| 119 COMMUNITY Mary Potter Hospice EXECUTIVE LAUNDRY GROUP LIMITED Wellington's Premier Laundry Specialist laundry & linen hire services to the Wellington Hospitality & Private Healthcare Markets. 04 568 3457 info@execlaundry.co.nz www.execlaundry.co.nz From clinical and medical waste collection to sharps disposal and medical gas services, we provide tailored solutions that take care of the essential support services, enabling your team to focus on what matters most - providing exceptional patient care. Talk to us today to see how we can support your facility. 0800 102 131 | Interwaste.co.nz Interwaste is proud to support Mary Po er Hospice. T T Kim Newth All-round wellbeing at heart of palliative care Mary Potter Hospice has been providing specialist, free-of-charge palliative care services in the area for over 45 years. “Every day, we see the difference that compassionate, specialist palliative care can make, helping people live with dignity, comfort and connection, right to the end.” For people with life-limiting illnesses in Wellington, Porirua and Kāpiti, Mary Potter Hospice is a light in the dark. The hospice has been providing specialist, free-of-charge palliative care services in the area for over 45 years. The hospice approach is to see every person as more than their illness and to help them live as well as they can for whatever time they have. The focus is on supporting the whole person while also walking alongside their family and whānau. “Our care is guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā, recognising that wellbeing is made up of physical, emotional and mental, spiritual, and family and social wellbeing,” says Tony Paine, Chief Executive, Mary Potter Hospice. “Every day, we see the difference that compassionate, specialist palliative care can make, helping people live with dignity, comfort and connection, right to the end.” Mary Potter Hospice’s nine-bed inpatient unit in Newtown provides specialist care for people whose symptoms need intensive management, who need respite from complex care at home, or whose wishes or circumstances mean they can no longer, or no longer wish to, remain at home. “Many people stay with us for a short period before returning home once their symptoms are under better control, while others receive end-of-life care in the unit when that best meets their needs.” The inpatient unit is staffed by an experienced interdisciplinary team, including specialist palliative care doctors, nurses, health care assistants working closely with counsellors, social workers and other members of the team providing physio, spiritual care and cultural support. “Hospice isn’t just a place though — it’s a service. While our inpatient unit is an important part of what we do, most of our care happens in people’s homes and communities, where people often feel most comfortable. “Our specialist doctors, nurses, social workers, OTs, counsellors, pharmacists, cultural support, spiritual care and other therapists work alongside GPs, hospitals, district nursing services and aged residential care providers. Together, we focus on what matters most to each person.” At any one time, Mary Potter Hospice is looking after around 220 patients and families. The suite of community care services includes the Enhanced Hospice@Home nursing service and a companion service provided by specially trained volunteers. Demand for specialist palliative care continues to grow, particularly in aged residential care. Mary Potter Hospice partnership nurses work alongside residential care providers, sharing specialist knowledge and supporting staff so people can receive high-quality palliative care in the place they call home. “We also have our specialist doctors on call 24/7 to provide advice to GPs and clinical staff working in aged care.” Meanwhile, the 2026 Mary Potter Hospice Street Appeal reached its $120,000 target, thanks to the generosity of thousands of people across the region and a dedicated volunteer effort. Like all hospices in New Zealand, Mary Potter Hospice receives only partial government funding and relies on the generosity of its community to keep specialist palliative care free for everyone who needs it. Volunteers are an essential part of Mary Potter Hospice, generously providing time, compassion and connection in a myriad of ways. “If people are looking for a meaningful way to give back to their community, we’d love to hear from them. “Whether it’s supporting patients and whānau, helping in one of our Hospice Shops or lending a hand at an event, there are many ways to get involved.”
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