18 March, 2021
Shea Terrace Exterior1
With construction set to begin at Harbour Hospice on the North Shore, palliative care services will be delivered differently from the end of March, but with the same high level of compassionate care and support. For 12 weeks, from 29th March, Harbour Hospice North Shore at 7 Shea Terrace, Takapuna, will temporarily close as phase one of its vital redevelopment project, to secure and grow hospice services, begins onsite. During this time, specialist services and support for patients and families will continue to be delivered through increased care in the community and additional beds at its Inpatient Unit at Hibiscus House. Harbour Hospice Chief Executive Jan Nichols acknowledges that these temporary changes may be unsettling for some, but says she has full confidence in her team who are “committed and ready” for this different way of delivering care. “At every stage of the project, continuity of care and putting patients and families first is our priority. Thanks to the passion, commitment and flexibility of our exceptionally skilled staff, we’re able to seamlessly deliver the same level of care and comfort we’re known for – just in a slightly different way,” Nichols says. The North Shore community team will be supported to deliver more intensive care at home when it’s needed. This means that resources will increase to ensure Harbour Hospice nurses, doctors and family support members can see more people at home and provide continued care through phone calls and telehealth. Patients who require acute symptom management or end-of-life care will have access to additional beds within its Hibiscus Coast Inpatient Unit. “We expect demand to be high at this time, so if our beds are at capacity, we’ll discuss other care options with the patient and their family,” Nichols says. This milestone moment comes as fundraising efforts for the $20 million redevelopment project hits the halfway mark, but Nichols says they are far from over. “Yes, building work is underway, but we still need community support to enable us to complete this massive task. Without this project we simply won’t be able to meet current and future demand.” Nichols adds that despite the task in front of them, early support and commitment to this project has been “deeply humbling and encouraging.” To date, generous individuals, trusts and foundations have generously gifted over $5 million, with another $5 million needed to reach its target. The remaining funds have been contributed from the Harbour Hospice North Shore Development Foundation. Current timelines expect the project to be completed in early 2023. For the latest news and project updates, visit our dedicated project webpage here.

For media enquiries please contact Communications & PR Manager Shannon Slade at  shannon.slade@harbourhospice.org.nz or on 022 357 1570.