In a sign of an increasing number of wards and services shifting to Wakari, the ecumenical chapel, Whare Karakia, will open on November 1.
Co-ordinating chaplain the Rev Lois Hurd-McKee said the chapel happened to be opening exactly 48 years after the original chapel opened in 1964.
The old chapel, which was in a different part of the building, closed because key services had left Wakari. However, chaplains continued regular visits over the years, and had an office in the hospital.
The old chapel's font, dedicated to the first Wakari Hospital chaplain, the Rev Thomas Mackintosh, would be used in the new chapel, along with the old altar and kneelers.
Hospital chaplain the Rev Cameron Sinclair said the chapel would be used for services and be a place of reflection and quiet, for staff and patients.
Anglican Bishop of Dunedin the Rt Rev Dr Kelvin Wright and Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin the Most Rev Colin Campbell would attend next week's chapel opening and blessing, along with other church leaders.
Finishing touches are still being put on the chapel, which seats up to 20 people.
Many Southern District Health Board services have shifted up the hill, including the acute mental health ward. Wakari now hosts the board's monthly meetings, its chief executive and many corporate staff.
