At Hospice Whanganui, we know that no one organisation can meet all of a person’s needs on its own. That’s why strong relationships with our healthcare partners are so important.
One of those key partnerships is with Hato Hone St John.
Supporting Patients and Whānau Together
When someone living with a life-limiting illness experiences a sudden change or needs urgent support, St John is often one of the first services involved. Through close communication and shared understanding, Hospice Whanganui and Hato Hone St John work together to ensure patients and whānau receive care that aligns with their wishes and goals.
Each week, Hospice Whanganui provides St John with information about new referrals, including whether an Ambulance Management Pack is in the home. These packs contain important information such as diagnoses, goals of care, preferred place of care, and advance care planning, helping St John teams make informed decisions in urgent situations.
Regular communication between the two organisations means everyone is working from the same page.
Working Together in Practice
Sometimes that collaboration happens over the phone. Sometimes it happens side by side.
Recently, St John attended a patient experiencing increasing shortness of breath. The patient’s daughter called for help, unsure whether hospital treatment would be needed.
St John contacted Hospice Whanganui, and a Registered Nurse and Health Care Assistant attended the home immediately. Together with the patient and whānau, the teams talked through all available options.
The patient decided they wished to remain at home for the final stage of their journey, and medication was provided to ensure comfort.
By working together, both teams were able to support the patient’s wishes and provide care where they wanted to be most – at home, surrounded by those they loved.
A Partnership Built on Communication
The relationship between Hospice Whanganui and Hato Hone St John extends beyond individual callouts.
Regular communication between team leaders, direct access for frontline staff to seek advice, and ongoing education opportunities help strengthen the partnership. Hato Hone St John staff also participate in Hospice Whanganui’s Palliative Care Partnership training, helping build shared knowledge and understanding across both organisations.
Better Together
This collaborative approach helps create a seamless care experience for patients and whānau.
Because when healthcare teams work together, patients’ goals can remain at the centre of every decision.
And that’s what matters most.