New Community Coordinator Joins Busy Central Otago Hospice Team

Nurse Angela Thomas (pictured 2nd from the right) is shifting from Dunedin Hospital’s ICU to the community-focused role of a Hospice care coordinator. She and her family have moved to Wanaka for her to pursue the role.

Hospice CEO Ginny Green says Central Otago has been of some concern over the last 12 months with a significant spike in patient numbers and having an extra team member will help ease the pressure.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring Angela on the team – she comes with exceptional skills, and while the community work style will be different, we know she will adapt quickly.

We are averaging around 50 patients in the region right now, compared to 32 this time last year. That may not seem like many but we need to think about the fact that one patient has a network around them that we also support - family, carers, other health providers, so the increase in workload for the small team is quite significant.

We have been very lucky to be well supported by local entities like Central Lakes Trust who have made a very generous three year commitment to supporting our Central Otago team with close to $70,000 each year. As well as the Upper Clutha Hospice Trust which has also provided us with a $35,000 grant this year.”

Ms Green says having the local community supporting the team in Cromwell is important as it also helps Hospice get the message out about the services available in the region to those who need specialist palliative care.

The Hospice’s Cromwell team is made up of Community Care Coordinators: Christine Pacey, Amanda Henderson and Natalie Franklin and Nurse Practitioner, Louisa Ingham. They are supported by two medical staff working in Central, one out of Lawrence and the other out of Dunedin. Community Care Coordinator Angela Thomas starts working with the team on August 12th, following a week’s induction at the Hospice in Dunedin.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity with the challenges of working in a growing community. As well as looking forward to living in Wanaka,” says Angela Thomas.

For more information contact:

Ginny Green, ph 027 487 2345