With Hutt River Valley Rotary, we were hosted at the Te Omanga Hospice by Chief Executive, Biddy Harford. After informal drinks and an excellent Chalet Caterers Meal, we were shown through the new Hospice complex.

Already impressed by the beautiful grounds, gardens and numerous spaces for parking, we admired the rooms, the lounges, meeting rooms and kitchens and service rooms. All have been built to a very high standard with much thought for essential details such as provision for the very large, or the very frail.

Although there are only 8 patient beds, plus extras for accompanying support persons, the Hospice currently serves 170 patients. Each "bed" has its own room, spacious and airy with large windows looking out onto the grounds, and fully en suite. The complex also has offices and facilities for its medical and support staff.

The eight beds serve new patients as they are assessed, and if need be taken in again later, to provide relief for carers. After initial assessment, most patients are cared for in their homes by the Te Omanga staff. If the patients have no suitable home of their own, the Hospice makes arrangements with a suitable Rest Home, and provides care and support there.

For many years our club has supported Te Omanga and we were all enormously impressed with the facilities they now possess.