A Historic Moment, Ownership Changes at The Doctors Napier Ltd

Friday 3 September 2021 marked a significant day for Dr Tony Edwards and Dr Mark Sweetapple selling their shareholding in The Doctors Napier Ltd.

Stefan Freudenberg, a director and GP at The Doctors Napier Ltd says, “On behalf of the Board we would like to thank and acknowledge Tony and Mark for their tireless personal efforts over the years in supporting the business – Tony for over 32 years, Mark for 31 years.”

“We all thank them both for their exceptionally valuable contribution in helping grow these practices to what they are today. We are proud to now be supporting over 21,000 patients in the Hawkes Bay community across the four practices through The Doctors Napier Ltd,” says Stefan.

Wayne Woolrich, General Manager Medical of Green Cross Health comments “We are truly proud of everything thing the teams are doing here. Tony and Mark have made a huge contribution over the years and we’re looking forward to supporting the next phase in the journey for these practices.”

The Doctors Napier Ltd is made up of four practices across the Hawkes Bay region: The Doctors Napier, The Doctors Greenmeadows, The Doctors Ahuriri and EIT Health Centre on campus. The current shareholders are Dr Justin Pratt, Dr Ronelle Brits, Dr Stefan Freudenberg and Green Cross Health.

Day-to-day there is no real change, it’s business as usual with clinical work and patients. Tony and Mark are both staying on to continue working in their GP roles, the change in shareholding doesn't affect that.

Of historical note, Tony as one of three founding partners of The Doctors medical centres 32 years ago in September 1989.

“The Doctors Napier at 30 Munroe St was their very first practice. It was among the first in New Zealand to provide 7-day a week, extended hours care to patients – quite a first for the country! It’s truly a credit to Tony for his passion for delivering access to great health care,” says Stefan.

Since then, a lot changed, The Doctors became a franchise and opened practices in Hastings, Palmerston North and then nationwide and Green Cross Health became a shareholder in 2014.

Over the years network has grown to 47 practices supporting over 290,000 enrolled patients, now New Zealand’s largest general practice providers.

“We’re extremely proud to uphold and continue what Tony started here in Napier. Delivering the best team-based support, care, and advice to our local community was one of his goals and he certainly achieved that.”

“We’re working through the recruitment process for a full-time General Manager to lead the four practices.”

Tony has chosen to step back from his part-time GM role, to create a full-time position that will support the future growth and development prospects of the business.