Mosgiel man John Forrester created a small slice of history yesterday, becoming the first patient through the doors at the New Dunedin Hospital Outpatients | Whare Mātūtū.
John and his support person, sister Helen Wilkinson, arrived early to familiarise themselves with the new facility and were impressed by what they found.
“How could you not feel good when you’re in a building like this?” John says.
There was another opening day milestone for Balclutha mum Sharnay Henderson and her daughter Bella, who were surprised to discover Bella was the first child to visit the new children’s outpatient service.
“Staff were welcoming and helped show us how to sign in and where to go,” Sharnay says.
“The facilities are super nice and modern with more space for children. We were really impressed.”
Bella was delighted to receive her own certificate and purple balloon to celebrate the milestone.
After years of planning and preparation, the outpatient building opened to patients yesterday, October 12.
The facility will house a range of outpatient clinics and services, together with radiology and imaging services, day surgery, and procedure rooms.
The opening of the facility also means some services within the existing Dunedin Hospital have moved or changed location. Clear signage is in place, and staff are available to help patients get to the right place.
Health New Zealand Southern Chief Medical Officer Dr Rebecca Brushwood says patients should follow instructions provided in their appointment letters, emails, and texts.
“We encourage patients to check the information provided with their appointment to confirm whether their service is now located at the new outpatient building. Anyone who is uncertain about where to go should contact their service directly.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming patients and whānau into the new building. We appreciate that finding your way around somewhere new can feel unfamiliar at first and staff will be available to help make that first visit as straightforward as possible.”
The outpatient building is located at 360 Cumberland Street, Dunedin.