Nelson Region Hospice Trust

Our Story so far…

A working party was set up in Nelson in 1983 to determine the care needs of people with terminal illnesses. The 'Hospice at Home' nursing service began in 1985. Thanks to a property bequest, staff moved into the Sally McCormack House in Waimea Road in 1987.

A range of services were developed to meet increasing demand until the Nelson Region Hospice Trust successfully negotiated a contract with the Health Funding Authority in 1999 for the establishment of a four bed Inpatient Unit (IPU).

The unit was built adjoining the Manuka Street Hospital (MSH), with MSH charging a peppercorn rental for the lease of the land. Refurbishment of a section of the old Manuka Street Hospital is currently underway and will provide a total of eight palliative care beds and two longer term care beds for people with complex needs.

The Trust continues to have a contract with the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board for the provision of hospice and palliative care services. The Nelson Region Hospice achieved Quality Health Accreditation in May 2004, which was renewed for a further three years in 2007.

Developments in the pipeline for 2007 and 2008 include the introduction of the Liverpool Care Pathway, development of an education programme for generalist providers and the establishment of medical outpatient clinics throughout the region.

Our Team

The Nelson Region Hospice is fortunate to have a highly skilled professional team of staff who are committed to providing a quality palliative care programme. Many of the multi-disciplinary team have been involved with the Hospice since 1987.

Our team is headed by an oncologist and includes a dedicated clinical team who deliver competent and compassionate care at the Hospice unit and to people in their own homes. Their work is supported by a chaplain, councillor, social worker, administration, volunteer and bereavement support co-ordinators, a five member Board of Trustees and more than 300 volunteers.