Latest news with #HospiceNewZealand
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Hospices warn critical services under threat amid funding crisis
By Ruth Hill of RNZ Hospices are warning that critical services for the dying are under threat, with nothing for palliative care providers in the Budget. Hospice NZ says government funding only covers about half of what it costs to run New Zealand's 28 publicly funded hospices, but if services collapse, it will end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars more. Jen Nolan, whose younger brother Matt died at Te Omanga Hospice in Lower Hutt in 2019, said she dreaded to think how those final days would have gone without that "incredible, wrap-around care". The weeks following Matt Nolan's diagnosis with stage four melanoma were brutal: brain surgery, radiation, immunotherapy - nothing worked. It was a devastating blow when doctors said there was nothing more they could do - but Matt Nolan's admission to Te Omanga offered a different kind of healing. "When we walked in, I turned to one of my sisters and said 'God, it's like we've left Hell and we're in Heaven's waiting room'." Her brother's seizures and complex pain needs made it impossible for him to be at home, but Te Omanga became their home. "We could come and we could bring our dogs, he had a lovely room that opened out to the garden. His friends could come. "I walked in one day, and there he was, fast asleep, with two of his buddies also asleep in chairs. They were having a little nap together." Matt Nolan died in July 2019, three months after diagnosis. He had just turned 49. Six years on, Jen Nolan said it was heartbreaking that hospice services were only available to one in three New Zealanders who were dying. "If you face the death of a loved one, and you haven't got the option to go into hospice care, I think that would be a bloody grim place to be. "It was the most supportive and gentle place for us all to be with him. The care he received was outstanding. And I feel what we were shown as we navigated this incredibly difficult time was the best humans can be for each other." It cost $226 million to run the country's hospice services last year, with just half of that provided by the government. Hospice New Zealand chief executive Wayne Naylor said it was disappointing to not even rate a mention in the Budget - especially coming on top of the scuttling of the pay equity claim for hospice nurses. They are currently paid up to 35% less than Health NZ nurses. "That was a real out-of-the-blue sideswipe for hospices and hospice nurses in particular, to have our pay equity claim, which was almost completed, just stop." Indications that the government would not be covering future pay equity settlements for the funded sector were "very problematic". "That then falls back on community to provide more money to support their local hospice. "The alternative is that hospices have to make some staff redundant so that they can increase the salaries of other staff, and that leads to a reduction in services." Health NZ has enough money - Health Minister Health Minister Simeon Brown said the government "values the work of hospices", but he said it was up to Health NZ to do its own negotiations with providers. "This Budget has provided $1.37b to Health NZ to not only deliver an increase in investment for those front-line hospital and specialist services, but also an uplift in investment to that funded sector, which includes primary care, which includes aged care, which includes palliative care." However, Naylor was not optimistic following meetings with Health NZ officials, the most recent one this week. "They told us they had no more funding, that they have no contingency that they can call upon, and the people with whom we met said they had no authority to allocate funding from anywhere else. "So essentially it's a no to funding from Health NZ right now." Assisted dying services receive about $11m a year from Health NZ, in order to ensure equitable access. "Which is fine for the fewer than 1% of people who seek it," Naylor said. "But for the 99% of people who die from an expected illness, only about a third can access hospice care. So there still remains that inequity that needs to be addressed." For dying children, access to specialist palliative care services were even worse. A recent MartinJenkins report found New Zealand's 28 publicly-funded hospices are returning at least $1.59 in health benefits for every dollar of taxpayer money received, including fewer ED and hospital admissions or rest home stays. Add to that the clinical services they directly fund themselves, the public benefit is even higher. Most patients under hospice care are able to stay in their own homes, with brief admissions to hospice for respite or to adjust pain medication. Government 'exploiting' good will - nurses Nelson-Tasman Hospice nurse Donna Burnett loves her work, which is why she has stayed in the job for 36 years. However, the Nurses Organisation delegate said that good-will was being taken for granted by the government, and the end result for many was "burnout". "We can't keep giving the way we are. "Often we're short-staffed. We keep that patient centred care going, but it's coming at a cost. "We can't keep giving like we are and working understaffed because that has an impact on your wellbeing." In a written response, Health NZ said it would shortly begin seeking feedback from the public and the sector on a model of care proposal for adult palliative care. It plans to finalise both the paediatric and adult models of care by the end of the year.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Govt Risks Hospice Care By Cutting Women's Pay
