Far North Community Hospice is located in the Far North of New Zealand, serving patients and whānau from Cape Reinga to Mangamuka, North Hokianga to Taupō Bay turnoff.
Far North Community Hospice provides community based palliative care for people with a life limiting illness. Hospice is not just for cancer. Palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients with life limiting illness including but not limited to, heart failure, kidney failure and lung disease. Holistic symptom management is provided by a clinical team inclusive of nursing, counselling, medical support and bereavement support. A Palliative Care Specialist visits monthly and is available to support the nursing team when and if required. At the Kaitaia Hospital is a self contained unit, the Shirley Crawford Haven, located in the General Ward, for interim care and for families wanting to care for their loved ones in a supported environment.
Palliative Care Nurses are available face to face Monday to Friday 8am - 4.30pm with telephone support provided 24/7. Weekends and Public Holidays face to face support is available 8am - 4.30pm and again 24/7 telephone support is available on these days.
Far North Community Hospice has a range of loan equipment to support patient care in the home.
Hospice works closely with the person's whole health team. The person's GP or Nurse Practitioner remains the patient's primary provider of care.
Far North Community Hospice is a Charitable Trust that is partially funded by the Ministry of Health. The balance of its operating costs is raised by sponsorship and/or fundraising. This is not an easy task given the economic climate at present and the large area that is covered.