Palliative care resources

You can receive palliative care wherever you choose to be – at home, in hospital or in residential care. Hospice care is available where this support is seen as needed by you and your healthcare team.

Many health professionals and support agencies may be involved in your care including your usual healthcare providers, district nurses and any other medical specialists who are part of your regular care such as an oncologist or kidney specialist. This is known as primary palliative care. 

If you’ve been referred to a specialist palliative care team in the hospital or by referral to a hospice, your healthcare provider will continue to be involved in your care. The palliative care team will help co-ordinate your care in partnership with your wider healthcare team, family, hospital and community organisations.

Hospices around Aotearoa New Zealand provide support to people who are living with a terminal illness and their whānau. Most people are referred to their local hospice by their GP or main healthcare provider. Anyone is welcome to contact their local hospice to find out more about their services. Hospice care is free for anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand who’s eligible for free healthcare.

Find out more at Hospice New Zealand(external link).

Hospice NZ has published a booklet called A Hospice Guide for Carers(external link). This is an excellent resource for friends and family which covers practical and emotional issues around caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Skylight(external link) is a not-for-profit NZ organisation who specifically support children and young people affected by loss and grief.

The Cancer Society(external link) provides services and support for terminally ill patients and families.