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A new report into the country's hospices shows, for the first time, the sector won't be able to raise enough money to meet the demands required of it.
The report, released this morning, was commissioned by five hospices on behalf of the 28 publicly contracted entities. A key finding in the report is that, due to a combination of growing demand and rising costs, total expenditure will exceed the total revenues from government and community sources in less than 12 months.
Last year it cost $226 million to run hospice services, but the government only provided $114m.
Hospices raised $112m from community donations, fundraising, and other sources to break even.
Hospices have frequently been able to bridge the funding gap - but with the growing demand on bed space, and more complex care required, this is no longer possible.
The report, undertaken by the consultancy firm Martin Jenkins, concludes in the absence of government intervention, beds will soon close, referrals for space will have to be prioritised and care via telehealth will need to be more widespread.
Tōtara Hospice is one of the five that commissioned the report, its chief executive is Tina McCafferty. Kathryn also speaks with Hospice NZ chief executive Wayne Naylor.
