Central Otago Community Close to Completing Key Hospital Upgrades
Central Otago — 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.
The initiative, developed through the Foundation’s Grateful Patient Programme, was designed to turn gratitude for care received into meaningful, lasting improvements for patients, staff, and the wider community.
Since launching, local support has raised over $125,000 and the foundation has moved swiftly to already deliver significant outcomes with three of the four priority areas either completed or well underway.
These include:
New chemotherapy and infusion chairs, improving comfort and dignity for patients
Cough Assist equipment, supporting respiratory care closer to home
An Equipment Hub (currently in development), designed to improve staff workflow and free up clinical space
Dunstan Hospital CEO, Hayley Anderson says the impact goes beyond individual pieces of equipment.
“Each of these improvements matters on its own, but together they are creating the conditions for a more responsive and capable hospital.”
“The Equipment Hub, in particular, plays a critical role allowing equipment to be better managed and freeing up space that can be carefully redeveloped into clinical and other use over time.”
This approach reflects a deliberate focus on building strong foundations in partnership with valued community support.
Community-Led Giving Driving Real Change
The programme has been shaped not only by donations, but by a strong sense of community connection.
Local donor Ann-Louise Stokes said contributing was about making a meaningful difference for others.
“I realised it was an incredibly worthwhile cause, where I could give a meaningful donation that would benefit many in the community… I hope that staff and patients can benefit from it both now and in the future.”
Clinical staff have also highlighted the importance of having the right equipment in the right placeEmma Sammon, Physiotherapy Clinical Lead says
“Donations from our local communities are supporting the development of a new allied health equipment hub and the purchase of two physiotherapy cough assist devices. Together, these initiatives will improve how essential equipment is stored, accessed, and maintained, supporting timely, high‑quality care across Central Otago. The cough assist devices will help people with weakened respiratory muscles clear lung secretions, reducing infections and hospital admissions while improving quality of life.”
Final Stage: Completing What the Community Started
With most of the High Impact Needs now delivered, the Foundation manager Kayla Sargent says the final stage is about ensuring the full plan is completed and integrated as intended.
“This isn’t about starting something new,”.
“It’s about finishing what our community has already made possible.”
The Foundation is encouraging anyone who has benefited from, or values, local healthcare to consider contributing to the final stage.
Donations can be made at: https://dunstan-hospital-foundation-charitable-trust-wishlist.raiselysite.com/
Community Gatherings to Share Progress
A series of community sessions will be held across the region to acknowledge progress and connect with supporters. These are not fundraising events, but an opportunity to reflect, share, and recognise what has been achieved together since the foundation launched six months ago. View all here.
Cromwell — Tuesday 2 June, 12–1pm | Cromwell Presbyterian Church, 10 Elspeth Street,
Alexandra — Wednesday 3 June, 12–1pm | St Enoch’s Church Lounge, 12 Centennial Avenue
Wānaka — Thursday 4 June, 2–3pm | Lake Wanaka Centre, Armstrong Room, 89 Ardmore St