Providing a broad range of in-home services, care, and support for those with a terminal illness and their loved ones, along with an in-patient facility in North Dunedin, the hospice has had a special place in the community’s heart for the past 30 years.
However, a recent report commissioned by five hospices across New Zealand, including Otago Community Hospice, has shown increasing pressure on these essential services, as demand and costs continue to grow.
Otago Community Hospice chief executive Ginny Green said the report showed the increase in demand could be as high as 53% by 2045, mainly due to New Zealand’s ageing population.
As with many of the country’s 28 publicly funded hospices, the Otago Community Hospice received 50% of its funding from the government, meaning it must raise $5 million each year. All hospice services are provided free to the community.
The report, commissioned by Otago Community Hospice, along with the Harbour [North Auckland], Nelson Tasman, Tōtara and Waikato hospices, calls on the government to change the way it funds palliative care to ensure hospices can continue to meet demand.
"Fortunately, Otago Community Hospice is in a good place, despite the shortfall in government funding," Ms Green said.
One of the most successful hospices in the country, the organisation leads the way in specialist palliative care, especially in the rural sector, and helps to take pressure off the struggling health system.
"We enjoy wonderful support from across the whole region, both through generous donations and volunteer support, which ensures hospice support stays free for those who need it."
A major source of funding for the hospice came via its six Hospice Shops, located in Dunedin’s Vogel St, Oamaru, Wānaka, Alexandra, Milton and Mosgiel, which collectively covered about one-third of the yearly fundraising target.
The recent Otago Community Hospice street appeal was also successful, raising $32,247.34 — up slightly on last year.
"We had hundreds of volunteers out with collection buckets and are extremely grateful to our community for their continuing support," Ms Green said.
In another positive move, the Otago Community Hospice recently appointed experienced fundraiser Tina Reece to the role of fundraising co-ordinator.
Born and raised in Dunedin, Ms Reece has lived in Cardiff, Wales, for the past 18 years, where she has worked in fundraising and advocacy for an array of charities, and more recently in funding distribution for the Welsh Government.
She has returned home to Dunedin with husband Peter Tangney and young daughters Daisy, 8, and Jemima Reece-Tangney, 4.
"I’m very pleased to be home in Dunedin, and excited to be taking on the role of fundraising co-ordinator for the hospice — it is a special organisation," Ms Reece said.
"At the moment, I am meeting people and getting to know who to talk with in the community."
Hospice Awareness Week, set to run from May 12-18, will be an opportunity for the Otago Community Hospice team to shine a light on the many community services the organisation provides.
Ms Green said an important aspect of the hospice’s work was helping to build confidence, capability and capacity across the palliative care sector, which included families and aged-care workers.
"About 50% of caregivers are husbands and wives, daughters and sons, and we work hard to ensure there is good support for them," she said.
The hospice also had social workers ready and willing to help patients navigate the health system and access wrap-around support through the many hospice services.
"If you get good palliative care, you don’t just get more life in your days, you get more days in your life," Ms Green said.
