Expanding Endoscopy Services at Dunstan Hospital

The Health New Zealand Endoscopy Service at Dunstan Hospital plays a vital role in diagnosing and preventing serious gastrointestinal conditions such as bowel cancer. Demand for this service has grown significantly and over the past year we have worked with the HNZ Gastroenterology Department in Dunedin to expand the service from one day per month to three days per month. This helps ensure more people across Central Otago and the wider southern region can access this critical service closer to home.

Responding to a Growing Need

For many years, the Gastroenterology services at Dunstan Hospital have operated in collaboration with Health New Zealand – Southern, who provide the specialist medical team and equipment. Dunstan supplies the procedure rooms, clinic spaces, and a highly skilled team of nurses trained in this specialist area.

Each month, a Gastroenterologist, Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Nurse Specialist travel from Dunedin to work alongside Dunstan’s team, performing gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures and providing consultations.

“We’ve moved from running one day of clinics each month to three,” says Catherine. “That’s a threefold increase in service provision in just a year — reflecting both population growth and growing need.”

Otago and Southland have some of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the country, and the introduction of nationwide screening has identified more people in need of endoscopy procedures — often before symptoms appear. “Screening helps diagnose issues early,” Catherine explains. “That early detection saves lives, but heightened awareness also increases demand.”

Expanding Capacity and Technology

To meet this rising demand, Dunstan has worked closely with the Gastroenterology Service Manager, Clinical Director, and Charge Nurse in Dunedin. “Together, we’ve increased staffing, added new equipment, and expanded our technical capacity,” Catherine says. “We’ve invested in new procedure trolleys, more scope devices, and upgraded technical equipment to keep pace with the growth and provide state-of-the-art procedures.”

Infrastructure changes are next on the list. “Our cleaning and reprocessing areas need enhancing to meet the growing demand,” she says. “We’re currently working with Health New Zealand to plan that upgrade. Once complete, we will apply to be credentialled to deliver National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) scopes, right here at Dunstan — saving even more travel for local patients.”

Improving Access and Reducing Travel

For many patients, receiving care locally is about far more than convenience. “Bowel preparation for these procedures can be challenging,” Catherine explains. “Patients often need mild sedation and frequent access to a bathroom, which makes long-distance travel difficult. Being able to have the procedure here, supported by family and local staff, makes a huge difference.”

The expanded service doesn’t just benefit Central Otago. Dunstan now supports referrals from across Otago and Southland, coordinated through Dunedin. “Patients are triaged by the specialist team according to clinical criteria, ensuring equitable access regardless of where they live,” says Catherine.

Quality and Safety First

With growth comes the need for rigorous quality assurance. “All procedures are delivered under strict protocols” Catherine says. “We have Quality Assurance programmes in place and are monitored with site visits from the NEQIP team. Maintaining high clinical standards remains our top priority.”

Looking Ahead

Endoscopy is one of health’s fastest-growing areas of demand, and planning is already underway for further expansion. “Ideally, we’ll see a purpose-built facility in the future, designed to meet the increasing healthcare needs of our region,” Catherine says. “That will allow us to continue providing specialist care close to home, with the comfort, safety, and efficiency our patients deserve.”

Last year alone, Dunstan’s endoscopy team approximately 400 procedures — each one reducing travel time, improving access, and supporting early detection and better outcomes for patients.