Partnering with You for Holistic Care
Hospice Mid Northland works alongside a network of general practitioners, hospital teams and community health providers to deliver compassionate, person centred palliative care. We take a coordinated approach – listening to our patients, assessing their changing needs and supporting them to live as well as they can for as long as possible. Our team partners with whanau and clinical colleagues to ensure pain and symptom management, practical help and emotional support are seamlessly integrated into each individualu2019s care plan.
Making a Referral
Anyone can request hospice support – patients, whanau or health professionals. Referrals can be made through our online form, by phone or via the PalCare system used by many GP practices. Please provide as much clinical and social background information as possible; this helps us to prioritise needs and tailor care. A hospice Clinical Manager reviews each referral and will contact you if further details are required. To discuss a referral or check eligibility, phone the Clinical Manager on 09 407 7799.
Referral Steps
- Complete the referral form – we recommend using our online form or uploading a completed PDF. If your practice uses PalCare, you can send a referral through the u201cMake a Referralu201d module.
- Attach relevant information – recent medical history, diagnosis, current medications and any advance care plans help our team assess the referral.
- Submit and confirm – once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Our team aims to respond within 2 working days.
Education and Training
Continuous professional development is vital for high quality palliative care. Hospice Mid Northland and Hospice New Zealand offer a range of education opportunities for health professionals:
Palliative Care Lecture Series
A free monthly webinar series delivered by Hospice NZ. Sessions cover symptom management, communication skills and end of life care. Participants can register via the Hospice NZ website and receive a certificate upon completion.
Syringe Driver Training
our hospice runs practical workshops in combination with self paced online learning. These sessions teach safe administration of subcutaneous medication using syringe drivers and are suitable for registered and non registered staff. Email info@hospicemn.org.nz to enquire about upcoming dates.
Fundamentals of Palliative Care
A blended online and workshop programme designed for anyone caring for people with palliative care needs. It covers assessment, symptom control, communication and cultural care, and is run in partnership with Hospice NZ. Enrol through the Hospice NZ Knowledge Hub.
We also provide tailored in service sessions for aged residential care facilities, general practices and community services. Contact our education coordinator at info@hospicemn.org.nz to discuss bespoke training.
Specialist Support
Our care teams have access to Dr Warrick Jones, a palliative care specialist based at North Haven Hospice in Whangarei. Dr Jones holds monthly clinics and is available to provide advice for complex symptom management. Health professionals can reach him via North Haven Hospice on 09 437 3355.
Maori Palliative Care Framework - Mauri Mate
Hospice Mid Northland embraces Mauri Mate, a Maori palliative care framework commissioned by Totara Hospice and Mary Potter Hospice. This framework highlights the importance of:
- Quality and compassionate care in the lead up to and at the end of life.
- Holistic whanau support during illness and after death, including spiritual care and bereavement support.
We encourage health professionals to familiarise themselves with the framework to ensure services align with Te Tiriti principles and Maori perspectives on end of life care.
Information and Resources
We recommend the following resources for clinicians and carers:
Palliative Care Handbook – a practical guide offering symptom management strategies and communication tips. It is suitable for use in hospitals, primary care and community settings.
Hospice NZ Standards for Palliative Care – national standards and a quality review programme providing a continuous improvement framework for hospices and other services working with people with palliative needs.
Knowledge Hub – Hospice NZu2019s online learning portal hosting e learning modules, webinars and resources for health professionals.
Careers and Volunteering
If you are interested in joining our hospice team, please visit our Careers and Volunteer pages. We occasionally advertise clinical and support roles and welcome applications from doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with palliative care experience. Volunteers play a crucial role in providing practical support, companionship and community outreach.
Get in Touch
For referral enquiries, professional advice or information about our education programme, please contact:
Clinical Manager u2013 09 407 7799
Education Coordinator u2013 info@hospicemn.org.nz
Together we can improve the quality of life for people living with life limiting illness and support their whanau.