In October, Maniototo Health Services, which runs the 15-bed Maniototo Hospital and the 16-bed Chalet retirement home, announced plans to build a new facility on the site which would combine the two operations.
It was seen as necessary to replace the 80-year-old hospital and the move was also intended to cut costs and improve th eefficiency of both operations.
Maniototo Health Services manager Geoff Foster said the company applied for funds from both the Government and the Central Otago District Council, as well as other organisations.
There was widespread fundraising in the community, including from bagpipers "rattling the tin" and local clubs, he said.
The company was also working on a scheme with the local Lions club, which would involve farmers contributing proceeds from stock sales.
At a meeting in Ranfurly last year, 200 people showed strong support for the project.
"The most important thing is that the community is behind this, and they really seem to be."
Maniototo Health Services was looking at ways funders could vote in the company and get tax benefits.
It had inquired about issuing more shares, but found it would require the creation of a prospectus, which would be too expensive, Mr Foster said.
When the project was announced, the plan was to have the facility functioning within two years and the bulk of funding locked in within 12 months.
That goal had not changed, he said.
The company was also talking to banks in case a commercial loan was needed.
"It’s still essential. We need to get out of this building."
The company had up to $2 million it could contribute to the project.
It was too soon to say when building would begin, Mr Foster said.
The construction cost was estimated at $5 million, which did not include the price of detailed designs or fitting-out of the facility.
