Page 4 - TOH_Impact Report 2022-2023

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
TE OMANGA HOSPICE TRUST
Tēnā koutou katoa
In retrospect, the last year has been mixed.
There were positives - things started to “normalise” with the passing of the peak of Covid-19, working relationships started to be re-established, we could travel again to see family and friends, and visitors, students, and workers from overseas started returning to help boost parts of our economy. But there were
also challenges as the wider impacts of New Zealand’s Covid-19 response started to bite in our community - the rising cost of day-to-day living, increased costs for products and services, staff shortages and ongoing supply challenges.
In addition, changes in the wider health sector with the establishment of, and transition to, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora, have created uncertainties. There is a sense of marking time as we strive to understand how relationships with these new entities will work, and what the impact will be on our government contract and funding, and hence our services.
For Te Omanga Hospice the past year has been
a time to regroup. As a healthcare provider
Te Omanga Hospice has been cautious in relaxing Covid-19 protocols to minimise risk for its patients. We started rebuilding relationships with our primary and aged care partners, which had been fractured
Sadly, nursing shortages and pay relativity issues continued, placing our team under considerable pressure as patient numbers continued to grow. Through this, commitment, professionalism and empathy have shone through. The team has taken
a deep breath and put its best foot forward to ensure that Te Omanga Hospice continues to be a unique place which provides compassionate, high quality palliative care and support across the Hutt Valley.
To finish, I have a number of thanks – to our staff and volunteers, to Biddy Harford and her leadership team, to our Trustees, to all our supporters and friends, and of course to our Hutt Valley community for your unwavering support.
Ngā mihi nui
Debbie Tse
Chair
Te Omanga Hospice Trust Board
by Covid-19 and re-engaged with iwi to strengthen
our commitment and services to Māori. We explored new retail opportunities, happily welcomed back our wonderful volunteers and had spectacular community support for our Vintners’ Lunch.
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