A new charitable trust has been launched to protect and expand the region’s publicly funded and community owned hospital in Clyde.

The Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust will work alongside Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL), the community-owned operator of Dunstan Hospital, to fund projects that enhance patient care, extend clinical reach, and futureproof the hospital for generations to come.

“Everyone deserves quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” Foundation patron Sir Sam Neill said.

“Dunstan Hospital has served this community for generations. This foundation is about keeping that service strong, expanding what it offers, and making sure local care remains local.”

Initial projects are likely to include the redevelopment and expansion of the chemotherapy and infusion unit, upgrades to diagnostic technology, and digital tools that extend specialist care deeper into rural communities.

Dunstan Hospital Photo: Supplied

Dunstan Hospital receives public funding to deliver core services on behalf of the government. However, funding is largely limited to day-to-day operational costs — not facility upgrades, new equipment, or medical innovations. Concerns have been growing over health inequity in the region.

Wānaka-based investment company Roa has received consent for a $300M private surgical hospital in Wānaka, which has raised questions about access for non-elective and lower-income patients.

Also underway are regional deal negotiations between central government and Otago Lakes Central (a group comprising Queenstown District Council (QLDC), Central Otago District Council, and Otago Regional Council). 

The draft deal includes plans for a privately financed, publicly leased hospital in Queenstown.

Read more: Who is shaping the future of Central Lakes health?

The new foundation says while private facilities may fill limited surgical niches, they cannot replace 24/7 public medical care.

“Community fundraising bridges that gap,” Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson said.

“It allows us to move faster, upgrading facilities, expanding clinical capacity, and investing in technology that keeps care local and accessible.”

Meanwhile, Health NZ is undertaking a clinical services review for the Central Lakes region to help to determine what future publicly funded clinical services may be required in the area, how they will be delivered, and where they will be provided.

Hayley said Dunstan Hospital’s role in providing urgent care, medical services, imaging and ambulatory care will continue to be needed. 

“It makes sense to keep medical beds on both sides of the gorge,” Hayley said.

“Dunstan already has a facility with capacity for cost-effective expansion, and we’re ready to grow strategically, including extending services to Wānaka.”

She said philanthropic support will make “a tangible difference to patient outcomes” by funding more than the basics, investing in facilities, technology, and clinical capacity.

Dunstan Hospital Foundation founders say rural hospitals are under increasing pressure to meet rising demand with limited funding, but Dunstan Hospital offers a proven, community-owned model that shows how local leadership, innovation, and philanthropy can sustain and strengthen essential healthcare outside the main centres.

The Dunstan Hospital Foundation vision (“elevated excellence in rural healthcare”) is about funding more than government budgets will allow - rural outreach clinics, staff wellbeing initiatives, and enhanced medical student training that attracts the next generation of rural doctors, nurses and allied health staff.

Hayley said the Central Otago community invested in a CT Scanner for Dunstan, which resulted in “faster diagnosis, less travel, and better outcomes for our patients”. 

“That’s the kind of impact the foundation exists to continue.”

Foundation chair Warrick Deuchrass said the goal is to keep care “close to home”.

“Every donation goes straight back into improving access, dignity, and innovation in the way rural healthcare is delivered.”

Community events will be held across the region in early November to mark the launch, including one at the Alexandra Community House on Tuesday (November 4) from 10am–12pm.

Find more information here go to www.dunstanhospital.org.nz To see events around Central Otago, go to The Central App Public Notices.

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