Reports a Dunedin hospital cost-saving request ended up evolving into a full redesign without some officials knowing

The Otago Daily Times says it's obtained emails it's obtained show former finance and health ministers Grant Robertson and Andrew Little were concerned by the major redesign, which came after their request for 'some scaling' following cost increases.

Documents shows over 50 million dollars had been spent on consultancy fees, including on cost-cutting work.

Former Labour MP Pete Hodgson says the revelation should be used by the current Government as a warning not to repeat an exercise which would require clinical cuts, and not save money.