22 March, 2022
It’s now been a year since work began at 7 Shea Terrace and, despite delays caused by Covid-19, we’ve achieved a major milestone in completing stage one of the project and re-opening our Inpatient Unit. Here’s what else has been happening onsite.
First patients welcomed back
In January we marked a significant milestone with the re-opening of our Inpatient Unit (IPU) and have so far cared for 36 patients. The re-opening has been highly anticipated, with the design offering modern fit-for-purpose spaces and lighter, brighter patient rooms.
Five of the patient rooms feature ceiling hoists, which allow for improved maneuvrability and greater independence for patients as well as reduced physical strain for staff.
Our new whānau space is well underway and due to open later this year. This special area will offer whānau/families their own dedicated, private space while their loved one is being cared for in the IPU.
The first floor of the building is complete, housing an open plan office space, meeting room and staff facilities - although, for now it also houses our temporary patient kitchen.
Blessing of Inpatient Unit
In preparation for its re-opening, the IPU and first floor were blessed. The blessing was performed in Orange (Covid-19 Protection Framework), by Harbour Hospice Kaumātua, John Marsden, and supported by Kaiāwhina, Barb O’Loughlin, and Spiritual Advisor, Jacqui Ryan.
The purpose of a blessing is to ensure that a building is welcoming and safe for all who enter it. Using karakia (prayer), Matua John led a gathering of around 35 Harbour Hospice staff, trustees and construction team workers through the building to touch each surface they passed. This tikanga (principle) supported the blessing and ensured that everyone’s wairua (spirit) and aroha (love) was infused into the Hospice building.
