Flowers and Dunedin Hospital
Dunedin Hospital, at 201 Great King Street, is a Health NZ hospital with roots going back to 1851. Before you order flowers for someone there, it helps to know that the hospital restricts them in many areas because of the risk to patients with respiratory disorders.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
- Ward rules quoted from the hospital
- Name and ward on the card
- Local florists deliver the flowers
Fresh flowers are not allowed in ICU, HDU, oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, surgical or medical wards, or in multi-bed rooms (risk to patients with respiratory disorders). Check with ward reception before using a florist.
“Due to the risk that fresh flowers pose to patients with respiratory disorders, you cannot bring them into the following areas: intensive care unit, high dependency unit, oncology ward, cardiovascular ward, respiratory ward, surgical ward, medical ward, multi-bed rooms. If you are bringing flowers in or using florist delivery services, check with the ward reception.”
Where fresh flowers cannot go
Health NZ's page says: "Due to the risk that fresh flowers pose to patients with respiratory disorders, you cannot bring them into the following areas":
- intensive care unit
- high dependency unit
- oncology ward
- cardiovascular ward
- respiratory ward
- surgical ward
- medical ward
- multi-bed rooms
That covers most of the hospital's general wards, plus any multi-bed room, so in practice flowers are only an option for some patients in single rooms on other wards.
Ask ward reception first
The page adds: "If you are bringing flowers in or using florist delivery services, check with the ward reception." So before you order, check with the ward before sending. Have the patient's full name and ward ready when you call.
Visiting Dunedin Hospital
Visiting hours are 2pm to 8pm daily. You need an appointment to visit someone in the neonatal intensive care unit, the high dependency unit or the adult intensive care unit.
When home is the better address
Given how many wards are covered, a bouquet sent to the patient's home after discharge is often the surest way to make sure the flowers are enjoyed. Our Dunedin flower delivery page covers the city and nearby suburbs. A card or note on the ward can bridge the gap until they are home.
The same list of restricted areas is published for Southland Hospital, Lakes District Hospital and Wakari Hospital.
The hospital in brief
Wikipedia says the original hospital opened in 1851 at The Octagon and moved in 1865 to its present central location. It is described as the major base hospital for Otago and Southland, with a catchment of roughly 330,000 people and about 3,000 staff. Health NZ lists a tertiary birthing unit with neonatal care, and notes that the new outpatient building is now open. The full rebuild is expected in 2031.
Entrances, parking and buses
- The main entrance is through street entrances on Great King Street and Cumberland Street, with pick-up and drop-off zones at both.
- The upper and lower concourse car parks are reserved for outpatients.
- Mobility spaces are on the upper concourse and by the entrances.
- Many bus routes stop at the hospital, and St John health shuttles run on 0800 103 046.
Who to call
General enquiries: 03 474 0999. The admissions office is on 03 470 9322, 8am to 4:30pm on weekdays. The Dispensary café is on the ground floor of the Ward Block, South Wing. After-hours visits may be possible in serious circumstances; ask the ward.
Address for the order
- 201 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016
- Dunedin
Write the patient’s full name and ward on the card and the order. Rules checked 6 November 2026; hospitals change their rules, so call the ward if you are unsure.
Get-well flowers that suit a ward
Compact arrangements are easier for nurses and small bedside tables.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
