As the COVID-19 crisis rapidly unfolded around us it was a time of great uncertainty and heightened anxiety for everyone. We were hoping for the best and preparing for the worst as we deployed our pandemic plan prior to the lockdown.

When a State of National Emergency was declared, we took critical measures to keep our patients, their families, staff, and volunteers safe. Visitor restrictions and a screening process were put in place; our volunteer workforce was sent home, fundraising events were cancelled; and our Hospice Shops were temporarily closed.

Like others, we closely followed Government guidelines so we could safely deliver our essential care to the Hutt Valley community through the pandemic.

A tough time for patients, whānau and staffIt was challenging for the people we care for. As well as facing the end of their life patients and their wh-anau had to deal with self-isolation, physical distancing, and delayed grief due to the restrictions of COVID-19. Many families were unable to physically be by the bedside of their loved one during lockdown or hold a funeral or Tangihanga. Our thoughts are with those who’ve had loved ones die during the pandemic.

Many of our team found it challenging too as they worked remotely and virtually to provide care and support. It was difficult as physically connecting with people is an important part of what we do. To keep the hospice running our Shop Managers

were redeployed to fill essential roles as housekeepers and kitchenhands; without them our Inpatient Unit would have closed.

I am immensely proud of how our team adapted quickly to the changing situation. It wasn’t always easy or perfect, but we did our best to provide compassionate care in uncertain times and we are very grateful to our patients and families for their understanding.

The bumpy road aheadAs I write to you New Zealand has moved to Alert Level 1 thanks to our country uniting to avoid the worst-case scenario. But we know it is not over yet.

COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on many of our lives. For Te Omanga Hospice, it will affect our ability to raise funds to support our service. The cancellation of vital fundraising events like our Annual Street Appeal and Vintners’ Lunch, along with the temporary closure of our Hospice Shops, has put financial pressure on our hospice.

There are many unknowns and we expect a bumpy road ahead as we strive to raise nearly $3 million to bridge the gap between Government funding and what it costs to run our service.

Your support means so muchWhile we didn’t anticipate another steep financial challenge just one year on from the rebuild of our hospice, we hope that our amazing community will continue to support us as we recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Your kindness and generosity means so much to the people we care for. Because of you, we can help people live well and make the most of the time they have left with loved ones.

Thank you for helping make our essential work possible. Stay safe and well.

Warmest regards

Biddy Harford MNZMChief Executive of Te Omanga Hospice

News and views from Te Omanga Hospice – July 2020

Our grateful thanks to the following who have recently supported our work with a generous grant, bequest, Day of Care, sponsorship or in-kind donation.

Compassion Respect Partnership Learning

ESSENTIAL CARE IN A CRISIS

"Wherever there is a human in need,

there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.”

— Kevin Heath

OUR FRONTLINEWhile we watched as the pandemic impacted health workers across the world, our very own frontline team worked hard to ensure our essential service continued in the Hutt Valley. Patients, their families and staff alike faced many challenges.

Sue Campbell, Palliative Care Facilitator talks about having to rapidly redesign how we delivered our service. “We video called some of our patients and families and maintained our physical distance when visiting, although we didn’t visit as much as we normally do. At times we wore PPE gear following the Ministry of Health guidelines.”

Our patients and their families went through extraordinary times. “Those we care for in the community only had the people in their bubble to care for them. The patients were being well cared for, but it was challenging for the carers and difficult for the wider wh-anau who couldn’t be with them.”

Lenore Cunningham, Inpatient Unit Coordinator comments on restrictions for patients staying at the hospice. “It was very difficult for the patients to choose who in their bubble was going to come with them. When funerals were unable to be held, we created our own ritual. Our team and Spiritual Care Coordinator along with one or two family members would sing a waiata as the deceased left the hospice.”

Lynda Marino, Social Worker, adds “it was quite hard for our larger wh-anau, especially M-aori and Pacifica wh-anau who were wanting to have the Tangihanga rituals respected, which was not possible under the restrictions.” Our M-aori Liaison worked with other Iwi based support services to help wh-anau manage this.

“We missed the physical connection. Being able to reach out and put a hand on someone’s shoulder or arm can have a real impact,” says Lynda. Lenore adds, “hugging and touching are very much a part of who we are – it’s how we deal as human beings with emotion.”

