A $57,800 grant from Trust Horizon has boosted the sustainability and efficiency of palliative care services in the Eastern Bay.

The funding provided for Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty is being used to upgrade facility infrastructure and secure essential medical equipment for home-based care. This will reduce environmental impacts while improving services for patients and their whānau across the region.

The grant has enabled Hospice EBOP to procure four hospital beds, one larger client hospital bed, four air mattresses, two oxygen concentrators, and two nebulisers. The devices are all electrically operated and designed to enhance patient comfort and provide caregivers with improved functionality and ease of use.

“We’re not just a Whakatāne service; we’re a whole Eastern Bay of Plenty service,” said chief executive Bryce Sheedy.

He said hospice nurses had been frequently travelling over 16,000 kilometres a month to provide care and transport equipment.

“This funding allows us to improve access to essential equipment, reducing the need for frequent trips and ensuring timely, high-quality care for our patients.”

Toni Owen, Hospice EBOP board chair, said the funds from Trust Horizon had assisted Hospice EBOP to advance four focus areas included in its strategic plan – culturally and clinically outstanding care; integrated and tailored service model; empowered and capable workforce; and strong stakeholder relationships.

“The board of Hospice EBOP is extremely grateful for the financial assistance from Trust Horizon to support us in continuously improving the palliative care services we provide to our community.”

Fewer trips mean lower emissions, less wear on vehicles, and greater efficiency for hospice staff, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than equipment distribution.

“Every little tool we have helps,” Mr Sheedy said.

“It’s making the journey more comfortable for our patients and their whānau at a time that is already incredibly challenging.”

The grant has also helped to fund electrical infrastructure upgrades at hospice’s Whakatāne premises, including the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting and an upgraded AV system for training and operations.

“We got new lighting for the office, which is a power-saving move for us,” Mr Sheedy said.

“The new training screen means we can branch out to additional training providers, strengthening our team and service delivery.

“Looking ahead, this grant couldn’t have come at a better time as Hospice EBOP is actively expanding its capacity to meet the demand for support throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”

The upgrades align with shared values of both Hospice EBOP and Trust Horizon.

“By supporting organisations that demonstrate community leadership, the trust can help bridge resource and opportunity gaps, addressing community needs across various sectors – including healthcare,” said trustee Yvonne Boyes.