The Heart of Central Otago Healthcare
News & Stories
At Dunstan Hospital, healthcare is about more than treatments and services, it’s about people. This space is where we share the stories that shape us: the dedication of our staff, the experiences of our patients and whānau, and the connections we hold with our wider community. From moments of kindness and innovation to milestones in care, The Heart of Central Otago Healthcare shines a light on the impact we make together, ensuring our people, our place, and our patients always remain at the centre.
Join Us for Our 2026 Joint Annual General Meetings
Join Us for Our 2026 Joint Annual General Meetings
Supporting Local Healthcare Together
The Committee of Central Otago Health Incorporated (COH Inc) and the Boards of Central Otago Health Services Limited (COHSL) and the Central Otago Health Services Foundation warmly invite community members, stakeholders, staff, volunteers, patients, and supporters to attend the 2026 Joint Annual General Meetings.
Picnic at the Castle brings community together in support of Dunstan Hospital
Join us this November as the gates of Earnscleugh Castle open for a very special afternoon of music, laughter, connection, and community spirit, all in support of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation.
Pack your favourite picnic, refreshments, rug, and chairs, then gather your family and friends for a relaxed afternoon in the beautiful gardens of Earnscleugh Castle.
Stories from the Front Line: About Suffering
About suffering they were never wrong,
The Old Masters: how well they understood
Its human position: how it takes place
While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along.
W.H. Auden. “Musée des Beaux Arts.” 1938.
Stories from the Front Line: Something to Pass On
I remember that day best as a day I learnt an important lesson, although, by then, that had become a normal occurrence for me in Vanuatu.
Our Local Hero: National Recognition for Dr Matthew Born
The James Reid Award is awarded to a rural medical practitioner or trainee who has demonstrated excellence or innovation related to education or research in rural health.
Community generosity powers the next chapter in rural healthcare
The community has invested more than $149,000 in life-changing healthcare improvements as Dunstan Hospital Foundation launches ongoing High-Impact Needs Fund.
Stories from the Front Line: Islands in the Sun
Kos, the Greek island that launched a thousand myths. Read Dr. Trevor Lloyds latest story from the front line.
In Memoriam: Sir Sam Neill KNZM
As Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, Sir Sam brought credibility, warmth, and heartfelt support to our mission.
Stories from the Front Line: A Shocking Experience
A rare disease is said to be a common experience for those who have it. A common disease, I have discovered, feels equally rare for someone who is not used to being sick. Read Dr. Trevor Lloyds latest story from the front line.
Stories from the Front Line: A Troublesome Cough.
I have never really believed in medicines. I don't take them myself and I don't like prescribing them for others. Read Dr. Trevor Lloyds latest story from the front line.
Dunstan Hospital Welcomes Government Funding Boost to Expand Local Services
There are positive takeaways for Dunstan Hospital in the $128m operational funding announcement over the next four years and it is clear the Minister sees leveraging off the two existing hospitals as a preferred position.
Central Otago Community Close to Completing Key Hospital Upgrades
The Dunstan Hospital Foundation is calling on the community to help complete a series of high-impact healthcare improvements, with just $125,000 remaining to fully deliver its High Impact Needs List.
More Capacity. Shorter Waits. Local Maternity Ultrasound at Dunstan Hospital
Dunstan Hospital Radiology has increased capacity and reduced wait times, making it easier for our community – to access timely, high‑quality imaging close to home.
Te Kōhatu o te Rangimārie
At the heart of Dunstan Hospital now rests a taonga of deep meaning – a piece of pounamu, gifted with love, carried by history, and finally settled into a place where its mana can be felt by all who pass.
Driving Care Forward: New Patient Transfer Vehicle for Dunstan Hospital
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, service clubs, and trusts, Dunstan Hospital now has a dedicated patient transfer vehicle.
Stories from the Front Line: Wairua
Stories like this remind us that healthcare is about more than treatment — it’s about trust, connection, and wairua. In this reflection from the front line, Dr Trevor Lloyd shares the story of Nuku and Eru, two brothers, ministers, and men of deep faith, whose lives and losses shaped an enduring doctor–patient relationship.
Dunstan Hospital Reveals $250k High-Impact Needs List
The newly released Dunstan Hospital High-impact Needs list highlights several urgent improvements identified by the hospital’s clinical team, including chemotherapy treatment chairs, a specialised respiratory support device, and upgrades to infection control facilities.
A Gift that Welcomes Everyone.
For the Pittaway family, their lived experience ultimately inspired a generous and lasting gift, one that transformed the Vincent Ward reception into a calmer, more welcoming space for every patient and visitor who arrives at Dunstan Hospital.
New Skin Lesion Service for Dunstan
We are delighted to advise that we have been working with the Health New Zealand (HNZ) Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Service in Dunedin and have opened a new service at Dunstan Hospital.
A Legacy Rooted in Community:
The Michael & Kate Sidey Charitable Trust has joined us as one of the first major supporters of the Dunstan Endowment Fund. Their generosity and early belief in our mission reflects a deep commitment to improving the wellbeing of the communities across Central Otago.