Kahukura - Wairarapa Palliative Care Service

Wairarapa DHB works in partnership with the Wairarapa Community PHO and Te Omanga Hospice to deliver the service which is based on the National Palliative Care Strategy and hospice philosophy. Services are based in Te Kowhai House in Renall Street, which is owned by the Hospice Wairarapa Community Trust.

Wairarapa DHB provides care for patients at home by community nurses; specialist palliative care nursing advice and assistance; and education and training for general health professionals.

Te Omanga provides a specialist medical service including a weekly clinic in Wairarapa and 24/7 telephone advice for local doctors.

General Practice Teams refer patients to the service and provide general ongoing care for patients in the community, including at home.

A range of other professionals work with doctors and nurses to help meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of patients and their families. They include occupational therapists, clergy, social workers and Maori support people.

A management group with representatives from the three partners oversees the  Kahakura Wairarapa Palliative Care Service and monitors its performance.

Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North provides assistance and advice on palliative care training and education. Arohanui is also assisting with the development of the service manual to be used by all Wairarapa providers.

Wairarapa Community PHO facilitates training of general practice teams and programme delivery including management services and payments.