New PalCare system marks major step forward for palliative care in Wairarapa
A major advancement in palliative care coordination across the Wairarapa is being marked this Hospice Awareness Week, with the rollout of PalCare, a nationally recognised integrated patient information management system.
The implementation of PalCare across specialist palliative care services will help strengthen communication and coordination between healthcare providers, ensuring people experiencing life-limiting illness receive more connected, responsive and seamless care. Hospice Wairarapa Chief Executive Gretchen Saulbrey says the rollout is an important milestone for the region.
“PalCare is a significant development for palliative care in the Wairarapa. It strengthens collaboration across services and helps ensure people receive more connected, responsive care when they need it most.
“It reflects the direction we want to continue moving in as a region, improving access, strengthening services, and building a more integrated model of palliative care for our community.
“But continued progress like this relies on strong community support. Hospice services are only partially funded, and fundraising plays a critical role in helping us continue delivering care and improving access for local families.”
The launch coincides with Hospice Awareness Week, running from 11–17 May this year, centring on the national Wrap Around Love campaign, which highlights the ripple effect of hospice care for people living with life-limiting illness and the whānau around them. For Hospice Wairarapa, the week is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the support services available locally, and the importance of community fundraising in helping keep those services free for those who need them.
“Hospice Wairarapa is here for our community, for you and for the people you care about,” says Corporate Relationships Manager Lily Richmond.
“When someone needs hospice support, it’s not just about one person. It’s about the people around them too. Our team provides wrap-around emotional, practical, spiritual and social support that helps people feel cared for, connected and less alone during one of life’s most difficult times.”
Donation boxes will be available across the Wairarapa throughout Hospice Awareness Week, with volunteer collectors out in the community from Wednesday through to Saturday as part of the annual Street Appeal. Hospice Wairarapa is encouraging the community to support the appeal if they can, with all funds raised staying local to support Hospice services in the region.
Photo Kahukura Palliative Care Nurses and Hospice Wairarapa: Left to right: Amanda Le Grove, Fiona Wilton, Bernie Sellwood, Holly Rees (Admin), Carol Hinton, Amrit Shergilla, Jennifer Zambrano (UCOL Student Nurse).