Too few operating theatres
In a report to the Board dated 4/8/1954, Dr Richard Durand, Superintendent-in-Chief wrote "Plans were produced for the construction of a magnificent hospital on the site now occupied by the 210 Block. ... The result is adequate general surgical beds and inadequate operating facilities which hampers the full utilisation of the beds and in the end prejudices patients and the services which the Board seeks to give. ... Two additional theatre units are required immediately in Wellington, each having two theatres. The units should be contiguous to surgical wards. One suite should serve the orthopaedic wards." Despite a clear case made by Dr Durand, the proposals were not approved, so by mid 1956, the situation was becoming critical. On 26/7/56, the Board's architects submitted to the City Engineer plans & specifications for a new, "temporary" operating theatre of timber construction, seeking exemption the regulations which demanded any construction of this type to be in brick or concrete. A building permit was issued, and the result was a building nestled in between the 210-Block and the Maternity Annexe, with access off the corridor to the 210-Block. The first operations performed in the new theatre were in 1958. Cardiothoracic surgery had commenced in 1952 after the appointment of Mr James Baird to the staff. However, development of this subspecialty was difficult until Theatre 3 opened. Cardiothoracic operations were undertaken in Theatre 3 until 1966.

Too few operating theatres

In a report to the Board dated 4/8/1954, Dr Richard Durand, Superintendent-in-Chief wrote "Plans were produced for the construction of a magnificent hospital on the site now occupied by the 210 Block. ... The result is adequate general surgical beds and inadequate operating facilities which hampers the full utilisation of the beds and in the end prejudices patients and the services which the Board seeks to give.

... Two additional theatre units are required immediately in Wellington, each having two theatres. The units should be contiguous to surgical wards. One suite should serve the orthopaedic wards."

Despite a clear case made by Dr Durand, the proposals were not approved, so by mid 1956, the situation was becoming critical. On 26/7/56, the Board's architects submitted to the City Engineer plans & specifications for a new, "temporary" operating theatre of timber construction, seeking exemption the regulations which demanded any construction of this type to be in brick or concrete.

A building permit was issued, and the result was a building nestled in between the 210-Block and the Maternity Annexe, with access off the corridor to the 210-Block. The first operations performed in the new theatre were in 1958. Cardiothoracic surgery had commenced in 1952 after the appointment of Mr James Baird to the staff. However, development of this subspecialty was difficult until Theatre 3 opened. Cardiothoracic operations were undertaken in Theatre 3 until 1966.