Mar 16 Z Bowater Motors stands behind our local Hospice

Chairman of the Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust John Peters receives a cheque from Z Bowater Motors CEO Chris Bowater and General Manager Matt Morris. Click to enlarge.

Some chartities and community organisations exist for a reason that many of us don't want to think about. A time when you and your family may need support the most. A time of loss and grief. A time of transition, and sometimes a time of fear, pain and sadness. A time that some families dread but a time that some families can deliver amazing strength and support to loved ones.

Hospice is one of those organisations. They collectively deliver a range of services that most of us put to the backs of our minds, until confronted with the harsh realities of needing them when our family circumstances reach a crossroads. Hospice heavily relies on donations and it's Hospice Shops to generate the funds to enable it to continue to deliver valuable Palliative Care and community support.

The Z Rutherford division of Z Bowater Motors are very pleased to be able to contribute $1,000 towards the continued delivery of services by Hospice. Chris Bowater, Z Bowater Motors CEO made comment at the presentation "Hospice really strikes a chord in Nelson and Tasman, but so few of us actually realise exactly the depth of work and care they deliver in the region. We are so proud we can support them"

John Peters, chairman of the Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust was excited to be on the receiving end of the donation. They receive 62% of their funding from the government, so every dollar donated really counts, "whether it's $10 or $10,000 we make the absolute most of it"

What is Hospice & What Role do they Perform?

Many people think of hospice services as just a building, when in fact it is a philosophy of care. It is true that most hospice services in New Zealand have inpatient facilities, but the majority of people are cared for in their homes.

On a local level the Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust has a far reaching impact in our community. They provide in patient support for 10 beds at the Manuka Street Unit as well as caring for around 140 people at any one time in their homes.

Up to 260 volunteers are engaged within this process locally, doing a range of amazing things for those within the Hospice cycle, from trapping life stories through to day to day assistance.

The aim of Hospice is to help people make the most of their lives; to live every moment in whatever way is important to them. Anyone living with a life limiting condition – e.g. heart failure, motor neurone disease, MS or cancer – can access and benefit from hospice services.

Hospice care has a unique whole person approach – which means physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs are equally important – a multidisciplinary team provides care for the person who is dying and their families and friends, both before and after a death.

Palliative care in New Zealand arose from within local communities, supported by local funding and by volunteers to provide holistic care for adults with terminal cancer.

In 1985 a report was presented to a committee at a workshop in Auckland. From that workshop, a committee was created to investigate the setting up of a national hospice body. The Cancer Society contributed $1500 towards the establishment of this organisation. This organisation is now known as Hospice New Zealand.

The objectives of Hospice New Zealand included obtaining government funding, licensing, annual inspection of hospices, establising standards and monitoring them at a national level and providing education and resources.

Hospice New Zealand finally came to fruition in 1986 and the rest is history.

Today, Hospice New Zealand is actively involved in research and education, workforce development, establishing standards of healthcare, providing information and advice to hospices, stakeholders and to the general public and helping and supporting hospices nationwide.

When support is offered

People may be referred for hospice care even while they are undergoing treatments for their illness, not just at the very end of life - however, usually people are referred at a time when it is acknowledged the illness is incurable.

However, people are living longer with incurable illnesses and in addition to care provided by GP or hospital specialist, hospice staff are able to provide specialist support in other ways e.g. controlling symptoms or providing additional advice and support to family and carers.

The services offered will differ from hospice to hospice but are likely to include: