Te Whatu Ora Southern media enquiries
This content brought to you by:
Media enquiries
All media queries relating to Te Whatu Ora Southern (inclusive of Dunedin, Southland, Wakari and Lakes District Hospitals) during working hours should be directed to communications@southerndhb.govt.nz
Condition updates
During working hours, condition updates can be obtained via the communications team.
Out of hours, condition updates can be obtained from the Duty Managers at Dunedin Hospital (03 474 0999), Southland Hospital (03 218 1949) and Lakes Hospital (03 441 0015).
Please note we can only provide condition updates where we can easily and confidently identify the patient concerned. This normally means we need the name of the patient.
Note also that patients have the right to privacy and if they request that no information is released, we shall respect that request. In the event of a mass casualty, or during an emergency, Te Whatu Ora Southern may issue media statements and post these on this website.
Requests for patient interviews
We will check with the patient’s clinical team that they are well enough to be interviewed. If the clinical team believe it is appropriate, we will pass on your interview request to the patient or their parent or guardian.
It is up to the patient or their parent or guardian to decide whether they want to be interviewed and to give their consent for any photos or videos taken.
While on Te Whatu Ora Southern premises, you are required to be accompanied by a member of the communications team, or someone arranged by them.
Interviews are expected to take place during visiting hours only. No other staff or patients may be photographed without their consent.