Emma Merry

Cranford Hospice

Cranford Hospice started in Hawke's Bay in 1982 with a handful of volunteers. Today we have around 85 paid staff, 400 volunteers and every year we care for around 750 patients and their families. Our goal is to help people make the most of their time left on their final journey, to help them live every moment whether they are at home, in an aged care facility or come for a short stay with us in our eight bed inpatient facility. Cranford Hospice's care covers practical help, as well as emotional and spiritual support, and symptom control. Our highly-skilled and dedicated team includes doctors, nurses, a pharmacist and family support staff and we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to talk through any concerns, offer advice or help manage symptoms. We offer our services at no cost to the patient regardless of age, ethnicity, means or religion. As well as providing palliative care, Cranford Hospice has a strong educational and learning service, offering several programmes and opportunities for those working in primary and secondary care settings in the wider community. We are a registered charity. While the Hawke's Bay District Health Board funds part of our running costs, we are required to fundraise $2.8 million this year to maintain services. This shortfall comes mainly from generous donations from the community.