The new home for Nelson Tasman Hospice is taking shape and the doors were opened to the public over the weekend to get a glimpse of the near-complete facility.
The $11.5 million facility is due to be finished on March 29 with staff and patients moving in early April.
A marathon fundraising effort has seen the trust raise $13,320,000 to purchase the land, build, and fit out the new facility, with just $280,000 to go to reach their target of $13.6 million.
Nelson Tasman Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Paul McIntyre says it has been a huge effort by the whole community.
He was thrilled to be able to show locals what their contributions have gone towards.
“It’s absolutely beautiful, I’m speechless really, they’ve done such a fantastic job,” says Kay Lindbom of Stoke.
Her awe was mirrored by the hundreds of people who flowed through the doors on Sunday.
Every aspect of the design has been carefully thought out, from the extra-wide hallways that can accommodate two beds passing each other to the double doors of patient rooms which allow beds to be wheeled into the garden area.
While the facility can only accommodate 10 overnight patients, a day unit will give access to the 180 patients who are registered with Hospice at any one time to come in for things like blood tests or a few hours of respite care.
Paul says many people are shocked that only 10 people can stay, but he says most are cared for in the community.
“When you think about it, where you want to mostly be looked after is in your home or rest home, but it will provide great respite care.”
Paul says it’s the first time since 1999 that all Hospice staff will be working under one roof.
An education and training room will mean Hospice staff can provide training on palliative care to other health professionals and the landscaping will feature 117 native trees alongside a large daffodil garden.
“It really is amazing, every time you come you get a bit of a buzz on how much it’s changed and how incredible the building is, it’s really impressive,” says Paul.
A four-bedroom family apartment on site will mean that family can stay with their loved ones and not have to worry about finding accommodation.
“This is a real hub for Hospice services, the level of care that’s going to be provided is just incredible.”
