The Marlborough Community Hospice
exists due to the care and effort of many people. Two key groups involved in its
establishment, success and continued development are the Marlborough Hospice Trust and The
Salvation Army.
The
Salvation Army is contracted by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board to
provide quality palliative care.
Together these groups form the Marlborough Community Hospice.
Prior to 2003, hospice services for Marlborough were delivered by the
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board. After community consultation it was agreed that
a purpose built facility and hospice service was needed in our region. The Marlborough
Hospice Trust was established to develop a community fund for establishing, maintaining
and developing a hospice service.
Over $1.5 million dollars was raised to build the current hospice building, situated
within the grounds of Wairau Hospital, and owned by the Marlborough Hospice Trust. It was
opened in November 2003 and included a 4 bed inpatient unit. The Salvation Army was chosen
to be the service provider and continues in this role today.
In 2005, the hospice took over community palliative care nursing from the Nelson
Marlborough District Health Board. At any one time, there can be approximately 60 patients
on the hospice palliative care programme. The vast majority of these people are being
cared for in their own homes.
The Marlborough Community Hospice service has been well received by the community. Demand
for palliative care is increasing and the hospice is looking at ways to meet the demand in
both the short and medium term.
The Marlborough Hospice Trust
The Marlborough Hospice Trust exists to raise money and financially support the
Marlborough Community Hospice. It owns the hospice building and raises over $500,000 from
the community each year to keep the hospice operating. It is a registered charitable
trust.
Members of the Marlborough Hospice Trust are:
- Gerald Hope (Chairman)
- Graeme Coates (Deputy Chair)
- Peter Tolan (Treasurer)
- John Inder
- Jim Jessep
- Ann Rutledge
- Judy Veal
- Jan Wadsworth
- Maxine Wain
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