This post is dedicated to bringing awareness to the wonderful work our local hospice does.
www.hospicetairawhiti.org.nz
Thank you to Tairawhiti Hospice and all our Hospice facilities nationwide.
I know many who have been affected by terminal illnesses. I came across this while working as a nurse for 18 years and often referred patients to hospice services. I also worked in palliative care in rest homes.
My mother passed away in 2006, and my aunty a few years after from terminal illness. In December 2020, my father-in-law Zak (Derrick) Smith was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Zak fought a long hard battle, passing away on December 19, 2021.
Previously, when my mother and aunty were diagnosed we had not experienced what hospice does as their time was so very short from diagnoses.
Zak and his family, however, had a whole year of hospice support. It was during this time that I discovered just how invaluable our local hospice and staff and services are.
To access hospice services one is referred by their GP or specialist. Hospice provides palliative care, which means easing the symptoms of an illness where the illness can not be cured. Enabling the patient to achieve the best possible quality of life during the final stages of their illness. Hospice provides care at the patient's home, in hospitals, and in rest homes.
Zak's wishes were to stay in his home. Zak received regular visits to his rural home, a good 20 minutes from town. Zaks's care was personalized for what he wanted. Hospice helped arrange equipment for his changing needs, even delivering to his home and setting this up. Zak had nurses from the hospice visit him most mornings, as his condition declined. They were always friendly and helpful, lifting his spirits and keeping his main carer up to date. This enhanced his quality of life in his final stages.
Hospice not only supported Zak but his family, too. They ensured his main carer was coping with Zak's changing needs. We had access to a nurse by phone whenever needed.
Upon Zak's passing hospice, helped the family access bereavement services and treated us with respect, giving Zak dignity in the ways he requested. Hospice went above and beyond, providing the family with a care package to ease the stress around this time. All of their services helped immensely to fulfill Zak's wishes before and after his passing.
All services are free. Hospice service is 70% funded by the District health board and supplemented by the generosity of the community. Each year, they need to raise over $400,000 to continue to provide current levels of support.
Wondering how you can support Hospice?
Running for a reason
Donations come in many ways, including a half marathon.
John Smith, Zak's son, is raising money for Hospice Tairawhiti to say thank you for the support his father and family were given by Hospice.
Hospice made Zak's wish of a family holiday come true by funding a visit to his brother in the Bay Of Plenty.
John is running the Mount Maunganui half marathon in memory of Zak and in the hope of helping another patient's wish come true.
If you would like to support John and Hospice, go to
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