Bringing Surgery Closer To Home: Mobile Health Group Secures New Contract

Mobile Health Group has secured a new three-year contract with Health New Zealand, ensuring the continued delivery of essential surgical services to rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The agreement provides certainty for 5,000 patients who will benefit from improved access to surgical procedures delivered closer to home - care that would otherwise require significant travel to urban areas.

Approaching 25 years of service, Mobile Health Group has worked alongside Health New Zealand and local providers since 2002 to bring specialist care directly into regional communities. Over this time, the Mobile Surgical Unit has treated more than 36,000 patients across 25 rural locations, while its rural health education programme continues to support hundreds of clinicians through ongoing training and development.

Mobile Health Group Chief Executive Mark Eager says the renewed contract reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural healthcare access.

“This contract is fundamentally about equity - ensuring people in rural and regional communities can access safe, high-quality surgical care without the burden of travelling long distances. For many patients, being treated closer to home means better outcomes, stronger support from whānau, and a much smoother health journey.”

The Mobile Surgical Unit, often referred to as the ‘theatre on wheels’, has become an integral part of regional healthcare delivery, working in partnership with district hospitals, general practice teams, and local providers to strengthen capacity where it is needed most.

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“The impact of this service goes beyond the numbers - it’s about real people. Patients who might otherwise face delays or barriers are being treated earlier and within their own communities,” says Mark.

The three-year contract also supports the continued development of Mobile Surgical, with planning underway for a second Mobile Surgical Unit, expected to be operational in 2028, delivering more services to more people across rural New Zealand.

Alongside surgical delivery, the contract includes a strong focus on education and workforce development, supporting rural clinicians through hands-on training and clinical education programmes delivered in local settings.

On Thursday, 18 June, Mark Eager met with the Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, Hon. Matt Doocey, at Rangiora Health Hub to formally acknowledge the agreement, recognising Health New Zealand’s ongoing support and the many regional partners who have helped shape and sustain the service for nearly 25 years.

“This is a shared achievement. We’re proud of what’s been built in partnership with Health New Zealand and the communities we serve, and we’re looking forward to continuing that work,” says Mark.

Hon Matt Doocey welcomed the agreement, highlighting the importance of improving access to care in rural communities.

“The government’s key focus is on bringing health services closer to home for rural communities, and Mobile Health Group is a strong example of this in action - delivering surgical care directly to people in rural and remote locations.”

Rachel Haggerty, Director Funding, Hospitals at Health New Zealand, echoed this focus, noting that improving access remains a key strategic priority.

"Mobile Health Group has been an important health care provider for rural communities across the country. We are pleased to support them with a long-term contract to expand on what they do so well. It means rural New Zealanders can access dental, screening, and ear, nose, and throat procedures right in their own backyard, saving them from travelling long distances or relying heavily on whānau for support.”

Rachel adds, “In addition, our clinical staff will continue to benefit from the education and training programmes that Health New Zealand supports Mobile Health Group to deliver.”

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