He said the logistics of moving had been challenging, while also having to maintain a 24-hour service. “We managed to do it in with no interruption. It was done in a couple of phases.”
Bejon Haswell/Stuff/Stuff The new premises housed 21 permanent staff, as well as volunteers. “The building has a really nice feel to it,” he said. A formal opening ceremony was held recently with a plaque unveiled by Timaru District mayor Nigel Bowen and Jenny Sullivan, the wife of the late Ed Sullivan, who had been a Knight of Grace and served on St John’s Priory Trust Board.
Handy was not willing to say how much the project would cost. The building is being paid for by the St John Financial Control Board Timaru, established in 1941. Handy said once work had been completed, and the handover by contractors, two open days would be held for the public to view the building. “We will then start putting ambulances in there and changing stations over with an opening in March. ”The formal opening will be in late March.’’ Handy said the front section of the building on Wai-iti Rd incorporated a staff lounge with six bedrooms down the western side, with locker rooms.