At risk of disappearing
Hospice provides care and compassion to people at the end of their lives - but without urgent funding, these essential services are at risk of disappearing.
It's time for the government to fairly fund hospice.
Hospice care touches the lives of thousands of people every year, offering support and comfort during one of the most challenging times. However, despite supporting a third of everyone who dies in New Zealand, hospice services are at risk of disappearing.
Last year, it cost more than $226 million to run the country’s hospice services. Government funding only covered half; hospices had to rely on the generosity of communities to find the remaining $112 million, just to keep the doors open.
If the Government doesn’t act now to put in place a more sustainable funding model, it is patients and their loved ones who will pay the price. Hospices are already facing major disruption and reducing offerings (e.g. reduced in-patient beds, restricting access, keeping vacant roles vacant). Without more funding, we risk losing these vital services when people need them most.
That’s why, this Hospice Awareness Week, we’re once again calling for fairer funding for hospice services. We’d really appreciate you taking the time to get involved, and use your voice to help remind everyone of the value of hospice care in our communities.
Read more about our advocacy here
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