Kos—the Greek island that launched a thousand myths. Near the main town on the island is a shrine, to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, built to protect sailors and fishermen. Also worshipped on the island, with his own temple, is Apollo, son of Zeus, which in some versions of the stories makes him Aphrodite's half-brother. One of the sons of Apollo was Asclepius, who inherited from his father the arts of healing, including the ability to raise people from the dead. Asclepius in turn became immortal, and passed some of his knowledge on to his five daughters, each of whom became a goddess associated with an aspect of treatment or healing.

It is with profound sadness that the Dunstan Hospital Foundation marks the passing of our Patron, Sir Sam Neill, on 13 July 2026, aged 78. His family announced that he passed away in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones, describing his loss as sudden and unexpected.

As Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, Sir Sam brought credibility, warmth, and heartfelt support to our mission. He understood the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare in rural communities and generously lent his voice to helping secure a stronger future for health services across Central Otago and the Upper Clutha.

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.

          In Central Otago, we have a high prevalence of heart disease. We look after a large population of older retired people. Many of them have sold farms in Southland or South Otago, and left to come up to us. They move to our drier climate as soon as they don't need the rain to grow grass to feed sheep or cattle. They have eaten mutton and cream all their working lives, but have been reasonably active. At some time after their retirement, they start developing heart problems. Often this takes the form of a major heart attack, which for most of them is unexpected.

I have never really believed in medicines. I don't take them myself and I don't like prescribing them for others. Even the strongest ones don't seem to make enough of a difference. These days, such a lack of belief wouldn't matter. Our profession is presenting itself as more of a science and less of an art. I could say I was practising evidence-based medicine, and talk eloquently about therapeutic indices or numbers needed to treat. But I would have to admit that my aversion to pharmaceuticals has always for me been more of a personal preference

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.

Set against the beauty of Matauri Bay, it’s a powerful reminder that care close to home can be profoundly human — and sometimes deeply spiritual. A thoughtful long‑weekend read.

Stories like this are why local healthcare matters. In this reflection, Dr Trevor Lloyd writes about Donny, a high country farmer, former All Black, and larger-than-life local character whose resilience on the land was matched only by his reluctance to admit pain. From quad bike accidents to kidney stones to critical infection, Donny’s story reveals something fundamental about rural medicine: care close to home is deeply personal.

Kayla Sargeant, our Head of Foundation Marketing & Engagement, reflects on her recent visit to Teviot Valley.

A showcase of grassroots fundraising that continues to demonstrate what’s possible when people rally around better health outcomes for their community.

In a region defined by distance, community, and rugged landscapes, healthcare looks a little different. For many people in Central Otago, the most important care they’ll receive doesn’t happen inside a hospital, it happens at home.

Each year, Dunstan delivers an expanding number of specialist services. Demand is growing rapidly, as People and Specialist Services Director Catherine Haig explains.

From gold rush beginnings to its role today as a rural lifeline, Dunstan Hospital’s story is one of grit, generosity, and community leadership, a 160-year legacy now carried forward by the Dunstan Hospital Foundation.

Visitors to Dunstan Hospital are greeted by beautifully maintained grounds, green lawns and tidy gardens reflecting the care within. Few realise this is thanks to a special partnership with Fulton Hogan that has quietly flourished for a decade.

As the Patron of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, Sam is helping ensure that world-class care remains close to home for everyone in Central Otago.

For more than a decade, Annette has been the friendly force behind one of Dunstan Hospital’s most vital community services , Meals on Wheels. From her base in Alexandra, she coordinates a small army of volunteers who deliver not only hot meals, but also warmth, connection, and care to people across Central Otago.