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It’s been a long time coming, but Franklin Day Surgery is officially open.
Health Minister Simeon Brown officially opened the facility, which is built on the site of the
former Franklin District Council headquarters. The first surgery was performed on August 13 with Dr James McKelvie, an ophthalmologist, carrying out corneal grafts.
Speaking to the Franklin Times, Brown said the government wanted to make
sure patients are able to get their treatment in a timely, quality manner.
“This facility brings those services closer to home for many people living in Pukekohe and
the Franklin district. So it’s wonderful to see these facilities and the investments happening in this community, and ultimately, I expect Health New Zealand to be able to work across both public and private, to be able to deliver those services that patients need.”
He said Pukekohe was the hub for Franklin, and with a growing population, there is a growing demand for health services.
“It’s really important that we have the health services that this community needs, and that we are able to meet the demands of a growing population. We know that Middlemore Hospital is under enormous amount of pressure, and so where there is opportunity for more services to be delivered out here in the community is a real priority for us.”
Franklin Medical Properties Ltd director Greg Lay said stage 1 of the complex is a clinician-
owned, purpose-built facility in Pukekohe, established by experienced healthcare professionals with a vision to deliver high-quality, patient-focused day-stay surgical care.
The facility enables a range of elective procedures with same-day discharge, supporting
quicker recovery, lower infection risk, and enhanced patient comfort. Adjacent to the surgery is the Franklin Consulting Suite, housing a network of specialists in ophthalmology, plastic surgery, gynaecology, orthopaedics, and other disciplines.
Stage 2 of the complex is due to commence construction in 2026. It will deliver a purpose-
built a two-level expansion designed to accommodate complementary, independently owned health services. These will include physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, radiology,
pharmacy, and soft tissue surgery.
Further stages are being discussed, including a multi-level surgical unit, plus additional
carparking facilities. The surgical unit will increase the services being offered in the first two stages and cater for longer stay patients than in the day surgery.
