Driving Care Forward: New Patient Transfer Vehicle for Dunstan Hospital

A new vehicle is helping Dunstan Hospital deliver care beyond its walls — ensuring safer, more comfortable journeys for patients who need treatment outside Central Otago.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of local businesses, service clubs, community projects and trusts, Dunstan Hospital now has a dedicated patient transfer vehicle, purpose‑built to support the growing needs of our region.

For many patients, accessing specialist care means travelling long distances to other health facilities. This new vehicle makes that experience more dignified, reliable, and patient‑centred — reducing stress at what is often a challenging time.

More Than a Vehicle — A Community Effort

This achievement is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose. The Dunstan Hospital Foundation is deeply grateful to the organisations who made this project possible through their generous support:

  • Pulse Energy – Lend a Hand

  • Cromwell Rotary & Lions

  • Lot 47 Community Project

  • Bayleys Cromwell

  • Lions Clubs Central Otago

  • Rotary New Zealand

  • Lion Foundation

  • Master Builders NZ – Central Otago Branch

  • Bob Turnbull Trust

  • Sign It Signwriting Cromwell

Each contribution — whether financial, logistical, or in‑kind — played a vital role in delivering this vehicle for our community.

Improving Access to Care, Close to Home

Patient transfers are a critical part of rural healthcare. Having a dedicated vehicle means improved coordination, greater comfort for patients, and more flexibility for clinical teams supporting care beyond Central Otago.

This initiative directly aligns with the Dunstan Hospital Foundation’s purpose: supporting practical projects that strengthen local healthcare and keep services close to home wherever possible.

With Gratitude

The Dunstan Hospital Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to every supporter involved in this project. Your generosity is helping to move not only patients, but the entire community forward.

Together, we are driving better healthcare outcomes for Central Otago — today and into the future.

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