A Day in the Life of Hospice Whanganui
What happens in 24 hours at Hospice Whanganui?
There is no such thing as a typical day. The needs of our patients and whānau can change quickly, and our teams respond wherever and however they are needed.
But this snapshot of one 24-hour period gives a glimpse into just how much can happen behind the scenes.
During these 24 hours, our team completed 14 home visits, with Registered Nurses, Health Care Assistants, Social Workers and our Whānau Navigator heading out into the community to support patients and whānau where they live.
There were also 21 phone calls providing direct patient support, responding to patient-related needs and completing specialist follow-up, alongside three visits to aged residential care, providing advice, support and medication input into patient care.
New referrals were processed, assessments completed, and two external drivers supported medical review, pain management, Whānau Support and whānau education.
And that’s only part of the picture.
The work behind the care
While much of Hospice Whanganui’s work happens directly alongside patients and whānau, there is also a huge amount happening behind the scenes.
During this same 24-hour period, our team attended six hui and meetings, covering everything from clinical leadership and audit preparation to management and regional education.
There were medication reconciliations, clinical and drug audits, reviews, checklists and supplies to organise – the everyday work that helps ensure our specialist palliative care remains safe, responsive and well coordinated.
Whānau Support also provided intensive support to the partner of a patient, recognising that hospice care isn’t only about the person who is unwell. Caring for and walking alongside whānau is an important part of what we do.
And amongst a busy day, there was time set aside for staff wellbeing and a shared lunch – because caring for the people who provide the care matters too.
No two days are the same
This is just one 24-hour snapshot.
Another day might look completely different.
What remains constant is a team working together to respond to the needs of patients and whānau – in people’s homes, in aged residential care, over the phone, through Whānau Support, and through all the work happening behind the scenes.
Hospice care is much more than a building or a bedside.
It is people, expertise, relationships and countless moments of care happening across our community, 24 hours a day.
This is a day in the life of Hospice Whanganui. 💛