Plans Advance for New Hospital in Drury, Auckland Region

Plans are underway for a new hospital in Drury, a rapidly growing area in south Auckland. On October 10, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that Health New Zealand is seeking expressions of interest from landowners for a suitable site. This initiative is seen as a significant step in expanding healthcare infrastructure to cater to Auckland’s increasing population, which faces numerous health challenges.

Brown emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating, “A new hospital in the south will help ensure Kiwis get timely, quality healthcare.” He highlighted that south Auckland is one of the fastest-growing communities in New Zealand, underscoring the urgency of the project.

Choosing the right location is critical, according to Health NZ. The site must provide easy access to essential transport routes, including State Highway 1 and Waihoehoe Road, to facilitate patient, staff, and visitor access. Franklin councillor Andy Baker expressed both enthusiasm and caution about the plans. He views the development as vital yet acknowledges that careful attention to details is necessary.

Baker noted, “Everything in healthcare is never enough or soon enough, so while it could have happened sooner, we need to be thankful it’s finally moving ahead. But the devil is in the detail.” He argues that the selected location makes sense given Drury’s growth and transport links.

Drury is projected to become the largest urban area in Franklin, and Baker believes future infrastructure must be prioritized. “It’s serving an area far wider than Franklin, so proximity to a rail station, SH1, and other major arterial roads should be key considerations,” he said. He hopes the new hospital will alleviate pressure on larger hospitals by providing essential services such as cancer treatment and pediatrics closer to home.

Support for the new hospital is evident in a recent survey conducted by the Franklin Times, which received over 400 responses. A resounding 82 percent of participants endorsed Drury as the preferred site, while 18 percent opposed the idea.

Health NZ has confirmed plans for a large-scale health precinct in Drury, with the procurement process set to close on November 6, 2023. Chris Cardwell, the regional head of infrastructure northern for Health NZ, mentioned that Drury aligns with projected population growth and future infrastructure investments. He stated, “The area is anticipated to see significant urban development, with tens of thousands of new homes planned, making it a central point for future healthcare needs.”

The introduction of the new hospital comes as Middlemore Hospital, which serves over 300,000 people in south Auckland, is currently facing increasing demand and infrastructure strain. Cardwell remarked on the pressures the existing facility is experiencing, highlighting the need for additional support.

In addition to the new hospital, Health NZ is also planning a separate urban ambulatory hub in northern Waikato. This hub will provide outpatient and day-surgery services, aimed at reducing the burden on larger hospitals while enhancing healthcare accessibility in the region. Although not a full-service hospital, the hub will still play a vital role in supporting overall care networks.

As plans for the new hospital in Drury progress, the community and local officials remain optimistic about the potential benefits for the region’s healthcare landscape. The focus now shifts to the details that will shape the future of healthcare in this rapidly developing area.