The government is to spend $15.5 million over four years to set up a national paediatric palliative care service.
The care would be delivered by dedicated specialist teams in the North and South islands.
At present, Health New Zealand funds just one specialist paediatric palliative care physician, based at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital.
Health Minister Simeon Brown made the announcement this morning ahead of this month's Budget, saying children with serious illnesses and their families would be better supported with compassionate, specialist paediatric palliative care closer to home.
Teams would include specialist paediatric palliative care physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners.
They would work alongside health professionals nationwide, supporting and training local care teams so children can receive the best possible care in their homes and communities, Brown said.
"Importantly, the funding also provides for national service coordination and one registrar training position each year in specialist paediatric palliative care, helping build the workforce for the future."
Brown said about 300 children die each year from life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and up to 3000 may require paediatric palliative care support.
“Paediatric palliative care specialists support some of New Zealand’s most medically fragile babies, children, and young people. Many have complex daily care needs, frequent outpatient appointments, and extended hospital or ICU stays.
“Our focus is on reducing the emotional, physical, and financial strain on children and their families as much as possible. This investment will allow more children to be cared for at home, surrounded by their families and loved ones, rather than spending long periods in hospital.”
In addition, Health NZ has committed funding to Rei Kōtuku, a specialist paediatric palliative care service in Wellington, through a contract starting July 1 to provide care while the national specialist service is established, Brown said.
- additional reporting by Allied Media
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
