Living Every Moment

Hospice Care

Hospice South Canterbury provides specialist palliative care to patients, their family and whanau in the South Canterbury region.
Hospice offers a range of free-of-charge services for people facing a life-limiting illness, from education courses through to inpatient care.

The Clinical team is comprised of specialist doctors, nurses and counsellors, and is supported by a strong administrative team and devoted volunteers.

Our Services Include

Inpatient services
Therapeutic day patient services
Community support to aged care facilities
Family support services
Professional development
Te Ara Whakapiri facilitation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that once you go to a hospice you are unlikely to leave?

No. Many patients spend a short time in hospice for pain management and symptom control or respite care before returning home. Admissions may be of varied length and occur more than once.

What does hospice care cost?

Hospice care is free of charge to patients and their families. Hospice South Canterbury is partly funded by the government and the remainder is raised from the community through fundraising activities, bequests, grants and donations and through our charity shops. This kindness ensures the service remains free to you. General Practitioners may charge for visiting, medications may have a charge and ambulance costs will occur.

What can I bring?

You may like to bring for your comfort, toiletries, drinks, some food, toilet tissues, personal hygenie products and anything you would like to make your room more personal, such as family photographs.

Are hospices scary places?

Hospices are warm and caring places, which provide the highest possible standard of care to people at their most vulnerable time. Our emphasis is on improving a person’s quality of life and to support their family, whanau and friends.

Who can qualify for hospice care?

Hospice care is provided to patients who have a palliative diagnosis where treatment for cure is no longer appropriate. Referrals are generally through the patient’s GP.