The New Home for Cranford to Pivot from Proposed Chesterhope Site
The New Home for Cranford to Pivot from Proposed Chesterhope Site
Cranford Hospice has made the difficult decision to no longer proceed with the proposed Chesterhope site as the location for the build of a new hospice.
The decision to pivot from the Chesterhope land, donated by the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust, comes after the wider Pakowhai area was impacted by the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle.
“The decision made by Trustees to no longer proceed with the Chesterhope site was incredibly difficult and wasn’t taken lightly,” says Chris Tremain, Cranford Hospice Foundation Chairman. “We were guided by feedback from a range of stakeholders, including Cranford Hospice staff and volunteers”.
The decision was made by Trustees of Cranford Hospice Foundation and Trust following an in-depth process of assessment, gathering feedback from stakeholders and advice from Project Managers and Engineers.
The uncertainty of build timeframes, costs, and flood mitigation requirements for the site were key reasons for the decision. The expanding need for specialist palliative care services in Hawke’s Bay is placing additional pressure on the need for a new hospice facility. The project to build a new facility is urgent, and the Cranford Hospice Foundation needs to act quickly and decisively to drive the project forward.
Feedback received from stakeholders also captured an increased concern for staff, volunteer, patient, and whānau safety on the site. This was an important and key consideration for Trustees.
“The need for a new hospice for Hawke’s Bay remains urgent. More than ever, our community needs a place where we can support our loved ones at the end of life. A place that will provide a hub for palliative care services for generations to come,” says Tremain. “Together with my fellow Trustees, I would like to assure our community that we will not rest until this vision is achieved”.
Cranford Hospice will soon commence a process to identify a suitable site for a new facility. The current Knight Street building is no longer fit-for-purpose due to its age and design, and the expanding need for palliative care services in Hawke’s Bay.
Cranford Hospice has been humbled by the generosity of the Hawke’s Bay community and their unwavering belief in the vision for a new hospice.
“The incredible community support has brought the current funds raised for the project to $14.4 million. A truly astonishing amount,” says Tremain. “To all those that have pledged their support, thank you. It is your generosity that will bring this vision to reality”.
“We would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust for their offer of the site,” continues Tremain. “And a special mention to the dedicated and hard-working volunteer gardening team whose passion has transformed the arboretum”.
The Cranford Hospice team supports 200 people living with palliative care needs each day, in their own home, over the phone, or in the in-patient unit – from Mahia in the North to Takapau in the South. Taking a whole person approach, they aim to meet the emotional, spiritual, cultural, and physical needs of patients and their whānau through specialist palliative care, grief support and care planning. The team encourages you to call 06 878 7047 if you need specialist palliative care or advice.