“At times it was necessary to wear PPE when visiting patients in the community,” says Sue Campbell, Palliative Care Facilitator.

“It was a huge relief knowing Dad was at the hospice. There are no words to communicate how grateful we are for the care and love given,” says Georgia Nelson.

Georgia’s Dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness in May last year and came to stay at Te Omanga on New Year’s Eve. Having never experienced the death of a close family member, Georgia and her sister were appreciative of the support they received. “We visited Dad every day and everyone was so welcoming and respectful. We feel a real connection with the hospice; the gardens and space are amazing and peaceful. It was such a wonderful way for Dad to go.”

Wanting to do something regularly for Te Omanga, Georgia decided to donate fortnightly. “There is always something you can do to give back, whether it’s volunteering, dropping in cans of food or a monetary contribution. It’s so heartwarming to donate and makes you feel like you have a part to play.”

In uncertain times like this, we really appreciate the support of generous people like Georgia. Regular gifts like hers allow us to plan ahead for the future and provide vital care to those who need it. If you are interested in joining our Regular Giving TEAM, please contact Penelope Esplin on 04 566 4535 ext 310 or email penelope.esplin@teomanga.org.nz.

GIVING BACK

"Beautiful surroundings can bring smiles out even in the worst of times,” says Georgia. This photo of Georgia and her Dad was taken at Te Mata Peak just after they got the news about her Dad’s diagnosis.

REFLECTIONS OF A REGISTRAR

MR DILMAH TURNS 90

STREET APPEAL GOES VIRTUAL

Six months ago, Dr. Vivienne Ralph took up a Registrar position at Te Omanga Hospice to learn more about Palliative Care. She leaves with increased knowledge, skills and expertise in Palliative Medicine.

Viv came to the hospice from Hutt Hospital where she worked in General Medicine. She explains what she enjoyed about Te Omanga. “You work closely as a multidisciplinary team. There are strong links between the hospice, the community nurses, and the GPs. This teamwork provides holistic and optimal care for patients.”

Keen to gain experience working in the community, Viv visited patients in the Hutt Valley until lockdown restrictions hit. “Everything changed quickly. I completed many assessments and conducted phone consultations with patients instead, which was a change to normal practice.” She was amazed at how resilient people were. “Many patients suddenly lost their regular support systems due to bubble restrictions, but they adapted remarkably well. Our team in the hospice also made changes very quickly and adapted very well.”

Viv intends to use her new skill set in her renal career in the future. People with kidney disease need symptom management at home, including end of life care. “There is clear benefit to introducing patients earlier to a palliative care pathway so that we help with symptom management and contribute to developing advanced care plans.”

Te Omanga Medical Director, Dr. Ian Gwynne-Robson says “we are proud to be an accredited site for training doctors at all levels. Viv will be able to deliver Palliative Care to patients in whatever training rotation she goes to from here, and in whatever her final career as a doctor. We wish her well.”

A special thank you to Pub Charity Limited for granting funds to cover the salary of our Registrar position.

In May we raised a cup of tea in celebration of Merrill J. Fernando's 90th birthday and 70-year anniversary of Dilmah Tea. Since 1997, Dilmah has gifted almost 10 million teabags to hospices throughout the country. Our greatest thanks to the generous Fernando family for bringing so much comfort to our patients and their families.

In May we usually hold our Annual Street Appeal but sadly we had to cancel our street collection due to COVID-19. Instead we went virtual, asking for donations via our website. People were also able to show their creative ways of getting a coin into a bucket for our ‘fill the bucket for Te Omanga’ challenge on social media. Thank you to those who participated and donated. We look forward to being back on the streets again next year with the help of our wonderful volunteers.

Medical Director Dr. Ian Gwynne-Robson and Registrar Dr. Vivienne Ralph.

National Volunteer Week celebrates the collective contribution of all volunteers who enrich our community and New Zealand.

This year’s theme is ‘Te Hua o te Mahi Tahi I The benefit of working together’. The power and potential of volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action shines through at times when our communities are stretched and challenged. New Zealand’s COVID-19 response has highlighted courage and kindness in uniting together.

We are thankful to all 500 of our volunteers for their generosity of time and talent. Our hospice and community are so much stronger because of you.

IN APPRECIATION OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

A sweet gift for our volunteers.

