Construction on a new neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital will begin in April 2026, in a $10.5 million project aimed at expanding specialist care for newborns in the Hutt Valley.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the redevelopment will address growing demand, with the current unit no longer meeting capacity and some families having to transfer to Wellington Hospital due to limited space.
The upgraded facility will increase floor area by 61 per cent and expand capacity from 12 to 14 cots, enabling more babies to receive care locally.
Designed to reflect modern neonatal care models, the new unit will feature improved infection prevention and control measures, enhanced clinical workflows, and greater privacy and comfort for families.
The new unit is expected to open in mid-2027.
Image credit: Hu Chen
