Waipuna Hospice has a short-stay inpatient care unit (IPU) located on the outskirts of Tauranga, overlooking the picturesque Wairoa River. 

Most people under the care of Waipuna Hospice will not require an inpatient hospice admission, but in some cases patients may be referred by their GP, specialist doctor or hospice nurse for a short stay for pain and complex symptoms control, rehabilitation, or respite care.
Our  team of nurses, doctors, social workers and family support will spend time identifying your specific needs, and will work closely with you, your family/whanau and your community care team, to ensure your treatment is specific to your needs.

In the Inpatient Unit you will have access to all of Waipuna Hospice’s support services such as counselling, massage therapy and chaplaincy.

Your length of stay in the IPU will be determined by your particular needs, but generally most stays are between seven and ten days.

For some patients it may be identified that a transition point between home and ongoing care in a private hospital is deemed as more beneficial than transferring back to the home from the Inpatient Unit.

What should you bring?

  • Your usual medication
  • Toiletries and continence products if you use them
  • Comfortable clothing, nightwear and a dressing gown
  • Photos and mementos
  • All linen is provided, but you are welcome to bring your favourite blanket, quilt or pillow
  • Mobile phone and laptop (free wifi is available)

Please leave valuable items at home.

Staying in our Inpatient Care Unit

Our rooms are spacious and private with an outdoor patio overlooking the countryside and gardens.

Each room has its own ensuite bathroom, Freeview television and radio. Rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with an electric bed with a pressure relieving mattress. A DVD player and free wifi is also available.

Your room is your own private and personal space while you are at the hospice, and we encourage you to personalise it with photographs and special mementos.

Bed linen is provided, but please bring a favourite blanket, quilt or pillow if it will make your stay more comfortable.

Family members, whanau, friends and carers are welcome to visit during your stay, and on occasion we may even be able to accommodate pets.

Meals are prepared for patients by our onsite cook, and can be tailored to your specific tastes and dietary requirements.

The hospice building and grounds are no smoking areas, this includes e-cigarettes. There are designated smoking areas for patients and visitors, please discuss the location of these with your nursing staff.

You may nominate a key support person to stay with you overnight. Please discuss with a hospice nurse in advance.

Visiting our Inpatient Care Unit  

Family, whanau and friends are welcome to visit loved ones during their stay in the inpatient unit (IPU), subject to the patient’s wishes.

Waipuna Hospice has two family lounges which are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities and are available for small family gatherings. There is also a BBQ and family kitchen where hot food can be prepared.

We ask visitors to consider all patients and visitors to Waipuna Hospice.

Thank you for coming to our Inpatient Unit to support a member of your family/ whānau, or friend.
Our key considerations are the safety, privacy and support of our patients, visitors, and staff.

 

Our main visiting time is between 10am – 7pm

 

Close family members may visit outside these hours by agreement

with the senior nurse on duty.

 

COVID CONSIDERATIONS: The wearing of facemasks in healthcare settings and continuing to isolate if positive for COVID-19 are still being strongly recommended. These measures remain an important way that we can prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

  • All visitors will be asked to sign in at the kiosk in the main entrance foyer, complete screening questions and agree to the terms of visiting.
  • Please DO NOT visit if you have any cold/flu symptoms.
  • Reception will let you in. After hours, ring the bell and the nursing staff will answer the door.
  • We recommend a mask is worn upon entry to the Hospice In-Patient Unit and in public areas. Masks are not required when in the room with the patient.

Many of our inpatients prefer to nominate a Support Person to stay with them some or all of the time. This can be arranged as required.

The key things as a nominated support person you need to know.

  • A support person may stay overnight, either in the patient’s room or whanau room. If able, bring your own bedding, please.
  • Showering facilities are available, if able, bring your own towel, please.
  • There is a kitchen available for the support person and family/whanau to use if they need to prepare a meal or make a cup of tea.
  • Please label all food and drink supplies with your name and date, which can be stored in the pantry or communal fridge.
  • Please be patient and respectful as this amenity is shared by many families/whanau.
  • No laundry facilities on site.

 

Interactions with Waipuna Staff

If you become unwell during your stay with cold/flu-like symptoms, please advise the staff.

If you require anything during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Our hospice is located at 43 Te Puna Station Road, RD6, Tauranga 3176.

In patient hospice care at Waipuna Hospice, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty