Providing specialist palliative care

Hospice Southland provides specialist palliative care to those with a life-limiting illness in Southland and the Wakatipu Basin, free of charge, and ideally in their setting of choice.

We have a six bed In-Patient Unit, but we care for around 120 patients in the community at any given time.

Hospice and palliative care focuses on quality of life, responding to each patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Family life is deeply affected when a loved one has an life-limiting illness, and support for families is also an intrinsic part of hospice care.

OUR SERVICES

Our team of health professionals specialises in providing quality treatment and care to patients and their families.

The team maintains close links with other health professionals and caregivers involved.

COMMUNITY PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM

The Medical and Nursing team is the patient’s first contact with hospice, providing information on the services available to patients and their families. The aim is to support people to stay in their own home as much as possible if it is their wish.

This team maintains a constant and close working relationship with other health professionals involved in the patient’s care.

They also provide an out-patient service, make home visits to meet those who have been referred, and to conduct follow up appointments.

After hours telephone support and advice is provided by the Registered Nurse on duty in the In-Patient Unit.

DAY PROGRAMME

Day Programme is an activity based programme held at the hospice.

Day Programme provides a safe and relaxed environment which offers companionship and support for patients and time out for families.

Assistance with transport may be available by arrangement.

IN-PATIENT UNIT

If needed, patients can be admitted to the six bed In-Patient Unit which has a homelike atmosphere where family and friends are always welcome. This is a short stay unit where patients are admitted for:

■ Assessment and management of pain and other sumptoms

■ Specialised palliative respite care for patients

■ End of life care

PATIENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT

The Patient and Family Support Team offers support to family mambers after the patient has passed away. Regular contact is provided through telephone calls and home visits.

Support groups are offered regularly. Families are also invited to attend a Remembrance Service held at Hospice Southland to remember those who have died.

For more information about Hospice Southland, visit: www.hospicesouthland. org.nz