Press Release 20th May 2004
Dunstan Hospital

Terry Coombs, Building Planner for the new hospital, presented plans and expectations to the local press.
He explained the lengthy process that has been worked through to achieve a smooth running operation and to assist staff by efficient planning (Wants vs. Needs)
The old building will be demolished and have completely new patient facilities including a radiology dept (for both ‘In Patients’ and ‘Out Patients’) with ‘critical services’ in one area. Existing buildings will be utilised and restored wherever possible for administration, laboratory, Community Health Services, Chapel and storage. The existing entrance will become the service entry point.
The new hospital will be a single storied, traditional plaster finish with colour steel roof. The design is based on rural hospitals in America, but adapted to suit local conditions. The back wall of the ‘entrance area’ may house the various plaques which have been presented to the hospital over the past 140 years. The finial from the original hospital will be attached to the roof of the atrium.
This hospital will provide ‘acute care’ for inpatients, outpatients & trauma assessment. Patients will be assessed for holding or for transferring to larger hospitals.
It is a unique model of care and could be used for future hospitals in N.Z.