This week is Hospice Awareness Week and Hospice New Zealand is launching a campaign to help raise awareness about the
value of hospice care.
Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive, Wayne Naylor says there continues to be misunderstanding and a lack of awareness in
our communities of what hospice care includes, where it happens, and the benefits of receiving care early.
“Around a third of the people who die in New Zealand receive hospice care, but many people continue to miss out on the
palliative care hospices provide.”
“Last year around 90% of people who died (34,000) had a foreseeable death from a known illness where palliative care
could have been of benefit. They miss out because of access issues caused by funding and workforce challenges that mean
hospices are unable to reach everyone in need, as well as the fear and misunderstanding of what hospice care is and who
can benefit.”
The digital campaign, which shares real life stories of patients and whānau-family members, reveals the breadth and value of hospice care
that is so precious and full of magical moments.
The stories aim to dispel a some of the myths about hospice care, like the notion it is only available in the last days
of someone’s life.
“If we are involved earlier in someone’s illness, we can support people better to achieve what they want to achieve with
their remaining life. We are actually about life, not just death,” says Mr Naylor.
“The earlier people access hospice the better. Whether that’s weeks, months or even years before death, getting the
benefits of the wrap-around physical, social, spiritual and emotional support means patients get to live fully until
they die.”
Mr Naylor said he hoped that this campaign motivated more New Zealanders to support hospice.
“We rely on the generosity of our communities to deliver our life changing services. We couldn’t do it without their
support.”
“Hospice exists to ensure people receive the care and understanding they deserve, when they are dying, and to provide
ongoing support to their whānau-family in bereavement.”