More Info →Arohanui Hospice Part 1 - Manawatu Conversations

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 14th May 2024.   Part 1 of 2 A movement was started in mid 1980s to establish a hospice in Palmerston North.  Mary McKenna and Dr Garth Wallace were involved from the start and fund raising started. Palmerston North Hospital not keen to have a hospice but the public were. Opened in 1991 with eight beds Purpose - to provide holistic care in the last period of life, to support patients and family. Acquired and developed the medical superintendent’s house on hospital property at 1 Heretaunga Street, Palmerston North. Friends of Hospice donate $20,000 every year. Over 120 staff – mostly part time paid staff and volunteers including community nurses, inpatient nurses, occupational therapists and a chaplain.  A large family support team. They also help with PoA and wills.  Support carers at home and the surviving partner.  Palliative care training is provided for carers, nurse practitioners and other staff.  They keep in touch with GPs Most people are cared for in their homes – that’s where they want to be.  Patients from Peka Peka in the south to Waiouru in the north and Whanganui to Tararua. Only 27% ever have an inpatient stay and mostly for only a short time. Care and advice available 24/7 Once cancer was predominant but now 30% of patients have a different life limiting illness e.g. bad heart, kidney failure, motor neurone disease etc