New $16.25m Hybrid Theatre to Transform Advanced Surgical Care in Wellington

Minister Brown said the investment responds to long-standing challenges faced by Wellington’s surgical services.

A major upgrade to surgical services in the Wellington region is set to become reality, with Health New Zealand approving $16.25 million in funding for a state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatre at Wellington Regional Hospital. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the project marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to expanding access to world-class healthcare and reducing pressure on overstretched hospital services.

The new hybrid operating theatre will combine traditional surgical space with advanced, real-time imaging technology, enabling teams of specialists—including trauma surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists—to work together in a single, integrated environment. This high-tech setup is expected to drastically improve patient safety, shorten procedure times, and reduce the need for transfers between departments.

Minister Brown said the investment responds to long-standing challenges faced by Wellington’s surgical services. “Currently, patients in Wellington are being transferred between operating theatres and interventional suites, which can create delays and extend recovery times for patients,” he explained. In urgent cases such as major trauma or life-threatening vascular emergencies, these delays can affect outcomes and further strain hospital resources.

The hybrid theatre will eliminate the need for patients to undergo imaging and surgery in separate locations, a shift that is expected to streamline the entire surgical process. “The new $16.25 million hybrid theatre directly addresses those challenges, delivering the highest standard of care in a single, seamless environment,” Brown said. By consolidating care, Wellington Regional Hospital will be able to increase surgical capacity, allowing more patients to receive timely treatment and reducing waitlist pressure.

The benefits extend beyond efficiency. International evidence shows that hybrid theatres reduce the number of invasive procedures needed, lower the risks associated with patient transfers, and improve long-term recovery outcomes. These theatres are increasingly standard in modern hospitals worldwide, particularly those dealing with complex cardiovascular and trauma cases. Wellington’s upgrade places its facilities in line with leading international health systems.

Under the current system, a patient may require input from two or more specialised teams across separate rooms—one for imaging-guided interventions and another for conventional surgery. This fragmentation often leads to duplicated tasks, additional sedation, longer preparation times, and extended use of operating staff. The new integrated model will allow for immediate decision-making and swift progression from imaging to surgical intervention, improving safety for critically ill patients.

Projects like this, Brown emphasised, are vital for strengthening the resilience of New Zealand’s health system. “By eliminating duplication, improving surgical workflows, and giving clinicians the tools they need to work efficiently, we are strengthening healthcare delivery across the region,” he said.

The hybrid theatre investment forms part of a wider effort to modernise hospital infrastructure nationwide, ensuring New Zealanders can receive advanced medical care without needing to travel long distances. “We are committed to investing in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities so New Zealanders can access world-class surgical care right here in Wellington,” Brown added. “This hybrid theatre is a clear example of how smart, targeted infrastructure investment delivers better outcomes for patients and builds a more resilient health system for the future.”

Construction timelines, staffing plans, and equipment procurement for the theatre are expected to be released in the coming months, with Health New Zealand signalling that the project remains a top regional priority.