Flora has a doctorate in management with a background in health and education. This experience helps her lead both a clinical team of doctors, nurses and allied health staff and a non-clinical team of retail managers for the seven hospice shops, plus administration staff.
“Hospice is an amazing place to work. We have a real team attitude here and the patient is firmly in the centre of all we do. We all work together to provide a sanctuary of calm for our patients.”
“Our bustling shops help raise the funds we need so that all patients can come to hospice regardless of creed, gender or race. Our services are provided at no cost; this is such a benefit to our patients, their whānau and friends.”
Marie is a registered nurse with 35yrs of experience, 15 of these supporting cancer patients across the Otago & Southland region.
When the opportunity arose to work with Hospice Southland – a cause close to her heart – she embraced it wholeheartedly. Marie is deeply committed to the hospice philosophy, believing that every person and whanau, regardless of who they are or where they live, deserves the opportunity to live their best life for as long as possible when facing a life-limiting illness.
Alongside her support for the palliative care team at Queenstown Community Hospice, Marie also works closely with the retail team.
She recognises the many facets of hospice care and the vital role each team member, including the retail team, ensuring that Hospice services remain free & accessible across all our communities.
For Marie, understanding what truly matters to each person and their family is essential to enhancing quality of life. She believes that when the time comes to approach end of life, it should be guided by choice, respect & compassion allowing individuals a peaceful, dignified and caring final chapter.
A born-and-bred Southlander, John gained his nursing diploma from Southland Polytechnic and was a senior manager at the former Southern District Health Board (SDHB) before joining hospice in 2005.
His work interests include strategic planning and developing a culture that values independence and decision-making allowing nurses to grow to their full potential so they can deliver the very best palliative care to the community.
“The nurses form a pivotal part of hospice’s multi-disciplinary team approach to meeting patient and family needs, right across the region. My mission is the development of a committed, enthusiastic workforce combining knowledge and experience with youthful energy, plus an ongoing enthusiasm for higher learning.”
