UPDATED 5:13pm: A Dunedin MP's revealed an embarrassing pattern of major building leaks and equipment failures at Dunedin Public Hospital.

Documents released under the Official Information Act to Labour's Associate Health Spokesperson detail critical failures in an environment meant to save lives.

MP David Clark says the report even states buckets are used in surgical wards to combat leaking ceilings.

"The buildings are not in a condition that they can be relied upon for surgery, and at times surgery has to be rescheduled to take account of the weather conditions."

David Clark blames cuts in government funding, and says it's a disgrace.

"The board explicitly advises that the hospital buildings don't provide an environment to support contemporary practice, and that's due to age, structural integrity, outdated design and the layout of the building."