About us
Our Mission
To deliver outstanding rural healthcare that puts our people, our place, and our patients at the heart of everything we do.
We work alongside our community to ensure access to quality care when it’s needed, closer to home and to future-proof our services for the generations to come.
Our Values
At Dunstan Hospital, our work is guided by four core values:
Connection / Te Taukaea Takata
With our community, local providers, and within.
Kindness / Kākau Mākaki
To care for each other.
Excellence / Whāia te iti kahurangi
Always striving to improve.
Trust / Whakapono
Act with respect and integrity.
Rural Care
Our Impact
As Central Otago’s community-owned rural hospital, Dunstan plays a vital role in protecting the health and wellbeing of our region. Every day, our dedicated clinicians, nurses, allied health teams, and support staff deliver compassionate, patient-centred care across inpatient, outpatient, and community services.
Because our hospital is here, close to home, patients avoid long, stressful travel to larger centres. Families can stay connected and involved. Recovery can take place surrounded by familiar faces, trusted voices, and the strength of local community support.
Our impact extends beyond hospital walls. From District Nursing to community outreach, specialist clinics, allied health, diagnostics, and rehabilitation, we help people stay well at home, live independently for longer, and access timely care when it matters most.
As our region grows and clinical needs become more complex, we continue to innovate to meet increasing demand.
The difference we make isn’t measured only in numbers but also in stories. Explore our annual report and hear directly from the people we’ve supported.
Enhancing Rural Health
Hear directly from Dunstan’s doctors as they talk about their work, their connection to the region, and their commitment to providing high-quality healthcare close to home.
The Organisations Behind Dunstan Hospital
United for Health
These three entities work collaboratively to ensure that Dunstan Hospital remains a cornerstone of healthcare excellence in Central Otago and the Upper Clutha.
Central Otago Health Services
Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL) is the community-owned, not-for-profit company responsible for delivering healthcare services at Dunstan Hospital. Formed in 1999, COHSL operates a modern facility that includes a 24-bed inpatient ward with a high dependency unit, providing secondary health services to over 30,000 residents in the Central Otago and Wānaka regions. With over 220 staff and contractors, COHSL offers a range of outpatient services, including cardiology, oncology, physiotherapy, and radiology. COHSL is committed to delivering integrated, patient-focused care that is clinically competent, efficiently delivered, and culturally appropriate.
Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust
The Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust has been established to increase access to quality healthcare for every person in Central Otago, Upper Clutha, and the Lakes District. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the hospital's mission by raising funds for essential equipment and services not covered by government funding. Through generous donations, grants, and bequests from individuals, community groups, trusts, and local businesses, the Foundation will contribute to the acquisition of vital medical equipment and the enhancement of community-based health services. Their efforts ensure that Dunstan Hospital continues to provide high-quality care to the Central Otago community.
Central Otago Health Incorporated
Central Otago Health Incorporated (COHInc) serves as the community's voice in healthcare governance. Established in 2000, COHInc owns the assets of Dunstan Hospital and acts as the sole shareholder of Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL). It appoints directors to COHSL and monitors its performance, ensuring that the hospital remains responsive to the needs of the Central Otago community. COHInc's structure includes elected members from various wards and appointed representatives from service providers, the Central Otago District Council, and Tangata Whenua, reflecting its commitment to inclusive and community-driven healthcare oversight.
Executive Leadership
Dunstan Hospital is guided by a dedicated and highly experienced senior leadership team, committed to delivering exceptional rural healthcare with compassion, integrity, and innovation. Bringing together expertise across clinical services, operations, strategy, and community engagement, our leaders work collaboratively to uphold our values and drive continuous improvement. Grounded in our mission, Hei Huarahi, our pathway to elevate rural health for all, they are focused on ensuring our people, our place, and our patients remain at the heart of every decision. With deep roots in the region and a shared vision for the future, the team leads with purpose, navigating the complexities of modern healthcare while staying closely connected to the communities we serve.
Our Executive Leadership Team
Chief Executive
Hayley Anderson
hayley.anderson@cohealth.co.nz
Nursing Director
Gemma Atkinson
gemma.atkinson@cohealth.co.nz
Allied Health Director
Sarah Walker
sarah.walker@cohealth.co.nz
Support Services Director
Abby Sprosen
abby.sprosen@cohealth.co.nz
Clinical Directors
Dr Jonathon Wills and Dr Jenny Maybin
clinicaldirector@cohealth.co.nz
People and Specialist Services Director
Catherine Haig
catherine.haig@cohealth.co.nz
Finance Director
Ann McDowall
ann.mcdowall@cohealth.co.nz
Dunstan Hospital Foundation
We are here to fund beyond critical delivery, to elevate what’s possible for rural health, ensuring innovation, dignity, and equity for generations to come. Watch our film to learn more about our mission.
Our Story
Dunstan Hospital’s History
From its gold rush beginnings to its role today as a lifeline for rural communities, Dunstan Hospital’s story is one of grit, generosity, and grassroots leadership. For more than 160 years, locals have fought to keep quality healthcare close to home, a legacy now carried forward by the Dunstan Hospital Foundation.
The Heart of Central Otago Healthcare
News & Stories
The difference we make isn’t measured only in numbers but in stories. Discover how our care has made a meaningful difference to patients and whānau. Here, you’ll also find news from across our hospital celebrating our people, showcasing our services, and sharing the work happening behind the scenes to support our community.
