$580k more for Wairarapa palliative care

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says an extra $580,000 will be pumped in to the Wairarapa palliative care service over the next four years.

A boost in new money for palliative care services is set to benefit Wairarapa.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says an extra $580,000 is being pumped into the region's palliative care service over the next four years.

"Palliative care services, including hospices, make a huge difference to people's lives by ensuring terminally ill people are as free from pain and suffering as possible.

"They also provide valuable care and support for families and friends."

Mr Coleman says the demand for palliative care continues to increase as New Zealand's population grows and ages, which is why the Government has set aside $52 million over four years to help hospices around the country expand services.

Wairarapa District Health Board will receive around $145,000 each year, starting from July 1.

In 2013, more than 15,000 people received care and support from hospice services throughout the country, and hospice staff made more than 145,000 home visits.

Three-quarters of those using hospice services had a cancer-related disease.