Cardiac lab upgrade complete at Auckland City Hospital
Auckland City Hospital’s first upgraded cardiac catheterisation lab is now operational, part of a region-wide programme to modernise cardiac services and improve patient care.
Auckland City Hospital has completed the first of three upgraded cardiac catheterisation labs, marking a significant investment in regional cardiac services. Health Minister Simeon Brown highlighted the lab’s role in diagnosing and treating heart disease, including procedures such as stenting and pacemaker insertion. The upgrade, costing $4 million, introduces advanced imaging technology designed to enhance diagnostic precision and procedural safety. Clinicians will benefit from improved imaging, which reduces radiation exposure for both patients and staff.
The upgrade is the second completed under a region-wide initiative covering six cath labs across Auckland hospitals, following the completion at Counties Manukau last year. It replaces outdated equipment and modernises the workspace, delivering sharper imaging and a more efficient environment for cardiac procedures. The programme is structured to minimise service disruptions, ensuring patients continue to receive uninterrupted care during upgrades.
Upgrades are scheduled next for North Shore Hospital, Starship Children’s Hospital, and two additional labs at Auckland City Hospital. Each completed lab enhances the hospital’s ability to deliver cardiac care using modern, efficient equipment. The coordinated approach ensures that patients experience improved outcomes as more labs come online.
Other recent upgrades include a new cath lab at Tauranga Hospital and a third lab at Christchurch Hospital. The government emphasises its commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure to ensure New Zealanders receive critical services close to home. The upgrades aim to support cardiology teams with the tools needed to maintain high standards of care.