Timaru’s ‘zombie hospital’: Worst ICU, best views, and thankfully, a freshly carpeted stairwell.

The Timaru Herald | 10 October 2026

Timaru Hospital has the worst-rated ICU in the country, according to anaesthetist Dr Peter Doran. But on the bright side, the views are spectacular. And the stairwell has new carpet, so there’s that.

Speaking at Kaitiaki Hauora's Save Our Public Healthcare Roady, Doran described a hospital he calls a “zombie hospital”, where facilities are deteriorating, wards are overflowing, surgeries are cancelled and exhausted staff are holding things together.

Operating theatres haven't been upgraded in his 17 years at the hospital. Specialist vacancies are difficult to fill. And cuts to administrative staff have left clinicians doing work that takes them away from patients.

Meanwhile, Health NZ says improvements are planned, funding has been approved in principle, and recruitment is ongoing. Excellent. Perhaps patients can be treated in principle while they wait.

It's quite a picture of public healthcare in South Canterbury. And it's well worth reading every word. Link right here - https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/361093472/timarus-zombie-hospital-comes-best-views-worst-icu-roadshow-told