Last updated: 14/05/2020

Kia ora,

Here is an update on what Hospice Tairawhiti services look like in COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

As an essential service, we continue to operate, as we have throughout all response levels. Our aim is always to carry on supporting patients with a life-limiting illness and their whanau, and to do this as safely as possible.

Here are some of the key changes to our service at Level 2

Clinical Service

• We continue to provide the best possible support and care to our patients and their whanau. We promise we will keep those of you in our care informed about what we’re doing.
• We will call all patients prior to our team visiting. We'll be asking questions about their current health status and of those living with them.
• We are increasing the number of in-person visits, while still offering phone and video consultations.
• Our team continue to use personal protective equipment where indicated. We have plenty of PPE available.
• Our loan equipment to improve patient’s quality of life has always been carefully cleaned and sanitised. We are continuing to do this and provide equipment to patients and their whanau.
• Most of our all volunteer-based services remain on hold however we are reintroducing patient /family support services where it is safe to do so.
• The safety of our staff is critical if we are to continue providing essential Hospice care. Please follow the Government’s guidelines. You will be directly helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Hospice Office – Hospital Grounds
Our office will be open from Monday 18th May, however whilst at alert Level 2 we would like to restrict the number of people visiting. This adds another level of safety to our staff and therefore, also our patients.  
If you need to visit our office, please phone first so we can let you know of any additional safety measures that may be in place. Call us on 06 869 0552. If you are a patient or whānau member, please speak with a nurse first.

Hospice Shop
Our charity shop at 66 Peel Street remains closed while we continue to repair the damage done by our roof leak prior to lockdown. We hope we won’t have to keep you waiting much longer. Please continue to put aside your good quality donations and bring them in when we reopen.

Donated items will be quarantined for 72 hours before opening, and staff will be following safety guidelines when preparing items for sale. While all care will be taken, once items are on the shop floor we cannot guarantee they have not been touched by other shoppers. We recommend that you wash or clean any items you purchase when you get them home.

Volunteers
Many of you will be part of our over 200 strong volunteer network. In Level 2, currently most of our volunteer activities are still on hold, with the exception of some patient/family support. Shop volunteers will soon return in preparation for our reopening. Our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch. We understand for some of our volunteers, you will not yet feel comfortable volunteering and we support and respect your decision.

Fundraising
All upcoming events have been cancelled or postponed. However, we still urgently need your support. We rely on over $350,000 dollars in fundraising every year to support the work we do. With the closure of our shop and cancellation of our major fundraising events, we need your help. If you can give, please support us with a donation here.

Me mahi tahi tatou mo te oranga o te katoa
We should work together for the wellbeing of everyone

Thank you so much for your ongoing support of Hospice Tairawhiti and of each other. 

For more information on Covid-19 please visit covid19.govt.nz

Worried about Covid 19?  In uncertain times, it's good to make a plan visit.