Southland Charity Hospital: A Legacy of Compassion and Community
The Southland Charity Hospital in Invercargill, New Zealand, stands as a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven healthcare. Built in honour of the late Blair Vining, who passed from terminal bowel cancer in 2019, this facility was born out of a community’s determination to bridge the healthcare gaps of the chronically underfunded Southland region.
In 2018, after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, Blair Vining faced the harsh reality that, despite the urgency of his condition, accessing care through the overloaded public health system meant an eight to ten-week wait for treatment—time he simply didn’t have. After uncovering the extent of inequity in the region, Blair and his wife Melissa launched a campaign for more accessible cancer care and spent his remaining months advocating for equitable healthcare access. After his passing, Melissa worked tirelessly to ensure that his legacy would live on through the Southland Charity Hospital, fulfilling his vision to provide access to vital care for those who are unable to afford private treatment or the long wait for public services.
Construction began in May 2021 and over the past several years community support has been the backbone of this project, with thousands of volunteers and donors contributing funds, time and resources. Notably, the Buy a Brick for Blair campaign saw 12,000 engraved bricks, each carrying a message of support, incorporated into the hospital’s walkways—a symbolic foundation of the community’s commitment to fulfilling Blair’s dream.
Despite the delays and challenges brought by the pandemic, the hospital is almost ready to open its doors, thanks to a remarkable display of community, in which over $7m was raised in a fundraising drive that enabled the transformation of the old Clifton Travern into a hospital.
Together, Jacobsen and Flooring Xtra Invercargill were proud to play their part in supporting the Southland Charity Hospital, recognising the critical healthcare needs of the region. Upon learning of the project’s mission, they collaboratively approached the Southland Charity Hospital Board with an offer that saw Jacobsen donate all floor and wall coverings and Flooring Xtra the full installation – at no cost.
The donation amounted to significant cost savings that meant the board could divert funding that had been put aside for the fit-out and instead purchase essential medical equipment that they desperately needed.
Working closely with the hospital’s internal selection committee and Flooring Xtra, Jacobsen offered a range of materials that would meet the durability and safety requirements of the hospital environment.
Tarkett Wallgard 2mm in Snowflake was installed on the walls, providing a hygienic, easy-to-clean surface. On the floors, Tarkett’s iQ Granit and Granit Safe. T were installed for their robust and non-slip properties, while Tarkett Tandus Treco carpet tiles created a warm, inviting environment for patients and their families.
The Southland Charity Hospital will initially focus on providing free colonoscopies and dentistry services, with plans to expand its offerings over time. Modelled on the successful Canterbury Charity Hospital, the facility is designed with a compassionate environment that feels welcoming and supportive rather than clinical. This approach reflects the collective values of those involved in its creation, emphasising comfort for both patients and their families.
Managed by a dedicated board, the hospital will rely heavily on volunteers, including medical professionals who have committed to providing services outside their regular schedules. Without government funding, the ongoing operational costs will be met through fundraising, with an estimated $250,000 needed annually.
For Blair’s widow, Melissa Vining, the project is a deeply personal mission, driven by a vision of community resilience in the face of systemic healthcare challenges. Southland Charity Hospital is about more than just care, it’s about a community that has come together to ensure everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the quality healthcare they need.
Set to open its doors later this year, the Southland Charity Hospital symbolises the power of community to effect meaningful change. This hospital is built on compassion, resilience and a commitment to honouring Blair’s legacy.
Products used in this project
