Mike Houlahan

Managers at the Southern District Health Board were aware for around three years of issues with its urology service causing long delays in treatment, a Health and Disability Commissioner report has found.

Strike action by medical imaging technologists has not prevented southern region patients in life-threatening situations from accessing X-rays or scans if they needed them, the Southern DHB says.

Issues with the inner-city Dunedin site, particularly concerning the cost of piles to build on reclaimed land, are believed to be concerning hospital planners and behind a bid to reduce the footprint of the new hospital.