New Zealand Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced that five hospitals across the country will receive a total of 140 new beds as part of the government’s hospital wards programme in 2026.
The new wards are planned for Hawke’s Bay, Middlemore, Nelson, Waikato and Wellington Regional hospitals with all five expected to operate in the latter half of 2026.
According to Brown, funding for ongoing operations has been secured, and efforts are underway to ensure the necessary staffing levels are in place when the new units open.
The additional capacity will be delivered through modular wards constructed off-site and installed on hospital grounds. This approach is intended to keep costs down and allows for the wards to be moved to different locations if future demand requires it.
At Waikato Hospital, the ward will serve as an evaluation and diagnostic centre near the emergency department, offering observation and short-term treatment outside of traditional wards.
Middlemore Hospital will dedicate its new beds to general medicine, relieving congestion in the emergency wing and supporting targets for reduced emergency wait times.
Wellington Regional Hospital’s added capacity is intended for individuals with less severe conditions, helping to manage acute admissions and improve emergency department flow.
Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s new ward will cater specifically to short-stay surgical patients and surgical evaluations.
The ward at Nelson Hospital will serve as a temporary location for services during seismic strengthening work on current buildings. Once this work concludes, it will increase inpatient capacity to address existing bed shortages until a new inpatient tower is constructed.
Brown stated that this initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to provide essential health infrastructure that ensures timely and quality care for New Zealanders.
Brown said: “As part of Budget 2025, we expected to deliver at least three wards. A competitive procurement process has now allowed four wards to be delivered within the same funding, alongside the fifth ward at Hawke’s Bay Hospital announced in February.”
