Company Updates
MediCross Urgent Care and GP Centre Announces Change of Ownership
MediCross Urgent Care and GP Centre is pleased to announce its transition in ownership from its founding team of three shareholding doctors - Dr. Jan De Klerk (current Medical Director), Dr. Manmohan Singh and Dr. Hilary Sarhatt—to SO Health, a portfolio company of SO Capital. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in the centre’s journey to providing exemplary healthcare to the Taranaki community. It remains open 8am – 8pm, all 365 days of the year including the recent summer holiday period.
After years of dedicated service, the original shareholders have decided to step back and pass the reins to SO Health under the leadership of SO Capital and it’s CEO Shah Aslam. This change is aimed at bringing new energy, innovation, and resources to the practice while maintaining its core values of patient-centric care.
Dr. De Klerk, having served the Taranaki community in various roles for over 23 years, echoed the sentiment, stating, “This is not just a business decision for us but a deeply personal one. We have full faith in Shah and his team to take MediCross to greater heights. His vision aligns with our commitment to holistic and accessible healthcare.”
Dr. De Klerk, one of the founders, standing outside MediCross Urgent Care and GP Centre
Dr. Singh, having served the wider Taranaki community for over 35 years, one of the outgoing shareholders, expressed gratitude for the years of collaboration and trust from the community. “MediCross has been a labour of love for us over the years. We are immensely grateful to our patients and staff for their support, and we are confident SO Health will uphold the values that define our care.”
Dr. Sarhatt having served the Taranaki community for over 15 years, shared, “It’s bittersweet to move on from something so close to our hearts, but we’re thrilled to leave MediCross in capable hands. We look forward to watching the centre flourish under the new management.”
Shah, expressed his excitement about the acquisition and future plans. “MediCross is an institution with a rich legacy, and it is an honour to build upon the exceptional work of Dr. De Klerk, Dr. Singh, and Dr. Sarhatt. Our immediate focus was to ensure a seamless transition while introducing enhancements soon that will make care even more comprehensive and accessible to our patients.”
Outlining his future vision, Shah added, “We plan to invest in state-of-the-art technology, expand the range of medical services, and strengthen ties with the local community. Above all, patient well-being will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
SO Health assures all current patients and stakeholders that MediCross’s core offerings remain uninterrupted during the transition, with the same team of caring and skilled professionals. All three shareholding doctors remain employed with the new ownership group with Dr De Klerk continuing as the Medical Director. SO Health brought across all 40 plus staff as well.
About MediCross Urgent Care and GP Centre
MediCross Urgent Care and GP Centre has been a trusted healthcare provider in New Plymouth since its founding in 1995, renowned for delivering personalized care and a wide array of medical services.
8 Egmont Street, New Plymouth | www.medicross.co.nz
About SO Health and SO Capital
SO Health is a portfolio healthcare company of SO Capital, committed to innovation and excellence in the provision of healthcare services. SO Capital is a New Zealand private equity company with investments in Air Napier (aviation), Ocean Flyer (maritime) and has recently divested of, Mama Brown, its last remaining, very profitable and popular hospitality institution in Wellington.