The era of snail-mail appointment letters and disconnected clinic schedules may be nearing its end for Central Otago patients, with Health NZ beginning to roll out the digital systems that will underpin the new Dunedin Hospital outpatient building when it opens next year. 

For people in Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra and surrounding towns, who often travel to Dunedin for specialist treatment, surgery or emergency care, the upgrades are designed to deliver a smoother, more connected patient experience, Health NZ said. 

A Digital Health Design Lab has been set up on Cumberland Street in Dunedin, across from the new outpatient building, allowing Health NZ teams to test and refine the technology. 

Phil Baskerville, the digital programme director for the project, said the aim was to ensure the systems were ready before commissioning began. 

“The lab is fully equipped with one of every type of digital device that is going into the outpatient building, allowing teams to validate some of the new models of care and make sure everything works well in real-life situations,” he said. 

The new systems are intended to cut paperwork, improve communication, and make navigating the hospital easier.  

Key features include a centralised digital booking system with SMS and email notifications, replacing the current mix of letters, paper forms and spreadsheets; screens and devices to help patients and

visitors find their way around the hospital; and patient journey boards that provide real-time updates showing appointment details, clinic locations and patient flow. 

The scheduling system is being rolled out early so staff can begin using it before the hospital opens.  

“These tools will make communication faster and clearer across the hospital,” Phil said. 

A major shift is the move away from paper-based documentation, which Health NZ said will improve accuracy, speed up access to critical data, and reduce administrative workloads. 

The digital systems being trialled in Dunedin will also inform upgrades at other hospitals in the Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme, including Nelson and Whangārei. 

Health NZ said $225.5M was allocated in Budget 2022 for the new Dunedin Hospital digital programme, with $82.4M already committed to the outpatient building. 

Recent updates from Health NZ show steady progress on the new outpatient building itself. 

A short video released last week highlighted the facility’s layout and planned services, including specialist clinics, radiology, day surgery and a medical infusion unit, ahead of its expected opening late

next year. 

Landscaping and new footpaths around the site are also under construction; work Health NZ said would help make the area safer and easier to navigate for patients, staff and visitors.

The digital announcement coincides with Health NZ hosting community information sessions across Central Otago this week, inviting locals to share their views on the future of healthcare in the region. 

One of the meetings will be held in Cromwell on Wednesday at 10.45am at the Presbyterian Church, while a virtual meeting is set for 5.30pm the same day. 

Read more: Health NZ invites locals to shape future care