Stuff co.nz 28 August 2017
Family First Comment: Care – not killing.
Hospice is often thought of as a final refuge; a place where people spend their last days.
But as the service evolves it is offering much more than that.
Nelson Tasman Hospice’s first palliative medicine specialist Dr Jodie Battley said late-stage care was still a core part of the service, but it was now involved with patients much earlier.
That allowed staff to build relationships with patients and their families.
“The big message is that we can help you live well with limited time, it’s all about quality of life.”
Battley said the research showed that early integration of palliative care with oncology and other services meant better outcomes for people.
“These patients do better in terms of quality of life, symptom control and satisfaction with their care.”
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/96076740/specialist-to-enhance-palliative-services-at-hospice-in-nelson
