The government had considered drastic revisions amid cost pressures, but it announced at the end of last month the planned new inpatients’ building capacity would be preserved.
This was received by the Dunedin City Council as a victory of sorts for the region after it campaigned to "Save Our Southern Hospital", but councillors yesterday emphasised remaining vigilant.
The focus of the fight may change, but the council campaign is not wrapping up just yet.
Cr Sophie Barker said a sharp eye needed to be kept on the project until a fully functioning hospital was delivered.
"I don’t think we’re finished yet," she said.
Cr Christine Garey said the community had presented a united front.
"It’s a great result, but we can’t take our eyes off the detail."
Cr Garey said a strong statement had been made about the value of hospital staff and their work.
Cr David Benson-Pope noted money essentially remained in the campaign kitty.
"I think it will be needed," he said.
Deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said the level of community support for the campaign should not be underestimated.
"We have to keep advocating, regardless of who is [in] government," she said.
Cr Andrew Whiley said a win had been achieved for the southern region — not just Dunedin.
Both the National and Labour parties were on notice they could not take any community for granted when it came to healthcare, he said.
Cr Steve Walker highlighted the large public march, people wearing protest T-shirts and badges, donating to the cause, contacting government ministers, writing letters and sending postcards.
It showed what could be achieved with people power, he said.
Cr Walker pointed out the government’s announcement fell short of what had been promised in the election campaign.
"I don’t think we should be conned into celebrating that somebody reneged on a promise," he said.
Cr Jim O’Malley said the council also needed to extract clear policy positions from opposition parties.
Cr Carmen Houlahan said councillors wearing protest T-shirts at a local government conference had annoyed politicians in power.
"We refused to be pushed down and shut up and we spoke up for our city," she said.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said thousands of people sent messages to MPs and there had been a team effort across the region.
Cr Kevin Gilbert said not everybody felt the campaign should have gone on as long as it had.
"I, for one, am glad we didn’t back down — neither as a council, nor as a city, nor as a region."
The council decided yesterday to send letters of thanks to clinicians, a hospital project steering group and a team connected to Cliff, the campaign ambulance.
