A new hospital project in South Auckland is under consideration, with plans expected to materialise in the 2030s, Health Minister Simeon Brown said.
Brown stated that the new hospital, likely to be located in Drury, is moving forward with the next steps involving the creation of detailed plans by Health New Zealand and the acquisition of land.
“This hospital will work alongside Middlemore, adding more beds, modern surgical theatres, and expanded emergency services, easing pressure on the system and improving outcomes for Aucklanders,” Brown said during the Herald’s Project Auckland event.
He also described South Auckland as one of the “fastest-growing communities with significant health challenges.”
“The community experiences high rates of infectious conditions, long-term conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease. The health needs of South Auckland are compounding this impact for the whole region.”
Brown noted that hospitals in Auckland are currently facing serious bed shortages, a situation that is anticipated to worsen due to the region’s growing population.
“With both Middlemore and Auckland City Hospital under pressure to service the South Auckland population, this pressure will only continue to grow.”
In previous reports, Middlemore Hospital has faced sustained intense pressure over the years, operating the busiest emergency department in the region.
The immense pressure from the emergency department has resulted in lengthy queues for hospital beds, staffing levels that are often unsafe, and the unfortunate practice of keeping some patients in corridors.
Te Whatu Ora group director operations for Counties Manukau, Vanessa Thornton, said “All patients who present to our ED are triaged and we always prioritise care so that those who need it urgently are seen quicker than those with less serious illnesses.”
“This means that some people with less serious conditions or injuries may need to wait for treatment.”