About the Foundation
Let’s Do Something Extraordinary
Introducing the 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 – when it’s needed and closer to home. Everyone deserves quality healthcare, no matter where they live.
Dunstan Hospital is a publicly funded facility, and core services are supported through government health funding. However, the funding received is largely allocated to delivering day-to-day healthcare, what we have been contracted to provide on behalf of the Government. That means that when we see opportunities to do more, to provide more services closer to home, to improve facilities, and replace important plant with better options, we will not always have the funds to do this.
That is where the Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust comes in. We work alongside Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL) to raise funds that help these important projects happen faster and to a standard our community deserves.
Community fundraising bridges the gap, ensuring essential services remain local, and that our hospital remains fit for the future. Every dollar raised directly supports projects that enhance patient care, extend clinical reach, and future proof our rural hospital for generations to come.
Dunstan Hospital Foundation Film
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.
Support Dunstan Hospital
-
How I Can Help?
Support Dunstan Hospital by making a donation, becoming a regular giver, organising a fundraising event at your workplace or in your community, or by leaving a gift in your Will.
-
How Can My Business Help?
Your business can support Dunstan Hospital through Payroll Giving, corporate partnership or by organising workplace fundraising events like themed activities and donation drives.
-
Start Fundraising
There i is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to raising money for a great cause. Get creative, get your community buzzing and your workmates together to make a difference for Dunstan Hospital today.
-
Grateful Patient Programme
Our Grateful Patient Programme gives patients and whānau the opportunity to express thanks by supporting projects that directly enhance care for our people, our place, and our patients.
Our Patron
Sir Sam Neill
From Patient to Patron at Dunstan Hospital. When beloved actor, Sir Sam Neill, faced the toughest challenge of his life, a stage 3 T-cell lymphoma diagnosis his journey took him closer to the heart of rural healthcare. That journey has now come full circle, with Sam becoming the first Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust.
Elevated Excellence in Rural Healthcare
Funding Beyond Critical Delivery
We fund the future of rural healthcare, keeping our community cared for and connected, no matter what.
We exist to ensure every person in Central Otago, Upper Clutha and the Lakes District can access the best possible healthcare, when it’s needed, close to home.
Our reality is this: without philanthropic support, Dunstan’s ability to provide the care our community needs today and into the future is at risk.
We believe our rural communities deserve more than the basics. We’re here to fund beyond critical delivery, to elevate what’s possible for rural health, ensuring innovation, dignity, and equity for generations to come.
Support Our Hospital
Why is community fundraising needed – shouldn’t the Government fund this?
Dunstan Hospital is a publicly funded facility, and core services are supported through Government health funding. However, the funding we receive is largely allocated to delivering day-to-day healthcare services, keeping our community services running smoothly.
What it doesn’t always cover are the essential upgrades, equipment, and infrastructure developments needed to meet the growing needs of our community. As our population grows and technology advances, our hospital must evolve too – whether that’s expanding clinical spaces, upgrading diagnostic equipment, or improving patient environments.
That is where the Dunstan Hospital Foundation comes in. We work alongside Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL) to raise funds that enable these important projects to happen faster and at a standard our community deserves. Every dollar raised helps ensure that high-quality, modern healthcare remains close to home.
By contributing, you’re helping to future proof our rural hospital for generations to come.
Your Support Saves Lives
Significant Donations
There’s no doubt about it - your donations make a huge difference, and we thank you. To avoid any unnecessary transaction fees on larger donations, please contact our Chief Executive Hayley Anderson directly.
Patient Story
Care That Kept Our Family Together
When Central Otago local Chris Flannery was told he had stage four melanoma, life changed overnight. What began as a routine mole removal quickly turned into major surgery and two years of ongoing treatment. Through it all, one thing made a world of difference, being able to receive most of his cancer care at Dunstan Hospital.
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.
