Gordon McLean has been missing since about 3pm on Thursday, when he left Wakari Hospital.
The 63-year-old has schizophrenia and dementia.
Search and Rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Richard Panting said this morning that police units and a dog team were continuing the search Mr Mclean today.
"Police have serious concerns for
his welfare as he is very frail," Sgt Panting said.
Since he went missing on Thursday extensive searches covering the Waikari, Frasers Gully, Halfway Bush and Helensburgh areas since had located nothing of interest.
Sgt Panting said police needed people who lived in those areas to check their properties for any sight of him.
When Mr Mclean went missing he was wearing the pair of slippers in the image provided by police.
"Please check sheds, gardens and out-buildings and contact Dunedin Police on 03 4714800 immediately if you located his slippers or anything else out of the ordinary.
"We ask that people please keep an eye out for Mr Mclean and if you see him, or think you may have seen him, please ring Police on 111 immediately," Sgt Panting said.
Anyone in the areas mentioned with street facing CCTV cameras was also asked to review their footage since Thursday and let police know if they came across anything of interest.
Southern DHB’s medical director for mental health, addictions and intellectual disability Brad Strong said they were "increasingly concerned" for Mr McLean’s wellbeing.
"Our focus at this stage is on working with the police and we thank all those in the community for any assistance they can provide to the search.
"Mr McLean was resident in a non-secure facility. However, we will be fully reviewing the circumstances around his departure and care in light of these events."
Searchers broadened their hunt for Mr McLean yesterday after failing to find any sign of him near the psychiatric hospital.
