In an unprecedented move, Te Whatu Ora have appointed Jo Hathaway ‘s as Senior Advisor – Palliative Care. In Jo’s words, this is ‘a turning point for palliative care.’ We couldn’t agree more.
Read here Jo’s thoughts as she takes up the first ever, national government role dedicated to improving palliative care services for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“There are many challenges ahead as we take stock nationally of what’s working, and what’s not working, for patients and whānau and start to address inequities, inconsistencies and gaps.
There are also many opportunities ahead as we transition to a new way of commissioning health services with a strong emphasis on co-design with Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority and equity for Māori.
Having worked in nursing and education roles in hospices over the last 20+ years, I appreciate how integral hospice services are to the care of many patients with life-limiting/life-threatening conditions and their whānau, as well as the leadership, education and support you provide to your wider health colleagues. I’m looking forward to collaborating across our sector and joining forces to improve things.”