The Government's decision to cut women's pay could result in an exodus of palliative care nurses from the profession. 'Hospice nurses were just weeks away from having their years-long pay equity claim settled when the Government cruelly cut women's pay equity for their Budget,' Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. 'These are nurses who care for people at the end of their lives. They have been fighting for years for the dignity of equal pay with their hospital colleagues, only for the Government to change the rules on them at the last minute and scrap their claim. 'It's not just cruel, it's incredibly short-sighted. Hospices are struggling to recruit and retain nurses on lower pay than their hospital counterparts, and have to pay them out of a diminishing amount of funding from the Government, grants and fundraising. 'Hospice New Zealand has warned it needs a $16 million boost from the Government just to keep the lights on. Without pay equity or the money to pay nurses what they deserve, it will be harder to provide the care New Zealanders need at the end of their lives. 'This Government is choosing tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies over pay raises for funding essential care. It's short-sighted, unfair, and plain wrong,' Ayesha Verrall said. Hospice nurses and healthcare assistants had one of the 13 funded-sector health claims that the Government abolished when it passed the Equal Pay Amendment Act.
NZ Herald
15-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Government urged to recognise hospice care's value amid funding concerns
'Hospices are providing taxpayers at least $1.59 in health benefits for every dollar of Government funding.' 'These benefits stem from cost savings to the health system and improved patient outcomes – most significantly, the quality-of-life improvements resulting from better pain and symptom control.' Without ongoing concerted investment by the Government, hospices throughout New Zealand, such as Tairāwhiti Hospice, might struggle to meet the growing and complex care needs of their communities, she said. 'Our Tairāwhiti community is amazing in the support they give hospice through donations from fundraising and bequests. 'Time and time again, we are humbled by the generosity and compassion shown by individuals, families, and local organisations. 'Whether it's coins dropped into a collection bucket, a community event organised to raise funds, or a bequest left as a legacy of love, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. 'It's this unwavering support that allows us to continue providing care, comfort and dignity to those facing life-limiting illness. 'We are truly grateful to be part of such a kind and giving community.' Williams said the demand for palliative care services was escalating and was expected to rise by 53% in the next 18 years. 'This is not sustainable.' A sustainable palliative care system held significant value for New Zealand's healthcare system, she said. Evidence showed hospice services eased pressure on the wider health system. Early delivery of palliative care reduced unnecessary hospital admissions and the use of acute health services, she said. Hospice care provided benefits not only to individuals but also to caregivers and the bereaved. 'Nationwide, there's a call to action. We are asking the Government to stabilise the sector. 'We are asking the Government to implement consistent regional funding allocations, develop a funding model to secure long-term financial stability, and invest in workforce sustainability. 'When one considers the value of a sustainable and equitable palliative care system to our communities and to the Government – why wouldn't our Government invest?' Hospice New Zealand, in a statement, said Te Whatu Ora had refused to adjust its funding so hospice nurses and healthcare assistants could be paid the same as their hospital counterparts. Hospices could not afford to fund the widening pay gap as at least 35% of hospice nurses' wages came from fundraising and donations because of chronic underfunding of the sector, the statement said. New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), in another statement, said a hospice pay equity claim was filed in late-2023 covering 27 hospices employing its members. That claim, alongside nine others for NZNO, will be dropped after the Government passed the Pay Equity Amendment Bill last week.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
We Need Your Voice To Be Heard
