • Feb 2023

  • Feb 2023

  • Feb 2023

  • Feb 2023

  • Feb 2023

January 2023
The building is complete and MAPU unit opens for use

Following construction, MidCentral’s teams worked to stock the facility and get it ready for use. MAPU moved in late January. To support hospital works to create another Ward with air handling systems more suited to managing COVID patients, the new EDOA unit was used for inpatient care while this happened. EDOA moved into their new accommodation in May 2023.

  • Jan 2023

  • Jan 2023

  • Jan 2023

  • Jan 2023 - Staff stock the facility

  • Jan 2023 - Staff begin using the new facility

  • Jan 2023 - EDOA unit

  • Jan 2023

  • Jan 2023

  • Jan 2023

Sep – Dec 2022 | Construction completed and building blessed

Many trades were involved in completing the interior and fit-out, while staff were given an early tour.  The plant room was completed, and electrical, mechanical and other services were connected.

  • Sep 2022 - Staff tour through MAPU

  • Sep 2022 - view from plant room

  • Oct 2022 - Trades progress MAPU wing

  • Oct 2022 - MAPU bed panels

  • Oct 2022 - View from MAPU ceiling

  • Nov 2022 - EDOA Nurses station

  • Nov 2022 - EDOA ward

  • Nov 2022 - MAPU ward

  • Dec 2022 - MAPU ward

  • Dec 2022 - MAPU-EDOA front of building

  • Dec 2022

May – Sep 2022 | Construction commenced and within four months the building was enclosed

A steel structure was erected and then the timber framing.  The roof went on by July.  Exterior wall cladding, windows and doors were installed.  Throughout a lot of work was done to install the plant room in the ceiling.  Disability car parks were displaced by the building works and temporary ones created.  In March, 12 new accessibility parks opened for use.

  • May 2022 - First lot of steel frames arrive on site

  • May 2022 - Steel frames craned into place

  • May 2022 - MAPU wing takes shape

  • Jun 2022 - EDOA wing added allowing building to take shape

  • Jun 2022 - Roof goes on

  • Jul 2022 - Exterior cladding underway

  • Jul 2022 - Roof complete with exterior cladding progressing

  • Aug 2022 - Interior framing goes up

  • Sep 2022 - Plant room in ceiling space takes shape with flooring and access

  • Sep 2022 - Gib goes up on internal walls

Oct 2021 – May 2022 | Building site blessed, contractors commence preparing the foundation

Construction commenced, first with grounds works and installation of underground services installed.  The building foundation was then laid.

  • Nov 2021 - Karakia as part of site blessing

  • Jan 2022 - MAPU foundation

  • Jan 2022 - EDOA foundation

  • Jan 2022

  • Feb 2022 - groundworks

  • Mar 2022 - First concrete pour

  • Apr 2022 - One slab down, the next in development

  • May 2022 - Foundations complete

April 2020 – Oct 2021 | The Beginning – turning a concept into a detailed design

We developed a concept design and business case, received Board approval and funding, and then completed the design process.  The design process was done in two stages, with the first being the building foundation and civil works, and the second the construction of the facility. 

  • Four pod concept design

  • Pod 1

  • Pod 2

  • Pods ground works begin