Patient numbers overtake hospice funding

Fundraising manager Trish Rae and chief executive Richard Thurlow said it would enhance its services. Photo / John Borren

The number of patients under Waipuna's Hospice care has increased by more than 100 per cent over the past four years and funding has not kept up with the rapid increase.

Chief executive Dr Richard Thurlow said in 2010 it had 140 patients on its books "at any one time" compared to 292 now.

Its funding model with the Bay of Plenty District Health Board had also dropped from 70 per cent received in 2009 to 56 per cent funding, he said.

"That hasn't been because we haven't been given anything but the funding does not match the growth rate that has happened. There has been more demand for our services."

The hospice had adapted by adopting smarter strategies, Mr Thurlow said.

"We haven't massively increased our staffing to cope but have modelled the care differently.."

About 87 per cent of costs went to salaries. A new day wing that was expected to be completed in February at a forecast cost of $3.6 million was under construction, with TECT donating $1.8 million towards the development.

It would enable the hospice to manage able-bodied patients and included a training centre, he said.

"The day wing means we can manage more patients that way."

The hospice also helped the Tauranga Hospital with its palliative care liaison service.

"We provide the medical care specialists to the hospital under contact. At the minute that is a fledging service which needs to grow and we are working with the DHB on how we can do that."

National health spokesman Tony Ryall announced a $1 million boost for Bay of Plenty hospices and Mr Thurlow said part of that funding could go towards the liaison service.

Fundraising manager Trish Rae said Tauranga had an aging, growing population.

It had to raise $2.5 million a year or $48,000 a week and the need was ongoing, she said.

By the numbers

Last year more than 15,000 people received care and support from hospice services in New Zealand

Hospice staff made more than 145,000 visits to people in their homes

More than 20 per cent of people using hospice services were aged under 60

75 per cent had a cancer related issue

- Health Spokesman for National, Tony Ryall