The unprecedented strain on hospices comes despite the recent release of the Report Sustainable Funding for Hospice Services, by research agency Martin Jenkins. The report shows that Hospice is a smart investment for the health system. Hospices around Aotearoa are at risk of cutting services as underfunding by the government pushes them to the brink. Last year Hospice provided free care to nearly 11,000 people who died last year, almost a third of all deaths in NZ, along with another 9,000 people living with a terminal illness. This came at a cost of $226 million. While the government provided $114 million, hospices had to raise $112 million from Hospice Op shops, community donations, fundraising and bequests, just to keep going. Wayne Naylor, Chief Executive, Hospice New Zealand, which represents New Zealand's 32 hospices, says without fairer funding, hospices are at risk of disappearing. 'This week is Hospice Awareness Week and our message is loud and clear, if the Government doesn't act now to invest fairly in hospice care, it is patients and their loved ones who will pay the price. Hospices are already facing major disruption and reducing offerings. Without more funding, we risk losing these vital services when people need them most,' says Mr Naylor. The unprecedented strain on hospices comes despite the recent release of the Report ' Sustainable Funding for Hospice Services, by research agency Martin Jenkins. The report shows that Hospice is a smart investment for the health system. Through providing free, end-of-life care to thousands of New Zealanders every year and keeping people out of Emergency Departments and expensive hospital beds, local hospices are providing taxpayers at least $1.59 in health benefits for every dollar of government funding, Hospice care in the community relieves an already overstretched health system which would otherwise have to care for the thousands of patients and families who use it. Mr Naylor says that a new sustainable funding model needs to be implemented, rather than just talked about. 'We now need to have hard conversations about future funding, particularly as the demand for hospice care continues to rise, as our population grows older and lives longer. It is predicted that the number of people needing palliative care will increase by 50% by 2040. 'We want the government to act and invest now if it is to appropriately meet current and growing future need for high quality end of life care,' says Mr Naylor. A Post Code Lottery Many communities are not in a position to provide the additional millions of dollars required to keep services free, never mind-expanding hospice care and extending it to those currently missing out because of where they live or their diagnosis. 'We can't keep relying on the generosity of community to keep our doors open, when costs far exceed our funding 'says Barbara Grout, Chief Executive of Hospice Tairāwhiti. 'We are making savings in non-clinical areas where possible but there's no room to expand our services to meet the needs of a growing population with complex needs.' Cutbacks hospices are already making include reduced inpatient beds, keeping vacant roles vacant, restricting admissions and reduced community services. Hospices are also having to use their own doctors and nurses to help fill the gaps that GPs and aged care facilities are not able to do at present. 'It is the persistent case of post-code lottery that the Government says it wants to remove with its health reforms. Many people are missing out due to their diagnosis, age and where they live.' says Mr Naylor. 'The situation all hospices are in, means having to make some unprecedented decisions this year. 'We don't want to end up in the crisis currently facing hospices in the UK – where dying people cannot access the care they need when they need it most.' Notes: In Numbers: In 2023/2024 Hospice across Aotearoa: • Provided care to 19,151 people, plus their whānau. • Cared for 10,860 people who died. • Provided 313,911 face-to-face visits. • Made 394,215 telephone and telehealth calls to patients and whānau members. • 40% of hospice patients died in their own home (vs general population stats) • Provided 25,105 grief and loss contacts. • Had to raise over $112m through their second-hand retail shops, fundraising, donations, and other sources, including from reserves, to keep afloat. What a shortage of funds looks like in terms of disruption and responding to patient needs: • Reduction in inpatient beds • Delays and freezes on recruitment • Restricting admissions and stricter on referrals (meaning those patients on the periphery of need are missing out) • Reduced community care – ie stopping the hospital liaison nurse service that helps to support a safe discharge from hospital back into the community • Nurses for In-patient beds moving to 12-hour shifts • An inability to grow in line with demand is, in itself, a barrier to delivering equitable and timely access to high-quality palliative care. • Using hospice doctors and nurses to fill the gaps that GPs and ARC facilities are not able to do at present. Sustainable Funding for Hospice Services: This report's economic case is both compelling and conservative: • Every $1 taxpayers invest in hospice services yields at least $1.59 in system savings • Hospices currently save the health system $110 million per year in direct clinical costs • They generate $48 million in quality-of-life benefits for patients and their whānau like • Hospice care reduces ED admissions and hospitalisations • Hospices directly support primary and aged residential care teams
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
We Need Your Voice To Be Heard
