Major milestone reached in Manukau Health Park redevelopment

Built Environs has been announced as the lead contractor for the $316m Manukau Health Park redevelopment.

“This is an exciting milestone in the life of this project and it signifies a major step towards catering for future growth and offering our communities improved and more equitable access to healthcare,” said Dana Ralph-Smith, Director of Ambulatory and Community Care.

Work to develop the new buildings and facilities started in February. This follows the recent completion of infrastructure work that involved earthworks, building temporary roads and car parks, storm water treatment and preparation of utility services.

Built Environs will work closely with the GROW Manukau team to ensure that the impact on staff, patients and visitors is minimised.

“Ensuring continuity of services and managing disruption is a central part of the construction plan. Our teams will be working to ensure that people are advised about disruption and plans are in place to minimise the impact on staff, patients and visitors,” said Dana.

The new facilities will include an expanded renal dialysis service, four new operating theatres, a new radiology hub and an integrated breast care service. The site will also be future-proofed for further expansion.

“It is crucial that South Aucklanders can access the care they need from health services and high quality facilities that support better health and wellbeing,” said Dana.

Over the last two years, there were more than 926,000 outpatient care appointments in Counties Manukau and nearly 65 per cent of these people were seen at Manukau Health Park. This number is forecast to grow by more than 20 per cent over the next 10 years.

The increase in capacity will enable almost 150,000 additional outpatient appointments each year when fully utilised, and more than 3,600 additional surgeries per year to be performed on site from 2024. The completed development will also enable up to 450 new full time employees across a variety of health services, improving capacity, accessibility and quality of community care.

Health equity and sustainability have been at the forefront of the planning for this project. This has included critical work with Mana Whenua to ensure the local environment is protected and the physical appearance of new building are designed in a way that represents the rich and deep history of the land.

"Te Whare hou ki te hanga, he rereke mo te katoa; The redesign is to make a difference for all," says Mana Whenua i Tamaki Makaurau.

More information about this project and the broader GROW Manukau initiatives can be found at www.countiesmanukau.health.nz/about-us/tupugrow-manukau/