Sacred Heart Home and Hospital is nestled in the peaceful Dunedin suburb of Brockville, just 5 km from the city centre, with easy access by public bus. Local conveniences such as a grocery store, pharmacy, and takeaway restaurant are within walking distance.
Perched on a hill, the home offers breathtaking views of Dunedin, the Otago Harbour, and the Pacific Ocean — a serene setting that enhances the wellbeing of our residents.
In 2010, extensive renovations modernized our hospital wing. We now offer 28 spacious rooms, each featuring:
Seventeen rooms overlook Dunedin and the harbour, while the remaining eleven face tranquil, landscaped gardens, offering peace and privacy in every direction.
Our thoughtfully designed shared spaces create a strong sense of community and comfort:
These spaces reflect our commitment to holistic care — physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Fees are set annually by the New Zealand Government on 1 July. The actual cost to each resident depends on their financial assessment by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).
If eligible, government support (along with Superannuation) is paid directly to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
The Southern District Health Board may also contribute for those assessed as needing permanent care.
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION:
The origins of Sacred Heart Home and Hospital go back to England in the 1870s, when a young postulant, Anne Mulholland, was advised her health would not sustain a religious life. Returning to civilian life, she eventually migrated to New Zealand, settling in Dunedin where she worked for Bishop Moran and later Bishop Verdon.
Driven by her deep faith, Anne passionately advocated for the arrival of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Dunedin. Her efforts bore fruit on 3 December 1904, when eight Little Sisters arrived and established a home under the patronage of the Sacred Heart. Just five days later, the chapel was blessed, and their first elderly resident was welcomed — marking the start of their mission in the South Island.
In 1907, a larger facility was built in Anderson’s Bay, serving Dunedin’s elderly for 70 years. When declared unsafe in 1970, a new site was chosen. By November 1978, the Sisters and residents moved into the current purpose-built home in Brockville.
From humble beginnings to a vibrant home overlooking the city, Sacred Heart Home and Hospital continues the mission of St. Jeanne Jugan — serving the elderly poor with love, dignity, and joy.