Hospices around Aotearoa are at risk of cutting services as underfunding by the government pushes them to the brink. Last year Hospice provided free care to nearly 11,000 people who died last year, almost a third of all deaths in NZ, along with another 9,000 people living with a terminal illness. This came at a cost of $226 million. While the government provided $114 million, hospices had to raise $112 million from Hospice Op shops, community donations, fundraising and bequests, just to keep going. Wayne Naylor, Chief Executive, Hospice New Zealand, which represents New Zealand's 32 hospices, says without fairer funding, hospices are at risk of disappearing. 'This week is Hospice Awareness Week and our message is loud and clear, if the Government doesn't act now to invest fairly in hospice care, it is patients and their loved ones who will pay the price. Hospices are already facing major disruption and reducing offerings. Without more funding, we risk losing these vital services when people need them most,' says Mr Naylor. The unprecedented strain on hospices comes despite the recent release of the Report ' Sustainable Funding for Hospice Services, by research agency Martin Jenkins. The report shows that Hospice is a smart investment for the health system. Through providing free, end-of-life care to thousands of New Zealanders every year and keeping people out of Emergency Departments and expensive hospital beds, local hospices are providing taxpayers at least $1.59 in health benefits for every dollar of government funding, Hospice care in the community relieves an already overstretched health system which would otherwise have to care for the thousands of patients and families who use it. Mr Naylor says that a new sustainable funding model needs to be implemented, rather than just talked about. 'We now need to have hard conversations about future funding, particularly as the demand for hospice care continues to rise, as our population grows older and lives longer. It is predicted that the number of people needing palliative care will increase by 50% by 2040. 'We want the government to act and invest now if it is to appropriately meet current and growing future need for high quality end of life care,' says Mr Naylor. A Post Code Lottery Many communities are not in a position to provide the additional millions of dollars required to keep services free, never mind-expanding hospice care and extending it to those currently missing out because of where they live or their diagnosis. 'We can't keep relying on the generosity of community to keep our doors open, when costs far exceed our funding 'says Barbara Grout, Chief Executive of Hospice Tairāwhiti. 'We are making savings in non-clinical areas where possible but there's no room to expand our services to meet the needs of a growing population with complex needs.' Cutbacks hospices are already making include reduced inpatient beds, keeping vacant roles vacant, restricting admissions and reduced community services. Hospices are also having to use their own doctors and nurses to help fill the gaps that GPs and aged care facilities are not able to do at present. 'It is the persistent case of post-code lottery that the Government says it wants to remove with its health reforms. Many people are missing out due to their diagnosis, age and where they live.' says Mr Naylor. 'The situation all hospices are in, means having to make some unprecedented decisions this year. 'We don't want to end up in the crisis currently facing hospices in the UK – where dying people cannot access the care they need when they need it most.' Notes: In Numbers: In 2023/2024 Hospice across Aotearoa: • Provided care to 19,151 people, plus their whānau. • Cared for 10,860 people who died. • Provided 313,911 face-to-face visits. • Made 394,215 telephone and telehealth calls to patients and whānau members. • 40% of hospice patients died in their own home (vs general population stats) • Provided 25,105 grief and loss contacts. • Had to raise over $112m through their second-hand retail shops, fundraising, donations, and other sources, including from reserves, to keep afloat. What a shortage of funds looks like in terms of disruption and responding to patient needs: • Reduction in inpatient beds • Delays and freezes on recruitment • Restricting admissions and stricter on referrals (meaning those patients on the periphery of need are missing out) • Reduced community care – ie stopping the hospital liaison nurse service that helps to support a safe discharge from hospital back into the community • Nurses for In-patient beds moving to 12-hour shifts • An inability to grow in line with demand is, in itself, a barrier to delivering equitable and timely access to high-quality palliative care. • Using hospice doctors and nurses to fill the gaps that GPs and ARC facilities are not able to do at present. Sustainable Funding for Hospice Services: This report's economic case is both compelling and conservative: • Every $1 taxpayers invest in hospice services yields at least $1.59 in system savings • Hospices currently save the health system $110 million per year in direct clinical costs • They generate $48 million in quality-of-life benefits for patients and their whānau like • Hospice care reduces ED admissions and hospitalisations
