Mainland Foundation Makes a Difference in Our Specialist Care Unit

We are incredibly grateful to the Mainland Foundation for their generous grant of $30,210 towards the supply and installation of handrails in our Specialist Palliative Care Unit (SPCU), the Daniel O’Brien Wing.

For over 38 years, Nelson Tasman Hospice has provided specialist palliative care for people of all ages living with life-limiting illness, enabling them to live “every moment” until they die. Our services are provided free of charge across the Nelson Tasman region, supporting not only patients’ physical needs, including expert pain and symptom management, but also their emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing – and that of their whānau.

Last year alone, we cared for 773 patients, aged from 18 to 104, with 48% of those referred to us living with non-cancer diagnoses. While 78% of patients who spend time in our SPCU are later discharged home, for others it is a place of comfort, dignity and peace in their final days.

The installation of new handrails – expertly completed by Stainless Concepts – will help maximise safety for patients and families within their rooms and in the outdoor areas that overlook our peaceful gardens. These spaces are an important part of the experience of care, offering moments of fresh air, reflection and connection. Ensuring they are as safe and accessible as possible makes a meaningful difference.

We were delighted to welcome Neil Allen, a community advisor for the Mainland Foundation, to see the handrails in place and to thank him in person for this support.

We also acknowledge the gaming venues whose partnership makes grants like this possible, in this instance, the Turf Hotel. Your collective generosity helps us continue to care for our community.

Thank you, Mainland Foundation, for helping us create a safer environment for the patients and whānau who rely on our care.