Hospice Awareness Week
Imagine NZ Without Hospice
We can't either
A recent report commissioned by five New Zealand hospices, including Otago Community Hospice, has highlighted the incredible value hospices bring to New Zealand.
Hospices save the health system a staggering $110m every year and deliver a conservative return on investment of $1.59 for every $1 of government funding. They also generate $48m in quality-of-life improvements, $2.6m in well-being benefits and $468k in out-of-pocket cost savings for families.
The value to patients goes beyond money. From avoiding unnecessary trips to emergency departments to timely medical care and whānau support, hospices make a real difference in our communities.
Otago Community Hospice is one of the leading lights in this invaluable service. We have more than 100 staff and a team of volunteers who everyday:
- Take pressure off the strained health system
- Deliver a meaningful service based on need
- Support whānau who are caring for loved ones with a terminal illness
- Reach rural communities that in other regions are not as well serviced
- Come up with innovative solutions to ensure our service remains sustainable
But the report is not all good news.
Government funding has not adjusted for rising costs leaving a national funding shortfall of $9.4m (2023). Many hospices are already experiencing unprecedented financial strain due to the funding shortfall and the demand for our services is only expected to increase. New Zealand’s population is growing and aging. If the percentage of people receiving hospices services remains stable, demand for hospice care will likely grow by 53% by 2045.
If the Government's funding model stays the same, hospices will fail to meet the growing demand without making drastic changes to what and how they deliver their services.
“OCH is doing well - for now. But escalating costs, pressure on community fundraising and increasing demand for services have us worried for the future. Something has to change now to ensure certainty for essential care into the future."
- Ginny Green, CEO of Otago Community Hospice
To help OCH maintain its invaluable service into the future you can: