Hon Tony Ryall
Minister of Health
Minister of State Services
29 May 2009
Hospice visit confirms money well spent
Health Minister Tony Ryall has paid tribute to New Zealand's hospice staff and volunteers during a visit to Te Omanga
Hospice in Lower Hutt this morning, to celebrate the extra $15 million for hospices announced in yesterday's Budget
Mr Ryall says "What these people do in our communities, day and night is humbling. This morning I met one of the Te
Omanga hospice founders, who borrowed money against her home to start the hospice, and is still serving on the Board 30
years later."
"And the numbers show how much Te Omanga gives to the community each year."
"Last year, care and support was provided to more than 600 patients and their families; home care nurses made more than
seven and a half thousand visits to patients at home; and 450 volunteers gave more than 38,000 hours of their time for
Te Omanga and its patients."
"Nationally, more than 13,000 people received care and support from hospices in 2008, with over 126,000 visits to people
in their own homes. Over 7,000 volunteers gave more than 455,000 hours to hospices."
Hospice educators from around the country were also at Te Omanga this morning and the Minister gave his thanks to them
for the work they do, as well as the staff and volunteers.
ENDS