Hospice palliative care is a special type of care for people whose illness is no longer responsive to curative treatment. It enables them to achieve the best possible quality of life during the final stages of their illness. It includes family support and bereavement services.

Hospice palliative care can be provided in hospice inpatient units, hospital hospice wards or in a person’s home or place of residence in the community. Hospice is a concept, a philosophy of care.

Hospices are for all terminally ill people in need, irrespective of their religion, race, age or ability to pay. Most patients have cancer, but patients with other terminal illnesses also receive care (e.g motor neurone disease, MS, organ failure).

Do you have to pay for hospice palliative care?
No, hospice palliative care is free of charge to patients and their families. The cost of care is covered by a contribution from Government through the Ministry of Health. The rest is raised from the community through fundraising activities.

Is it true that once you go to a hospice you are unlikely to leave?
No. Many patients spend a few days in the hospice in-patient unit for symptom management or respite care to give caregivers a much needed break. They then return to their homes where their care is continued. Hospice palliative care does not have to be provided in a hospice. It is often provided in a person's own home.

Hospice Marlborough Philosophy

• To support and empower the patient and family to participate in their care and decisions regarding their care
• To assist patients to make the most of life and to ensure that patients die comfortably, with dignity and in the place of their choice.
• To provide support and care for the family and close friends during the patient’s illness and in bereavement.

 

The vision statement for the hospice is ‘Living Every Moment’.

The mission statement is ‘Hospice palliative care of a recognised standard, is provided to all terminally ill patients and their families/whanau in the Marlborough region’.