Articles tagged with Dunedin
Government Funds Memorials and Support for Survivors of Abuse in Care Royal Commission
1 month ago | 281 viewsThe New Zealand Government is funding seven local authorities and 68 non-government organisations through the Survivor Support and Recognition Fund (SSRF) to memorialise at least 4,000 unmarked graves linked to psychiatric and psychopaedic sites and to support survivors of abuse in care. Since its establishment after the 2024 public apology, the SSRF has allocated over $4.9 million in two funding rounds to create memorials, provide survivor services such as peer support and therapy, and conduct research on burial sites. These initiatives aim to acknowledge the long-term impact of abuse and neglect in care, fulfilling key recommendations of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Tags: Erica Stanford Auckland Council Christchurch City Council Dunedin City Council Nelson City Council Porirua City Council Rangitikei District Council Whanganui District Council Lake Alice Abuse in Care Royal CommissionNew ED Pharmacist Role at Dunedin Hospital Speeds Patient Care and Supports Doctors
1 month ago | 270 viewsA new pharmacist role in Dunedin Hospital’s Emergency Department has improved patient flow and safety by taking medication histories, reviewing medicines, and identifying issues early, saving doctors up to 20 minutes per patient. This role enables faster, more accurate clinical decisions and allows doctors to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork, enhancing efficiency across the hospital. Positive feedback from ED doctors highlights the role as a game changer, particularly for patients with complex medication needs, demonstrating the benefits of targeted workforce initiatives.
Tags: pharmacist Dunedin Hospital Emergency Department Health Minister Simeon Brown patient flow medication histories clinical efficiency patient safety healthcare system frontline staffAssociate Minister Visits Silver Fern Farms to Boost Nature-Positive Export Markets
1 month ago | 373 viewsAssociate Minister Hon Andrew Hoggard visited Silver Fern Farms in Dunedin to learn how the company addresses growing export demand for credible nature and biodiversity outcomes. Silver Fern Farms collaborates with the Government to develop voluntary nature and carbon markets, using innovative tools like PRISM Earth to support on-farm decision-making and link biodiversity to export claims. The visit also highlighted the Nature Market Accelerator initiative, demonstrating effective public-private collaboration to promote nature-positive production in New Zealand’s food industry.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Silver Fern Farms Dunedin PRISM Earth Lynker Analytics Dan Boulton Nature Market Accelerator New Zealand Government biodiversityExpanding Healthcare Services Closer to Home in Otago Central Lakes Region
1 month ago | 278 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to expand healthcare services in Wānaka, Cromwell, Queenstown, and the wider Otago Central Lakes area, focusing on primary care, diagnostics, mental health, maternity, and outpatient services to meet growing demand. Health New Zealand has developed the Central Lakes Clinical Services Plan, backed by $25 million in new operating funding from 2027/28 and $52 million in capital funding, aiming to bring more care closer to home and reduce the need for long-distance travel. The plan also includes modernizing facilities and digital systems, with a key emphasis on creating a new, locally responsive maternity care model in collaboration with health professionals.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health New Zealand Otago Central Lakes Wānaka Cromwell Queenstown Dunedin Invercargill New Zealand Health MinisterDunedin Hospital Unveils $4.3M Advanced LINAC for Precise Cancer Treatment
1 month ago | 377 viewsDunedin Hospital has installed a new $4.3 million next-generation Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine, enhancing precision cancer treatment with targeted radiation that minimizes damage to healthy tissue. The advanced technology allows clinicians to treat multiple tumors simultaneously, reducing treatment times and enabling therapies not possible with older models. This upgrade is part of a nationwide effort to improve cancer care access and outcomes, providing patients in the lower South Island with modern, high-quality treatment closer to home.
Tags: Simeon Brown Dunedin Hospital Linear Accelerator cancer treatment South Island New Zealand Taranaki Cancer Centre radiation therapy healthcare technology cancer careNew Peer Support Workers Introduced in Whangārei, Hutt Valley, and Hawke’s Bay EDs
2 months ago | 389 viewsWhangārei, Hutt Valley, and Hawke’s Bay hospitals will soon have peer support workers in their emergency departments, joining eight other hospitals already offering this service as part of a $61.6 million funding boost for better mental health crisis response. Peer support workers use their lived experience to help patients feel understood and supported during vulnerable times, improving connection to follow-up care and overall crisis support. This expansion aims to provide faster access to frontline workers and enhance mental health care across New Zealand.
Tags: Whangārei Hutt Valley Hawke’s Bay Matt Doocey Counties Manukau Auckland Waitematā Christchurch Hamilton DunedinNew South Island Crisis Recovery Café Opens in Dunedin for Mental Health Support
2 months ago | 695 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the opening of the second South Island Crisis Recovery Café in Dunedin, providing a calm, peer-led, non-clinical space for people experiencing mental distress as an alternative to busy emergency departments. The cafés, operated by the Otago Mental Health Support Trust, will run at two sites in South Dunedin and North East Valley, offering 16 hours of support weekly and connecting individuals to long-term community services. This initiative is part of a broader mental health plan to enhance crisis response through increased peer support workers and faster access to care.
