As Nurse Maude prepares to open its new state-of-the-art hospice next month, the organisation has welcomed the Government’s announcement of additional $15.5 million funding for paediatric palliative care, recognising the difference this will make for children, young people and their whānau across Aotearoa.

Opening on 17 June, Nurse Maude’s new purpose-built hospice has been thoughtfully designed to support children and families requiring specialist palliative care, including dedicated paediatric facilities and an adjoining family room so whānau can stay close to their child during inpatient care in a welcoming, home-like environment. The paediatric space has been made possible through a generous bequest from Cantabrian Mr Cyril Smith.

Louise Zacest, Chief Executive of Nurse Maude, says the investment acknowledges the complexity and importance of providing compassionate, specialist care at some of life’s most challenging times.

“Caring for children with life-limiting conditions, and supporting their families, requires highly skilled, multidisciplinary teams and a strong network of services. This funding is an important step toward strengthening that support for families when they need it most.”

In Canterbury, Nurse Maude already provides specialist paediatric palliative care both in the community and within its hospice, supported through a combination of its own investment and the generosity of its community.

“We are proud to have specialist paediatric palliative nurses as part of our team, delivering care wherever it is needed — whether that’s in a child’s home or in our hospice,” says Zacest.

“This investment will help build on the care already being provided across the country. We look forward to continuing to work alongside others to ensure all children and families can access the support they need, when and where they need it.”

This year also marks 130 years since Nurse Maude was established, originally providing district nursing services in Christchurch. Today, the organisation delivers community health care across the South Island and Greater Wellington, alongside specialist hospice and palliative care in Canterbury and a care home in Merivale, Christchurch.

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