Mercy Hospital

The Dunedin City Council has approved the creation in the district plan of new ''zone'' specifically for Mercy Hospital, that will allow it to expand without having to apply for resource consent for every project it undertakes over the next 10 to 15 years.

Mercy Hospital's bid for its own special zone in the district plan is a test case for other Dunedin facilities, the private health provider's chief executive, Richard Whitney, told the Dunedin City Council's hearings committee yesterday.

The Dunedin City Council received 11 submissions on Mercy Hospital's proposed plan change, a letter to hospital neighbours says.

Dunedin's private Mercy Hospital plans to spend up to $30 million on bigger and better operating theatres, more beds and other new facilities to stay "ahead of the wave" of patient expectations.

Mercy Hospital, in Dunedin, will receive $25,000 to provide surgical services to needy people, thanks to the efforts of Central Otago winegrowers who will again combine to produce a cuvee from the 2012 vintage.

The Southern District Health Board moved to end elective surgery outsourcing with Mercy Hospital, but then changed its mind, Mercy chief executive Richard Whitney says.

Dunedin's Mercy Hospital has given $50,000 to the Chair in Neurosurgery appeal, which has now toppped $1.8 million.

Sister Chanel Hardiman is farewelled from Mercy Hospital's Marinoto House in Dunedin on Wednesday, November 16.

Photos by Craig Baxter; prints available from otagoimages.co.nz.

The last working Sister of Mercy at Mercy Hospital has retired from nursing.

Emergency care for people in remote areas of Otago and Southland could be compromised if neurosurgery is offered only from Christchurch, Dunedin-based National list MP Michael Woodhouse says.