Rambling Rich – May 2023
Kia ora everyone,
The clocks have gone back, and the extra hour in bed has been well and truly used up! Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. The weather is usually not too bad, the trees change their colours by the second (McLaren Falls Park is a beautiful example) and the temperature feels much more comfortable.
Waipuna Hospice continues to work through this financial year, and we recognise this is going to be a tough one.
The cost-of-living crisis we are currently going through is biting us all. We are also working in a health sector where the “crisis” word seems to be forbidden. There is no doubt the whole of healthcare is under huge pressure from many angles. Staffing shortages, reforms, pay equity claims and waitlists seem to be the normal subjects of politicians and the media.
I am not denying that it is tough to be working in, and being a patient of, the healthcare system at the moment. But I am proud of the way our team at Waipuna Hospice continues to raise their game and support our patients during these tough times.
We await the health reforms rather impatiently. We know these are not simple, and trying to build a plane whilst it’s flying is incredibly difficult…if not near impossible without the occasional crash! We are hearing Te Whatu Ora is looking at a sector in their structure that will oversee “dying well”. This is the first time this has been done and we are really pleased if this is the case. It means we, and other end-of-life care providers, will have advocates and colleagues in Te Whatu Ora who will be focused on driving improvement for all New Zealanders at the end of their life.
Our shops and fundraising work remain absolutely vital to our ability to continue to provide the care our community, patients, and families need. I have spent 15 years asking and pleading for support, so I will do it again. Please help us – donations are encouraged as our shops always require high-quality goods to sell. A great way to determine the quality is by asking yourself “would I buy this in this condition?” We also have a free pick-up service – just call our depot number 07 281 1755. Occasionally we have to turn away goods we cannot sell so please don’t be offended if we do this. If the goods aren’t saleable, they add to our disposal fees, which are already incredibly high during the year. If the depot or shop is closed, please don’t leave donated items outside the door.
Lastly, I want to thank you – our supporters. Without your support, be it through the donation of money, time or goods, our services would be a fraction of what we offer.
Go well.
Ngā mihi
Rich
This update was first published in our newsletter – Waipuna Connections, issue 83.
