Wellington’s planned Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital has secured a central city site, with organisers confirming a lease has been signed for premises on upper Cuba Street and an opening targeted for early next year.
The hospital will operate as a day-surgery service for patients who face long public wait times and cannot afford private care. Referrals are expected to come mainly through GPs.
Trust chair Dr Graham Sharpe told RNZ finding a suitable building had taken about five years, with earlier options falling through due to site constraints and ownership changes. He said the chosen property meets key requirements, including ceiling height and electrical capacity for clinical equipment.
The ground-floor space will be developed into two operating theatres, a recovery area for up to six patients, consultation rooms, and staff facilities. The hospital will focus on same-day procedures and will not admit patients overnight or treat those under 18.
Chief executive Vito Lo Iacono told RNZ the fit-out is expected to cost between $10 million and $13 million, with annual operating costs of about $1.5 million. Funding will come from donations, alongside in-kind support from professionals contributing discounted or free services.
The project is backed by philanthropists Dame Dorothy Spotswood and Sir Mark Dunajtschik, whose support is funding the build.
Sharpe told RNZ more than 40 surgeons and anaesthetists have already expressed interest in volunteering their time, working around their commitments in the public and private sectors.
Initial services are expected to include procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies, with plans to expand into cataract and minor general surgeries like hernia repairs and varicose vein treatment.
Board member Dr James Tietjens told RNZ the service aims to address growing unmet need in the health system.
He said some patients meet criteria for hospital care but are not seen in a timely way, while others struggle to access primary care or referrals.
“This is about improving access for people who are currently missing out,” he told RNZ.
The building is undergoing earthquake strengthening, expected to be completed mid-year. Organisers say the design allows for potential expansion within the building in future.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little told RNZ the development is a significant step forward for local healthcare and reflects strong community support.
The hospital is aiming to begin operations in February, initially running one operating theatre while systems are established before expanding services.