Our History

Nelson Tasman Hospice became part of Nelsons history in 1987. This was only one year after Hospice New Zealand was established. In this time, Hospice has been based at four different buildings and has always relied on the support of volunteers and donors.

1987

In 1987, the Nelson Tasman Hospice’s at-home service officially began. Hospice started with the help of two staff, a roster of casual nurses, and eight volunteers based out of Sally McCormack House at 96 Waimea Road. The building was named in honour of Nelson resident Sally McCormack whose bequest supported the establishment of the service. Education sessions took place in the lounge with an open plan kitchen, sharing palliative care practices from around the world.

1999

In 1999, as demand for palliative care grew with the growing population of the Nelson Tasman region. Hospice moved to 1 Erin Street. A momentous moment in Nelsons history, as the move allowed an inpatient unit to be opened. The inpatient unit at Hospice was a short-stay facility for patients requiring hands on palliative care at the nearby Manuka Street Hospital.

2004-2008

In 2004 Nelson Tasman Hospice moved to 2 Erin Street and in 2006 moved again to a house on Manuka Street. In 2008 the inpatient unit at Manuka Street Hospital also grew its services from four beds to 11 with one room retained as an office. The inpatient unit remained housed at the independently owned and operated Manuka Street Hospital until the hospitals service grew and required the space occupied by Hospice.

2015

In 2015, Nelson Tasman Hospice began the search for land and early planning for a new building. The search ended up with a site for the new facility at 331 Suffolk Road in Stoke. This land provided a perfect, central space with beautiful surroundings for Hospice to continue growing their story in Nelson.

The New Home For Hospice

The campaign to build a new local landmark was launched in 2015. This successfully raised $14M for the new Hospice, thanks to the generous support of the community. The build was led by Gibbons Construction and supported with a wide range of Nelson Tasman based sub-contractors. Many of the trades involved made significant contributions of their own to the project, enabling its completion on time and on budget.

2019

The new Hospice facility opened in April 2019, which marks another significant moment in Nelsons history. The facility allows Nelson Tasman Hospice to meet the growing demand for services in the region. The building includes a modern 10-bed ‘Specialist Palliative Care Unit’, including consulting rooms and space for families to spend time together. This allowed Hospice to increase support services for patients and whānau, with pastoral care, grief counselling and physical therapy. It also features a training venue, commercial kitchen, and extensive gardens.

Help Nelson Tasman Hospice maintain its services of providing palliative care and family support to the region’s growing population. This can be done by volunteering, donating, or supporting one of four Hospice Shops.