The Dunstan Hospital Foundation, to be launched today, is aiming to bridge the gap between private medical facilities and public medical care.
Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson said the foundation would keep top-notch medical care close to home for people in Central Otago and Upper Clutha, allowing the hospital to provide care "beyond the basics".
"Community fundraising bridges [the private-public] gap," Ms Anderson said.
"It allows us to move faster — upgrading facilities, expanding clinical capacity and investing in technology that keeps care local and accessible."
Dunstan Hospital received public funding to deliver core services on behalf of the government, she said.
However, funding was largely limited to day-to-day operational costs — not facility upgrades, new equipment or medical innovations.
Owned by Central Otago Health Services Ltd, Dunstan Hospital provided urgent care, medical services and imaging along with 24-hour medical and acute services, and would remain indispensable for decades, Ms Anderson said.
"Our hospital is known for delivering high-quality care, but we’re at a turning point.
"This foundation enables us to fund beyond the basics — to invest in facilities, technology and clinical capacity that reflect what rural communities truly deserve."
"Every donation goes straight back into improving access, dignity and innovation in the way rural healthcare is delivered."
People and corporate organisations in the area gave generously to the hospital but the foundation would put more emphasis on the significance and importance of partnership with the hospital, he said.
Dunstan Hospital, in Clyde, has 24 inpatient beds and offers medical services from chemotherapy and infusion treatments to district nursing services.
The hospital’s computerised tomography (CT) scanner was an example of a private-public partnership.
The cost of the scanner and its suite was funded from grants and fundraising, while the operational cost was covered by government funding.
• Dunstan Hospital Foundation community information events will be held across the region next week —
• Wānaka — Monday, November 3, 10am–noon, Community Hub.
• Alexandra — Tuesday, November 4, 10am–noon, Community House.
• Cromwell — Wednesday, November 5, 10am–noon, The Gate.
