Replacing irreparable bedside radio and television services for Dunedin Hospital patients may be desirable, but the Otago District Health Board has no money for it.
Board chief executive Brian Rousseau told the board's November meeting if the system were to be upgraded, the board might have to seek funding from community trusts.
The board is to investigate the possibilities for a new system in conjunction with a new nurse call system compatible with modern digital networks.
Building and property services manager Warren Taylor said the radio and television network at the hospital was now more than 30 years old and beyond repair as parts were no longer available.
The system had been added to more than was intended, resulting in the entire network being of very low quality.
The system was designed to receive very high-frequency signals (VHF) and the now more common ultra high-frequency signals (UHF) were not well supported.
A bedside television rental system was stopped in 2003.
This was not well used because of the high cost and "unacceptable level of support provided to clinical staff by the contractor".
There were also ongoing issues about the administration of the service.
Mr Taylor said the existing network would become redundant in 2012, when digital technology became the predominant signal source.
Board member Peter Barron asked if there were any options for a temporary system.
Chairman Richard Thomson suggested most patients would have their own transistor radios.
For patients who are not bedridden, television is available in patient lounges.
Mr Taylor said a new independent aerial system had been installed in the oncology area and the children's pavilion, but while this had worked for a while, extra loading had caused the reception to deteriorate badly.