The University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is preparing to open Wai Ora, a transformative new facility that will significantly expand health research, clinical trials, and health professional education in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Faculty of Medicine Head Professor Suzanne Pitama says Wai Ora will strengthen the University's ability to undertake world-class research and clinical trials addressing a wide range of health challenges, from diabetes to Parkinson's disease.
"Wai Ora has been designed to bring researchers, clinicians, educators and students together in a way that strengthens the pathway from discovery to patient care. By expanding our clinical trial capacity, we can offer communities greater access to emerging treatments, therapies and medicines that may not otherwise be available in New Zealand.
"With staff currently spread across eleven buildings, Wai Ora will create opportunities for greater collaboration across disciplines. It will welcome a range of tauira, including medical students completing the clinical years of their undergraduate degree, final-year physiotherapy students, and nursing and health sciences postgraduate students. Clinicians working closely with the hospital will remain based in the existing hospital building," Professor Pitama says.
University Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says the new facility positions the Christchurch campus for future growth in both teaching and research.
"Wai Ora will allow the Ōtautahi campus to grow, increasing teaching spaces, accommodating more postgraduate health students, and creating new opportunities for collaboration across the University and beyond.
"It will also be a hub for partnerships between the University, the health sector, and the wider Canterbury community.
"I am thrilled that so many years of effort are about to bear fruit. I know many of our staff and students can't wait to use this amazing facility."
