Health Care Assistants (HCAs) play a vital role in Hospice Whanganui’s patient- and whānau-led service. Their work is hands-on, deeply relational, and grounded in compassion.
Whina Broughton is one of our Health Care Assistants. She shares what a typical day looks like, and why this mahi means so much to her.
Every day is different
“A day as a Health Care Assistant begins early, as the team prepares for the day ahead,” Whina explains. “What we do can change in an instant, and each moment spent with our patients is precious.”
Each day usually starts with handover, where nurses and HCAs discuss patient needs, care plans, new referrals, and priorities for the day. From there, the work can take many forms.
“I work in collaboration with our nurses, doctors, social workers, and whānau to provide palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses,” says Whina.
Much of Whina’s work happens in the community, supporting patients in their homes, residential care facilities, or in Hospice Whanganui’s Inpatient Unit (IPU). This can include assisting with personal cares, supporting mobility, helping with meals, monitoring comfort, and offering companionship and reassurance.
“I also love working with patients and their whānau to offer emotional support, a listening ear and just being a compassionate presence to help them navigate their journey.”
Caring for the whole family
Whina says one of the most important parts of her role is supporting carers and family members.
“Family members often become carers for their loved ones, and this can take its toll. Carer fatigue can set in.”
When that happens, the team works together to find solutions. Whether that’s arranging extra support at home, placing an HCA in the home for short periods, or organising respite care or a short stay in the IPU.
“This allows those family members the opportunity to rest, take a moment for themselves, go for coffee with friends, attend their own appointments or just simply sit and spend quality time with their loved one.”
More than a job
“Being a Health Care Assistant with hospice isn’t just a job for me, it is the very essence of who I am.”
Whina’s words reflect the heart of hospice care: walking alongside patients and whānau with dignity, aroha, and compassion, wherever they are.