Palliative Care Reform Under Threat by Health NZ Budget Cuts
Health New Zealand is currently in the process of seeking feedback on the potential elimination of two crucial roles established in 2022, aimed at developing a national policy for palliative care. The consultation period is set to conclude on Monday, 10 February. This move has sparked concerns within the Society of Palliative Medicine, particularly regarding the growing disparities in palliative care across the country.
Dr. Catherine D’Souza, the New Zealand chairperson of the Australia New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine, has expressed apprehension that the removal of these roles could further exacerbate the existing inequalities in palliative care services. She emphasized the lack of consistency in palliative care provision nationwide and highlighted the pivotal role these positions play in addressing this issue.
According to Dr. D’Souza, the two roles have been instrumental in devising a comprehensive model of care for adult palliative care, striving to ensure that individuals in need of palliative services receive the necessary support. The overarching goal was to enable terminally ill patients to access quality care in their homes or hospices, thereby reducing the strain on the healthcare system and enhancing cost-effectiveness.
Funding Discrepancies in Hospice Care
Hospice care in New Zealand faces a significant funding gap, with government contributions covering less than half of the total expenses incurred in running hospices. Recent figures from Hospice NZ revealed that it costs approximately $200 million annually to sustain hospice services across the country. However, the government’s financial support amounts to only $97 million, leaving the remaining $103 million to be sourced from community fundraising efforts.
Dr. D’Souza underscored the urgency of formulating a national policy to prevent deepening geographic disparities in palliative care provision. She highlighted the stark contrast between well-funded hospices in affluent areas versus under-resourced facilities in economically disadvantaged regions. This disparity not only affects the quality of care but also underscores the inequities that persist in fundraising efforts to sustain essential services for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Warwick Jones, director of clinical services at Northhaven Hospice in Whangārei and a palliative care specialist for Northland/Te Tai Tokerau, echoed concerns about the sustainability of the current funding model. He emphasized the challenges faced by hospices in low-income areas that heavily rely on community donations to bridge the funding gap. Dr. Jones emphasized the need for a cohesive national policy to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to palliative care services.
A Call for Continued Collaboration and Support
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the future of the two pivotal roles in palliative care policy development, Health NZ has reassured stakeholders of their ongoing commitment to palliative care. Debbie Holdsworth, co-director of community and mental health at Health NZ, emphasized that the proposed changes are subject to feedback from staff and unions. She reiterated the organization’s dedication to maintaining a strong focus on palliative care and pledged to carefully consider all input before final decisions are made.
In conclusion, the potential disestablishment of roles critical to shaping the future of palliative care in New Zealand has sparked widespread concern among healthcare professionals and advocates. The need for a cohesive national policy to address existing disparities and ensure equitable access to quality palliative care services remains paramount. As stakeholders continue to engage in consultation processes and provide feedback, the future of palliative care reform hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive action to safeguard the well-being of terminally ill patients nationwide.