February Newsletter 2024

Kia ora koutou, 

As we welcome in 2024 I wanted to give you a rundown on what the year ahead holds for us. Well, what we can plan for! 

Much of what we end up doing and investing in is in response to changes in demand and what is going on around us. We have become very skilled at adapting and doing so at pace. We kick the year off with excitement about growing our partnership with the district nursing services in Dunedin and changing up what we offer to aged care providers across Otago. 

Infrastructure work is high on the agenda. 

Our Oamaru Hub had to close due to issues with water tightness. We are working through options while the shop and clinical team are housed elsewhere. 

Renovations are underway at our busy Brownston St shop in Wānaka as we expand into the Messenger space next door. And our Central Otago Hub on Ripponvale Road is also expanding to allow space for onsite counselling and education/training for our colleagues across the sector. 

After a server failure late last year, reviewing our IT systems, processes and infrastructure will also require a big focus. 

The bigger picture focus for 2024 will be on working with our Te Waipounamu / South Island colleagues on a formalised collaborative way of working. We will also be getting to the sticky end of some important national work with Hospice NZ around the development of a sustainable model for funding our services. 

Every year I say that a period of consolidation is required........and every year that invariably doesn't happen as we get thrown more curve balls! The curve balls we are predicting will be largely those thrown at us from the newly configured government. I predict we'll see more change and uncertainty that we'll need to put our minds to. Specifically, funding uncertainty, further pay equity issues and palliative care's 'place' in the new system. 

We have plenty on the agenda and you can rest assured we will continue to evolve our services to meet the ever changing needs of our community. 

Recently we received some feedback from our suggestion box that I believe validates the significant work done in 2023 around transitions for patients between home and the inpatient unit, coupled with exemplary performance by all the team. 

What was appreciated: The professional expert nursing care. The calm aura and atmosphere. The focus on the smallest details and the big picture. The connection between home and hospice is outstanding. 

Feedback like this gives me absolute confidence that we are travelling in the right direction - this is only possible because of your support. If you are in a position to do so, please give generously as we enter this new year. 

You can read the full Feb Newsletter here.

Ngā mihi mahana 

GINNY GREEN
CEO Otago Community Hospice