Dunstan Hospital Positions Itself as a Key Health Solution

Dunstan Hospital in Clyde is actively working to address ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector, positioning itself as a solution provider amid persistent funding issues. According to Richard Thomson, chairman of Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL), while government policies may change, the fundamental problems in health care remain largely unchanged.

Thomson highlighted the consistent lack of funding and commitment to increase financial resources for health care. “The only way you can do that is increase the taxation, really,” he stated. He emphasized that these challenges are long-standing, and while they persist, Dunstan Hospital is striving to engage with Health New Zealand to find innovative solutions. “When we position ourselves as a solution to problems, we get engagement with Health New Zealand. They sit down with us; they’re open about what their problems are,” Thomson explained.

Community Support Drives Long-Term Vision

Dunstan Hospital, established in 1999 to prevent closure, is a community-owned, not-for-profit institution. Since its formation, the population of Central Otago has grown and aged significantly. Last year alone, Dunstan Hospital delivered over 1,900 cancer infusion treatments and served more than 6,000 outpatients. Jonno Wills, the clinical director, noted that the hospital’s foundation aims to bridge the gap between baseline and excellent care, enhancing health outcomes for the community.

Thomson expressed his satisfaction with recent community meetings held in Wanaka and Alexandra, describing the turnout as “really encouraging.” He believes the strong community interest in Dunstan Hospital underscores its importance to local residents. “They do feel it’s their hospital, and what happens here is really important,” he stated.

Despite the significant community backing, the hospital has not actively sought contributions in the past. Thomson acknowledged this gap, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision to ensure the hospital’s sustainability. “We need to think long-term. This hospital’s got a long-term future in this community,” he said.

A Unique Hospital Culture

Having dedicated over 25 years to hospital governance, Thomson described his role at Dunstan as his “best gig” yet. He attributes this sentiment to the hospital’s unique culture and the active engagement of its staff. “It’s not a bureaucratic kind of hospital,” he remarked, noting that the community’s support and involvement play a crucial role in its operations.

As Dunstan Hospital continues to navigate the challenges of healthcare funding and delivery, its leadership remains focused on fostering collaboration with health authorities and enhancing community ties. The hospital’s proactive approach and commitment to finding solutions reflect its mission to remain a vital health resource for the Central Otago region.