Reno for Pohlen
Pohlen Hospital – one of seven community hospitals in the country –is now at capacity and is looking to expand. But it needs a lot of cash to get there.
Pohlen Foundation have the opportunity to renovate a 1980s home situated on Koromiko Place in Matamata, and with the help of the community, the profits from an agreed price and the renovated house sale will all go to Pohlen Foundation for Pohlen Hospital.
The goal is that materials will be either donated or purchased by the community and the town’s tradespeople will donate their time and skill. It’s about bringing the community together, inviting plumbers, electrician, and flooring companies to all work together.
The 1000 square metre section boasts a double garage, lockup garden shed, vegetable garden and a large backyard. The 300sqm home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. In the coming months, a new kitchen, bathrooms, and heat pump will be installed, and the curtains, floors, wallpaper, and garage doors replaced. During a demolition day in early August, UMS Rugby Club knocked out that 80s classic – a brick archway – that links the dining room with the lounge. The money raised above the home’s rateable value will go directly to Pohlen Hospital.
What We Are Fundraising For
Pohlen has been serving the community for 51 years but, as the district continues to grow, the hospital needs to build more rooms. The 33-bed hospital includes GP beds, aged care, end of life and respite care. It serves a minimum population of about 20,000 but, in the past 18 months, the client list has grown by 750 new clients.
The expansion will add 13 more rooms to the aged-care unit, meaning each patient will have a private room instead of sharing with someone else. It will cost up to $4m and construction is expected to start in March next year.
A lot of patients have specific medical needs, and while beautiful relationships can be formed, patients do need their own space. After six years of sharing with someone else, hospital manager Suzanne Laws was able to put a man into his own room. He cried he was so happy.
Pohlen looks after patients from as far afield as Te Aroha and Putāruru and consultants travel from Tauranga and Hamilton.
Extra rooms, beds, and facilities are needed to keep up with the ever growing population and needs of our community. Renovations such as this are required to ensure the care provided can be of the highest quality, and that patients can be comfortable during their stay and their recovery.
Get Involved
The community is invited to donate time, money, or materials to the cause.
Alternatively, email Gilly at [email protected]