Usually at this time of year we are putting the finishing touches on our much-anticipated annual fundraising event, Vintners’ Lunch. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel it due to COVID-19.

Kirsty Stratford, Fundraising Relationship Manager, explains why. “Although the restrictions on gatherings has now lifted, it’s just not possible to run such a major event without the support of our wonderful hospitality industry and local businesses. We know they have been through hard times like many of us.”

Last year Vintners’ Lunch raised over $180,000 for Te Omanga. “We love welcoming supporters to special events and are planning to still hold an event in September but with a difference. Think Italian with local produce, think a bellissimo long lunch,” says Kirsty.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for more details.

BELLISSIMO LUNGO PRANZO REPLACES VINTNERS’ LUNCH

In February, 120 golfers hit the green at Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club for the Te Omanga Golf Tournament in association with Kensway. An incredible $62,543 was raised on the day. What an enormous difference this will make to the patients and families we care for.

We are extremely grateful to Kensway for sponsoring the tournament, and to all the other generous organisations and individuals who donated prizes, auction items and sponsored food and beverages. Thank you to all the keen golfers who participated.

It was our privilege to remember three very special people on the day: Peter Angus, Nick Wallace and Rhys Quinn.

HOT SHOTS HIT THE GREEN FOR TE OMANGA

Te Omanga Golf Tournament Committee: Rod Gillespie, Debbie Ferrel, Kirsty Stratford, Grant Quinn, John Morgan.

With many restaurants, shops, hotels and activities reopening, now is a good time to support local business and Te Omanga Hospice with an Entertainment Membership. You can access many offers, with Te Omanga receiving 20% from every membership purchased. You will need a smartphone to access the offers as memberships are now 100% digital. Order yours at www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/1042g50

ENTERTAINMENT DIGITAL MEMBERSHIPS

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COLLECTION

S U P P O R T LO C A L , S H O P LO C A L

It was fantastic to welcome back customers, donors and volunteers to our shops again after seven weeks of closure. Our Petone Shop moved to 154 Jackson Street after the lockdown and has been bustling ever since.

If you’re having a clear out, downsizing or on the move, then please think of your local Te Omanga Hospice Shop. We are always grateful for your quality furniture, homeware and clothing. Visit one of our shops located in Lower Hutt, Petone, Wainuiomata and Upper Hutt.

When you donate to or buy from one of our shops, you are directly supporting people in the Hutt Valley living with terminal or life limiting illnesses.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

GARDEN OF APPRECIATIONThe Garden of Appreciation in Petone is a place where people can create a permanent tribute to a loved one or commemorate a special memory with an engraved brick. It was established 14 years ago and is a joint community project between Te Omanga Hospice, Rotary Club of Hutt River Valley and the Hutt City Council. The next ceremony will be held in November. If you would like to order an engraved brick, please contact Debbie Ferrel on 04 566 4535 ext 227.

A bequest is a wonderful way to support the work of Te Omanga Hospice beyond your lifetime. It’s a gesture of kindness, which means a great deal to the people we care for and helps keep our services free for future generations.

To find out more about leaving a bequest to Te Omanga Hospice and becoming part of our Marion and Max Cooper Fellowship, please contact Kirsty Stratford on 027 807 3883 or kirsty.stratford@teomanga.org.nz

A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

Please visit our website and press the ‘Please Donate’ button on our homepage

Please donate by electronic banking directly into the Te Omanga Hospice bank account06-0507-0816463-00 or search for 'Te Omanga Hospice' as a payee online. Ref: JUL20

Te Omanga Hospice TrustCharities Commission number 22248

136 Woburn RoadPO Box 30 814Lower Hutt 5040

Phone: 04 566 4535Email: fundraising@teomanga.org.nzwww.teomanga.org.nz

Te Omanga Hospice FoundationCharities Commission number22165

PO Box 30814, Lower Hutt 5040Phone 04 566 4535 www.teomanga.org.nzTe Omanga is a registered charity CC#22248

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Our grateful thanks to the following who have recently supported our work with a generous grant, bequest, Day of Care, sponsorship or in-kind donation.

Thank you Moonshine Rod and Custom Club/American Vehicle Day for kindly raising $10,000 for Te Omanga, gifting seven Days of Care to our patients.