Copyright times
By Jane Nixon, Franklin Times Franklin councillor Andy Baker says there’s both excitement and caution as plans progress for a new hospital at Drury, a project he describes as vital and long overdue. On October 10, Health Minister Simeon Brown said Health New Zealand is calling for expressions of interest from landowners for a suitable site for a new hospital in the south of the Auckland region. He said it marks “a major milestone in expanding health infrastructure to meet the needs of Auckland’s growing population”. “South Auckland is one of our fastest-growing communities, with significant health challenges,” Brown said. “A new hospital in the south will help ensure Kiwis get timely, quality healthcare.” The site eventually chosen will need easy access to key transport routes, including State Highway 1 and Waihoehoe Road, to support patients, staff, and visitors, Health NZ says. Baker says: “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,” Baker told the Times. “But the devil is in the detail.” Baker says the location makes sense given Drury’s growth and transport links. “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. “Drury will in time become the largest urban area in Franklin, so we need to look at the future, not just what exists now.” He hopes the new facility will provide services that ease pressure on larger hospitals. “It’s important we give our communities closer access to cancer treatment, paediatrics and oncology – the things we currently have to travel long distances for. “A good number of beds is important, as is the opportunity to take advantage of having Fisher and Paykel Healthcare nearby [at East Tamaki],” says Baker. Community poll supports location A recent Franklin Times community survey drew more than 400 responses, with 82 per cent supporting Drury as the preferred hospital site, with 18 per cent opposed. Health NZ has confirmed it is seeking land in Drury for a large-scale health precinct to serve the Franklin and southern Auckland region. The process is being managed through a government procurement round that closes on November 6. HNZ’s regional head of infrastructure northern, Chris Cardwell, says Drury aligns with projected population growth and future infrastructure investment. “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 large-scale project comes as Middlemore Hospital already serves an extensive and diverse population of more than 300,000 across south Auckland. “Demand on the hospital continues to increase, and its current infrastructure is under significant pressure,” Cardwell says. He adds a separate, new urban ambulatory hub is also planned for northern Waikato, offering outpatient and day-surgery services closer to home and reducing pressure on major hospitals. “While it’s not a full-service hospital, the hub will provide a range of outpatient services and support the overall network of care in the region.”
