Our History
Our hospital has a rich history. Read about our journey from where it all began in 1929, to where we are today.
1987
In 1987 Wellcare Corporation purchased the hospital and renamed it Wellcare Hospital. It was one of several hospitals owned by the company. Later that same year Wellcare Corporation became a casualty of the 1987 stock market crash, and in 1989 a consortium of investors, mostly consisting of local medical specialists, purchased the hospital from the receivers of Wellcare Corporation. It was then renamed Wakefield Hospital. This transaction also included the voluntary renegotiation of the then perpetual lease of the land from local iwi, represented by the Wellington Tenths Trust. The new lease was established on a commercial basis, and was one of the first of the old Māori leases to be renegotiated on this basis.
1999
During the continued expansion and upgrading of the facilities at Wakefield Hospital over the next ten years, the freehold of the land was then purchased from the Trust in 1999.
2012
Parent company Wakefield Health Limited changed its name to Acurity Health Group Limited in August 2012. This was done to better reflect its own unique identity as an owner of three private surgical hospitals, and its investment in other health related organisations across the country.
2015
In December 2015, Evolution Healthcare (a privately owned Australian and New Zealand healthcare operator) acquired 100% of Acurity Health Group Ltd (NZ). Find out more about Evolution Healthcare
2023
Wakefield Hospital has been continuously upgraded and expanded over the years. Recent building projects were to extend the Theatre Suite to seven theatres (including two digital theatres), providing new change rooms and theatre tearoom, and a major upgrade of the Wakefield Specialist Centre. Construction is taking place on the full redevelopment of the $180m construction of Wakefield Hospital. This is a further step in the long history of healthcare on this site. The new Wakefield hospital will offer patients from central New Zealand access to some of the most advanced medical services and treatment in the country, showcasing the latest medical technologies.
2024
A Warm Welcome to Rintoul Street! It all began with Lewisham Hospital opening on our current site in 1929. With mixed emotions, we are saying a heartfelt farewell to the current Wakefield Hospital as we prepare for an exciting new chapter. As of 13th January 2025, we’ll be welcoming you to our brand-new hospital at 99 Rintoul Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021.
2025
2025 marks a major milestone! We officially opened Wakefield Hospital – a state-of-the-art healthcare facility designed to deliver exceptional care with a focus on safety and continuity of care for our community. This cutting-edge hospital is equipped with a base isolator system, allowing the entire structure to move 600mm in any direction during an earthquake, ensuring maximum safety for our patients and staff during critical times. Key features of Wakefield Hospital: * Total investment of $180M * 7 operating theatres, with 2 more in planning * 2 cardiac cath labs/theatres * 34-37 beds across two ward levels * 4 HDU beds and 6 ICU bays to cater to intensive care needs This hospital isn’t just about advanced technology; it’s a community-driven achievement. Despite the challenges of construction, we’ve operated without a single day off to ensure that healthcare services have remained uninterrupted. We’re incredibly proud to share that many items used in the construction of Wakefield Hospital were sourced locally right here in New Zealand. Supporting our local businesses and economy was key to making this vision a reality. Photo left to right : Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health and Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Keating officially opening Wakefield Hospital.
