A funding boost for intensive care facilities is being seen as a start. 

The Government's earmarked 100 million dollars from the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund to accelerate ICU projects and another 544 million for operational funding, for costs like staffing. 

Waitakere Hospital will also get 65 million dollars for a new intensive care unit, two negative pressure rooms and a ward. 

Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society spokesman, Andrew Stapleton, told Mike Hosking it's big news and is something the organisation's been campaigning for. 

“We have been behind, internationally, for a long time and we’re pleased we’re now moving in the right direction.” 

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