The new operating theatre at Mercy Hospital in Dunedin, the hospital’s ninth operating room, has been running at full capacity since its July 2024 commissioning.
The theatre has already hosted 342 procedures across multiple specialities, totalling more than 45,000 minutes of operating time.
“This is quite a milestone for us,” says Richard Whitney, CEO of Mercy Hospital.
“It’s the final step in a very carefully thought-out and implemented plan that we’ve been working through for many years.”
The $7.5 million development has expanded the hospital’s surgical capacity by 20%, enabling it to perform up to 10,000 surgeries annually, compared to its previous capability of 8000 procedures.
The new theatre forms part of a larger, 180sqm extension to the main theatre suite, representing the culmination of a decade-long modernisation strategy.
“We are building capacity in response to current and future demand increases,” says Richard. “This includes demand that is not satisfied through the public system, as well as the ever-increasing healthcare needs of a growing and aging population”
He says the theatre’s high utilisation rate reflects its versatility, with procedures spanning neurosurgery, orthopaedics, plastics, general surgery, and ear, nose, and throat operations. Importantly, the facility features large windows overlooking outdoor spaces, providing essential natural light for clinical staff during lengthy procedures that can extend up to 12 hours.
The extension project encompassed more than just the operating theatre itself. Supporting facilities have been developed to accommodate increased patient numbers and enhance staff working conditions.
These include a new female change room, additional storage space for medical supplies, new offices and a library.
Perhaps most appreciated by staff is what has been dubbed ‘New Zealand’s best theatre tearoom’ by a well-travelled medical representative.
The expanded staff room, bathed in natural light and offering views of the town-belt trees, provides theatre personnel with a relaxing environment to rest between surgeries.
Given the sensitive nature of building within an operational hospital environment, the construction process presented unique challenges.
The $7.5m development has expanded the hospital’s surgical capacity by 20%, enabling it to perform up to 10,000 surgeries annually, compared to its previous capability of 8000 procedures.
“Managing the needs of both the construction zone and the operating theatre area required careful planning,” explains Richard.
The hospital implemented various strategies to minimise disruption, including suspending construction during certain periods to ensure staff and patient wellbeing, scheduling noisy work outside operating hours, and utilising prefabrication techniques where possible.
Local expertise played a crucial role in the project’s success, with lead architect Regan Hall from McCoyWixon, project manager Sam Cadden from Logic Group, and main contractor Naylor Love working alongside various local subcontractors to bring the vision to reality.
However, the hospital is not resting on its laurels. Plans are already underway for further improvements, with focus shifting to the Marinoto Clinic building, where some tenanted clinic suites are already receiving complete upgrades.
As a not-for-profit organisation with faith-based roots, the increased capacity has broader implications for the community. The hospital’s charitable outreach programme partners with local organisations, provides surgical fees relief, and supports at-risk students through school tuition partnerships.
Richard says the expansion aligns with Mercy Hospital’s mission of providing ‘exceptional care that makes a difference’ to its local and regional communities. With healthcare needs continually evolving, the new theatre positions the hospital to meet growing demand, while maintaining its high standards of care.
“You can’t stand still in healthcare,” says Richard. “As our capacity increases, our ability to support the wider community increases.”