Tags: Matt Doocey Otago Mental Health Support Trust South Island Crisis Recovery Café Dunedin North East Valley peer support mental health crisis recovery addiction challenges emergency departmentsDunedin Hospital’s New Surgical Assessment Unit Cuts Wait Times & Speeds Care
2 months ago | 557 viewsDunedin Hospital’s new $2.4 million Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) is now fully operational, providing faster assessment and earlier treatment for patients with acute surgical conditions, thereby reducing emergency department wait times. The SAU, staffed by experienced nurses and supported by surgical specialists, operates 24/7 and enables prompt interventions, improving patient flow by admitting directly to surgical wards or discharging with clear plans. Since its trial in December 2025, the unit has treated over 630 patients, demonstrating significant improvements in timely care and receiving positive feedback.
Tags: Simeon Brown Dunedin Hospital Otago Southland Surgical Assessment Unit SAU emergency department appendicitis Clinical Nurse Specialists surgical nursesNew Appointments to University of Otago Council Strengthen Governance and Leadership
3 months ago | 598 viewsUniversities Minister Dr Shane Reti announced the appointment of Chris Hopkins and Dr Peter Bramley to the University of Otago Council, emphasizing the importance of strong governance in supporting universities' roles in workforce education and economic growth. Hopkins brings extensive leadership and financial management experience, while Bramley offers expertise in health management and academic lecturing. Dr Reti also thanked outgoing members Malcolm Wong and Hon Clare Curran for their service, highlighting the council's role in developing New Zealand's future skills and leadership.
Tags: Shane Reti Chris Hopkins Peter Bramley Malcolm Wong Clare Curran University of Otago University of Canterbury Dunedin International Airport Universities Minister New ZealandKiwiRail Boosts Performance with $73M Surplus and 7% Volume Growth
3 months ago | 595 viewsKiwiRail has shown significant improvement, achieving a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7% increase in volumes due to focused commercial discipline and upgraded rolling stock. Investments in modern locomotives, better maintenance funded by legislative changes, and improved infrastructure have enhanced schedule reliability and reduced disruptions from natural events. Additionally, Interislander maintained 100% reliability during peak periods, demonstrating the success of KiwiRail’s strategic focus on reliability, cost control, and asset renewal.
Tags: KiwiRail Winston Peters Suzanne Tindal New Zealand Dunedin Hillside Workshops Stadler locomotives Interislander Infrastructure Commission Rail Minister South IslandSouthland Hospital Opens New Dialysis Unit to Improve Local Patient Care
4 months ago | 683 viewsSouthland Hospital has opened a new dialysis unit with five haemodialysis spaces and a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training, improving access to treatment for patients in Invercargill and the wider Southland region. Previously, patients had to travel long distances to Dunedin for dialysis, but the new facility allows more local care, reducing stress and supporting better health outcomes. The unit will also support home haemodialysis training, increasing patient independence and flexibility in managing their treatment.
Tags: Southland dialysis Invercargill Health Minister Simeon Brown Southland Hospital renal care haemodialysis peritoneal dialysis DunedinNew Zealand Rolls Out Peer Support in 8 Emergency Departments Ahead of Schedule
5 months ago | 687 viewsThe Government has successfully implemented peer support services in eight emergency departments, including Tauranga Hospital, five months ahead of schedule, fulfilling its two-year commitment. These services, provided by specialists with lived experience, help individuals in mental health crisis feel heard, supported, and connected to community care, improving long-term outcomes. Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey emphasizes the importance of strengthening the peer support workforce to enhance New Zealand's mental health system.
Tags: Matt Doocey Tauranga Hospital Ember Auckland Waikato Middlemore Hospital North Shore Wellington Christchurch DunedinCounties Manukau Urgent Care Now Open 24/7 for South and East Auckland
5 months ago | 809 viewsThe Counties Manukau after-hours service in South and East Auckland now operates 24/7, providing urgent care at any time and reducing pressure on Middlemore Hospital's emergency department. This restoration reverses the 2020 closure and aligns with the Government's Urgent Care and After-Hours Framework, aiming to ensure 98% of New Zealanders live within an hour of urgent care. Similar expansions are planned nationwide to improve access and support rural communities.
Tags: Simeon Brown Counties Manukau Middlemore Hospital South Auckland East Auckland New Zealand Dunedin Lower Hutt Whangārei TaurangaSouthern Way Campaign Boosts Lower South Island Tourism with $459K Funding
5 months ago | 756 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $459,250 in the Southern Way campaign to promote the lower South Island to Australian visitors, highlighting unique local attractions and hospitality. The campaign, running from April to June 2026, involves collaboration among regional tourism organizations to offer themed itineraries and travel deals that support local businesses and communities. This funding is part of a larger $3.69 million initiative aimed at boosting regional tourism during the autumn and early winter seasons.
Tags: Louise Upston Southern Way Great South Tourism Waitaki Enterprise Dunedin Clutha Development Tourism Central Otago Destination Queenstown Lake Wanaka Tourism Regional Tourism Boost FundDame Karen Poutasi: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership in New Zealand Health
5 months ago | 1276 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown honored Dame Karen Poutasi for her extensive contributions to New Zealand's health system and public sector. Dame Karen held senior health roles, including Director-General of Health for 11 years, Chief Executive of NZQA for 14 years, and Chair of Health New Zealand, significantly improving health outcomes. Her leadership and expertise left a lasting legacy, and the government extended condolences to her family and friends.
Tags: Simeon Brown Dame Karen Poutasi New Zealand health system public health medicine Dunedin Hospital Middlemore Hospital Chief Health Officer Cartright Inquiry New Zealand Qualifications Authority