Covid update: 14 April 2022   

Today the Government changed the Covid traffic light alert system from Red to Orange as a result of declining Omicron cases in the community nationally. A number of conditions were dropped. However, for health care businesses including hospice, there are no changes. Omicron cases are still high in Southland and Otago. 

• Visiting hours to the In-Patient Unit (IPU) are 9am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm Saturday to Sunday.
• Visitors must sign in and have their temperature taken.
• Only 2 visitors per patient room at a time (unless death is imminent).
• Masks are compulsory as is hand sanitation and 1 metre social distancing. 

Hospice does not require visitors to show a vaccine pass. However, if  a patient or their family state any visitors must be vaccinated, we will ask to see a vaccine pass and those without will be politely refused entry. 

All our hospice shops remain open but customers must wear a mask (unless exempt) and keep1 metre social distancing. Please continue to use the hand sanitisers.

Hospice is reviewing its Covid pandemic policy regularly and conditions may change at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.

End of Life Choice

 At the 2020 General Election, New Zealanders had the opportunity to vote in a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill, where people suffering a terminal illness have the option of assisted dying. A majority of voters (65.2%) supported the bill, which came into force as an Act on 7 November 2021 making assisted dying or euthanasia legal.

We want to assist people with understanding our position on the End of Life Act and our concerns. Hospice Southland will not help anyone to die, however we will continue to support people regardless of their desire for euthanasia. This is a complex, emotional and challenging topic and we acknowledge the range of individual opinions that exist.

Click on the links below for more information:

• Hospice Southland’s position
• Hospice New Zealand concerns
• High Court Action by Hospice NZ
• Euthanasia in Canada – a cautionary tale

We're excited to launch our inaugural Winter Warmer Raffle!

Winter’s here so be in to win one of three sizzling prizes: first, a Masport wood fire with flue kit and a load of firewood; second, $1000 worth of New World vouchers; or third, $500 motor fuel vouchers!

Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a book of five. You can buy them online here, over the counter at any of our seven hospice shops and at our office reception in Kew Rd, Invercargill.

Ticket sales close 31 July 2022 with the winners notified shortly after.

A big thank you to Invercargill Mega Mitre 10, Makarewa Lions Club, local New World supermarkets and Graham Williamson X Factor Cars for donating the prizes.