Nelson's Mayor says upgrading the city's hospital will be a turning point for its health services. 

Completion of a 128-bed inpatient building has been brought forward two years to 2029. 

Nick Smith told Mike Hosking the city’s health services have been under real pressure, with the old buildings dating back to 1955 and 1970. 

He says it's encouraging not only to have the $500 million upgrade, but also the 32 bed temporary inpatient ward. 

Smith told Hosking it gives them both immediate relief, but also enables the redevelopment and earthquake strengthening to be done really well. 

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