
Hospital leaders at the Ranfurly medical facility ticked off another milestone in its $7million revamp last week as its new helipad began operations.
The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter fleet made its first transfer from Dunedin to Ranfurly on Thursday.
Maniototo Health Services Ltd general manager Geoff Foster said the first transfer had caused a buzz among staff and rest-home residents.
"There was a fair bit of excitement — the nurses were out there.
"Some of the old boys went out to have a look. It took them back to their teenage years."
The helipad, on an area of grass near the hospital park and entrance, cost about $70,000.
Mr Foster said the region was "punching above its weight" with the services now being provided.
"To have something like this is exceptional.
"To have it this close to the ED [emergency department] and the doctors is really beneficial, because without it we’ve had a bit of distance — either at the rugby grounds or over the other side of the old hospital."
Further facilities including a medical centre, dental rooms, Plunket rooms, X-ray and visiting rooms are expected to be opened in the next few weeks.
The hospital officially opened in April.