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.
When former New Zealand Defence Force serviceman Duncan Miller spends six hours receiving chemotherapy at Dunstan Hospital, comfort isn't simply a luxury – it's an important part of his treatment.
Thanks to the generosity of local donors, Duncan is one of hundreds of patients already benefiting from equipment funded through the Dunstan Hospital Foundation's High-Impact Needs programme.
"When you're spending six hours at a time having treatment, peace and comfort become really important," says Duncan. "These chairs truly make the experience easier. They're so comfortable you can even sleep in them."
His experience reflects the growing impact community philanthropy is having across Dunstan Hospital.
Since launching the High-Impact Needs programme, the Dunstan Hospital Foundation has successfully funded more than $149,000 worth of priority equipment and facility improvements, demonstrating what can be achieved when a community comes together behind local healthcare.
The projects funded are already improving patient care, supporting clinical teams and helping more people receive high-quality healthcare closer to home.
Community giving in action
Among the first projects to be completed were new chemotherapy treatment chairs, providing greater comfort, dignity and safety for patients undergoing lengthy cancer and infusion treatments.
The chairs have also improved safety and efficiency for nursing staff.
"These chairs increase both patient and staff safety," says Carmen Johnson, Chemotherapy Unit Lead.
"They can be fully adjusted to meet individual patient needs, and in an emergency they allow us to reposition patients quickly and safely. They also help us make better use of the clinical space while ensuring patients remain comfortable throughout treatment."
The Foundation has also funded two replacement Cough Assist Machines, providing advanced respiratory support for people living with conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders.
These machines help patients clear secretions, reduce respiratory complications and, importantly, remain safely at home for longer, often preventing avoidable hospital admissions. They are also shared across neighbouring rural hospitals, extending their impact well beyond Central Otago.
Another significant project is the new Dunstan Hospital Equipment Hub, currently progressing through resource consent before construction begins.
The purpose-built facility will improve access to more than 2,000 rehabilitation and mobility items, allowing patients to return home sooner with the equipment they need while freeing up valuable clinical space inside the hospital for frontline healthcare services.
Healthcare never stands still
For the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, however, this milestone is just the beginning..
It marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Recognising that healthcare needs continually evolve as technology advances, services expand and communities grow, the Foundation is transforming its High-Impact Needs List into an ongoing High-Impact Needs Fund.
Rather than working towards a single fundraising target, the Fund will continue supporting Dunstan Hospital's highest-priority equipment and infrastructure needs as they emerge.
"One of the biggest things we've learnt is that healthcare never stands still," says Kayla Sargeant, Manager of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation.
"As one need is funded, another emerges. Clinical priorities evolve, equipment reaches the end of its life, and new opportunities arise to improve patient care. The High-Impact Needs Fund creates a lasting partnership between our community and our hospital, ensuring we can continue responding to those needs for years to come."
The next generation of healthcare improvements
Dunstan Hospital's clinical teams have now identified the next group of high-impact priorities that will directly improve patient care across the region.
One of the most urgent is an Outpatients Infection Control Upgrade.
With almost 6,000 specialist outpatient consultations delivered each year and demand continuing to grow, the current cleaning and sterilisation area no longer meets the needs of modern specialist services.
The upgrade will strengthen infection-control processes, improve staff workflow, increase efficiency and support the continued expansion of procedures such as colonoscopy services—allowing more people to receive specialist care closer to home.
Other priorities include:
A Slit Lamp to support earlier diagnosis of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and other sight-threatening conditions, helping preserve vision through earlier intervention.
"At Dunstan Hospital, a modern slit lamp equipped with video capability will enable live, real-time consultation with remote ophthalmology specialists for acute front-of-eye emergencies. It also provides the essential infrastructure needed to host local outpatient clinics and deliver regular intravitreal Avastin injections, keeping complex eye care within Central Otago." - Clinical Director Jonothon Wills
A Therapeutic Playground that will support physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy for local children while creating a welcoming environment for families visiting the hospital.
"A new playground will provide far more than a place to play—it will be an important tool for supporting children’s development, wellbeing, and therapy. Designed to meet a range of developmental abilities, it will help children build confidence, balance, coordination, communication, and social skills in a fun and engaging environment. For families attending appointments at Dunstan Hospital, it will create a positive and welcoming experience, while also offering a safe space for children visiting loved ones in hospital. Replacing the ageing playground with a modern, accessible design will benefit local children and families for many years to come." — Anna-Leah Shaw, Child Development Service Coordinator & Occupational Therapist (NZROT), Dunstan Hospital
A CX90 Digital X-Ray System, providing clearer diagnostic images, lower radiation exposure and faster diagnosis for patients across Central Otago.
"This upgrade will deliver real benefits for both our patients and staff. The improved technology can reduce the number of images needed, meaning lower radiation exposure for patients and a more efficient examination process. It will also enhance staff safety by removing the need to repeatedly lift and position a weighted detector throughout the day. Just as importantly, it helps protect the longevity of our existing equipment by reducing the risk of accidental damage, ensuring we can continue providing reliable imaging services for our community." — Teressa Hanning, Charge Radiographer
A Panda Warmer to provide specialist neonatal support for newborn babies requiring urgent assessment, breathing assistance or temperature regulation during those critical first moments of life.
"This equipment is about being prepared. When a newborn requires additional assessment or monitoring after birth, having the right equipment available helps us provide safe, timely care close to home." - Nursing Director, Gemma Atkinson
A LIFEPAK 35 Cardiac Monitor and Defibrillator, delivering advanced monitoring and life-saving emergency response technology when every second counts.
"In an emergency, our clinicians rely on accurate information and dependable equipment to make critical decisions quickly. The LIFEPAK 35 would enhance our ability to provide advanced emergency care for the people of Central Otago when they need it most."- Nursing Director, Gemma Atkinson
How you can help
The success of the High-Impact Needs programme has shown the extraordinary difference community support can make for local healthcare. Every donation helps ensure Dunstan Hospital can continue investing in priority equipment, technology and facility improvements that directly benefit patients and healthcare teams across Central Otago.
By contributing to the Dunstan Hospital Foundation High-Impact Needs Fund, donors help provide the resources needed to respond to emerging healthcare priorities as they arise, ensuring local people can access high-quality care closer to home.
Whether your gift supports advanced diagnostic equipment, specialist treatment services, rehabilitation resources, or life-saving emergency technology, every contribution helps strengthen healthcare for our community.
To donate:
Visit Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust or contact the Foundation Manager to discuss making a one-off gift, becoming a regular donor, or supporting a specific project.
Together, we can continue building a healthier future for Central Otago, Upper Clutha and Teviot Valleys one investment at a time.
"The community has already helped fund more than $149,000 in healthcare improvements. With your support, we can continue delivering the next generation of care for our region."