Community Services
The Hub of Community Health Services
The Wider Community
Dunstan’s reach goes well beyond its wards — it is the hub of community health services across Central Otago, the Upper Clutha, and the Lakes District. From child development and diabetes care, to physiotherapy, mental health support, public health nursing, and district nursing, our teams deliver thousands of appointments, assessments, and home visits every year.
Last year alone, our community services made over 12,000 district nursing visits, prepared and delivered more than 16,000 Meals on Wheels, and supported hundreds of children and families through specialist clinics and therapies. These services are designed to keep people well, supported, and closer to home, no matter their age or stage of life. By working alongside whānau, schools, GPs, and local providers, Dunstan ensures access to comprehensive care that reflects the extraordinary scope of what a rural hospital can deliver for its community.
Bringing Care Home
District Nursing
Our District Nursing team provides expert care at home, supporting patients across Central Otago and the Upper Clutha with wound care, IV therapy, palliative support, and more. Available seven days a week, this service ensures you receive consistent, compassionate care where you live. Last year, nurses made over 12,000 home visits across the region.
Keeping Our Community Nourished
Meals On Wheels
Nutritious, home-cooked meals delivered to your door. Meals on Wheels supports people recovering from illness, living with disability, or needing help to stay independent at home. With thousands of meals prepared and delivered each year, this service nourishes both body and community. Over 16,000 meals were cooked and delivered last year. To access Meals on Wheels, first speak to your GP or a healthcare professional for a referral.
Supporting Recovery at Home
Equipment Services
Dunstan Hospital provides access to essential mobility and daily living equipment to support safe recovery at home for eligible patients. These items sit under a Ministry of Health equipment provision contract, and are loaned following an assessment by a qualified health professional.
Equipment is not available for general public hire, and is supplied to patients who meet specific clinical criteria.
For people living with a long-term disability or those finding everyday tasks difficult at home, a GP can refer to Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy for assessment. Following this assessment, the most appropriate equipment may be loaned on a case-by-case basis to support safety, independence, and comfort.
Our equipment service helps hundreds of patients each year transition from hospital care to home, reducing risk, supporting mobility, and helping people retain independence.
If you think you may benefit from this service, please speak with your GP or healthcare provider to request an assessment.
Community Services
Our community services extend care beyond the hospital, offering district nursing, rehabilitation, and wellbeing support to help you live well at home.
Child Development Service
Comprehensive assessment, treatment, and support for children aged 0–15 with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. Services are provided in homes, the community, or clinic settings, supporting children and whānau to achieve functional goals.
Dietitian
Nutritional assessment and advice through general clinics, paediatric services, and specialist diabetes clinics.
Physiotherapy
Treatment for musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions, neurological rehabilitation, ACC-funded outpatient services, and walking aid assessments. Group sessions are also available, with publicly funded clinics offered in Wānaka. Phone 03 440 4302 to book.
Radiology
CT, X-Ray, ultrasound, and maternity ultrasound services with referral.
Some scans require special preparation, explained at booking.
Hours: 8.30am-4.30 pm Monday to Friday, then on an on-call basis.
Phone 03 440 4304.
Speech Language Therapy
Assessment and treatment of swallowing and feeding difficulties, plus intervention for speech, language, voice, and communication disorders.
Occupational Therapy
Holistic assessment and support to promote independence, including daily living skills, cognitive function, equipment provision, and pre-surgery education. Wheelchair and seating assessments are also provided.
Central Lakes Community Mental Health Service
Based at Dunstan, this service provides assessment, treatment, and support for people experiencing mental health challenges. Referrals can be made via GPs or directly by contacting the unit.
Medical Social Work & Clinical Needs Assessment
Assessment and support for people over 65, including access to home help, personal care, Meals on Wheels, and wider social work support.
Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinics and inpatient consultations for people with Type 1 diabetes, providing education, monitoring, and ongoing support.
Renal Dialysis Unit
Dialysis services are provided at Dunstan in partnership with Te Whatu Ora. Visiting patients must arrange access through Dunedin Public Hospital.
Phone 03 474 0999.
Laboratory (Awanui Labs)
Comprehensive diagnostic services in microbiology, biochemistry, haematology, and allergy skin testing, plus a full blood bank service. No appointment required. A GP or specialist request form is required. Hours: 8.30am-5 pm Monday to Friday, then on an on-call basis. Phone: 0800 101 444.
Public Health Nurses
A health new Zealand Service, providing school- and community-based health services across Central Otago, offering care, education, and early intervention for tamariki, rangatahi, and families. Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday Contact: 03 440 4309
Awanui Labs Blood Service
Laboratory
Awanui Labs (formerly Southern Community Laboratories) provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing to support timely, accurate healthcare for our community. Our laboratory services include biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology, histology, and cytology, using state-of-the-art analysers and modern digital systems to ensure precise results.
Most routine test results are returned to the requesting clinician within 24 hours of specimen collection, helping to support fast diagnosis and informed decision-making in care.
How to Book
Appointments are required. Please visit the Awanui Labs website to make a booking. A request form from a General Practitioner or Specialist is necessary before testing.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our hospital services and patient care.
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Yes. Most services (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietitian clinics) require a referral from your GP, hospital staff, or another health professional.
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These services are available to children with a diagnosed physical, sensory, or intellectual disability, or those meeting disability criteria with functional home-based goals.
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Appointments are not necessary unless you are having an allergy test or paternity test. A GP or specialist request form is required.
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Yes, visiting patients can arrange dialysis at Dunstan’s unit, but this must be organised through Dunedin Public Hospital (03 474 0999) in advance.
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Referrals can be made via your GP, or you can contact the Central Lakes Community Mental Health Service directly on 03 440 4308. For emergencies outside office hours, phone 0800 467 846 and ask for the Emergency Psychiatric Service.
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Most services are publicly funded. Some ACC-related physiotherapy and specific tests may incur a fee — patients will be advised in advance if charges apply.
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Yes. Public Health Nurses provide health support, education, and early intervention in schools and the wider community.
Connecting Communities
Your Rural Health Network For Emergency Services
Our rural health network ensures seamless connections with ambulance and air services. We prioritize your health and safety, providing timely access to emergency care.
Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter
Swift access to emergency services when you need it most.
Hato Hone St John
Together, we build a healthier community with accessible health services.
We are here to help you
Still Have Questions?
Important
Emergency? Call 111 Immediately
Dunstan Hospital has no walk in emergency service. In an emergency, please dial 111 for assistance.