Each year BNI New Zealand donate $12,000 to The BNI Palliative Care Scholarship Programme. This programme continues to make a significant impact by supporting the professional development of psychosocial and allied health staff across Hospice NZ member organisations.
In 2024 11 deserving recipients were awarded scholarships. This funding enabled recipients to pursue a range of professional development opportunities, including counselling, chaplaincy, palliative care certification, social work, ethics, cultural approaches to death and dying, and psychosocial issues in palliative care.
Feedback from this year’s recipients highlights the transformative impact of the scholarship on their professional practice:
- Reflective Growth and Learning: Recipients noted how engaging with others' experiences—whether through class discussions or course materials—helped them reflect on their practice, affirming their current approach while identifying areas for ongoing growth.
- Enhanced Skills and Confidence: Many reported gaining valuable resources for patient and family engagement, such as effective questions for difficult conversations, new assessment tools, and practical interventions. This has strengthened their ability to adapt to patients' and whānau needs, especially as society changes.
- Holistic and Ethical Practice: Scholars emphasised the importance of addressing not only physical but also social, emotional, and spiritual needs. They learned how ethical decision-making and teamwork are essential for providing respectful, culturally responsive care.
- Broadening Perspectives: Recipients described the programme as a catalyst for further reading and research, helping them understand the broader context of palliative care, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the barriers faced by diverse populations.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: Some highlighted how their studies have boosted their confidence to advocate for their roles, undertake research, and contribute to improved outcomes for patients and whānau.
One recipient shared: “This opportunity expanded the areas of interest for me, allowing for new ways of engagement and practice models. It has given me the confidence to increase awareness of the role of social work in palliative care and to better support patients holistically.”
The success of this programme underscores the strong partnership between BNI New Zealand and Hospice NZ, founded on a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of palliative care in New Zealand. We extend our heartfelt thanks to BNI New Zealand for their unwavering support and look forward to seeing the long-term benefits of this year’s scholarships reflected in the care provided to patients and families across the country.