HistoryNorth Haven Hospice started in 1985 as a volunteer organisation occupying the old Superintendent’s house at Whangarei Hospital under the guidance of the late Mr. Bob Spencer - retired surgeon and a team of energetic community volunteers. These early years were filled with passion to make the experience of death as comfortable as possible. A nurse was employed to co-ordinate care with other community services, such as District Nurses a GP and Home Help agencies.
The service shifted to Takahe Street in 1996, with the building of a five bed in patient unit and the continuation of community care, with an emphasis on day care.
The Whareora valley which North Haven over looks was an ideal site . Our Kaumatua re-laid the history of this valley - a place during the Maori wars where the injured were sent for recuperation and convalescence. These spiritual qualities make it a safe place for people to come to.
Since moving to Takahe Street we have developed a strong partnership with the Pehiaweri Marae who support our work in many ways.
There have been progressive stages in the physical expansion of this facility. Reflecting the commitment to resource the wider community, a large training room was added.
With the advent of Palliative Care as a recognised specialty, NHH committed itself to the employment of a full time medical specialist in 2003, and the subsequent expansion of service. This included extending the in patient unit to allow for increased outpatient work and more room for families to be with those being cared for.
North Haven has a wider responsibility to the people of Whangarei and the surrounds. We are funded as the Specialist unit to assist the other regional Hospice services based in Dargaville, Kerikeri and Kaitaia.
Philosophy- Affirms Life
- Recognises dying as a normal process and neither hastens nor postpones death
- Exists to help patients and families/ whanau attain a degree of preparation for death that is satisfactory for them
- Recognises grief as a normal response to loss. Support for family continues into the bereavement period
- Access to Hospice/ Palliative Care service is available in a culturally appropriate manner and is based on need, not the ability to pay.