Hospice Tairawhiti

Hospice or palliative care is specialised care for patients who are terminally ill. Our focus is on improving quality of life for the patient and providing support for the family. We do this by providing practical advice, physical, emotional and spiritual support, with an emphasis on pain relief and symptom management. The service includes family support and grief and bereavement care.

The majority of our patients are cared for in their own homes. We also provide support to patients in resthomes and hospital. While we do not have a hospice inpatient unit, we do have two designated beds at Gisborne Hospital if circumstances mean it is no longer possible or appropriate to care for a patient at home.

To ensure the best possible care for patient and family, we work in partnership with a variety of health professionals including general practitioners, district nurses, Gisborne Hospital, and other allied health services.

As with all hospice palliative care services throughout New Zealand, the majority of our funding comes from grants and donations. Palliative care is provided free of charge for all people in need, regardless of religion, race, gender or age.