Lack of funding for care service ‘breaks my heart’

It has been seven months since Meila Davis, a 13-year-old girl from Queenstown, passed away from a rare bone cancer. Meila’s mother, Kristin Davis, shared that Meila’s wish was to spend her final days at home surrounded by loved ones.

Transitioning back to Queenstown after receiving treatment in Christchurch, the Davis family faced challenges with the lack of palliative care support. While the hospital team was supportive, their availability was limited to regular hours, which did not align with the round-the-clock care Meila needed.

Dr. Amanda Evans from Rei Kōtuku played a crucial role in managing Meila’s pain and providing guidance to the family during difficult times. Meila’s desire to be present and pain-free in her final moments was honored through the collaborative efforts of Evans, the local nursing team, and their GP.

Despite the invaluable services provided by Rei Kōtuku, the charity’s funding is set to expire early next year, leaving many families in need without access to specialized pediatric palliative care. The recent Budget’s lack of allocation for this essential service has raised concerns among families and healthcare providers.

Specialist Calls for Increased Funding

Rei Kōtuku estimates that $8 million would be sufficient to establish a nationwide 24/7 pediatric palliative care service. Dr. Evans emphasized the importance of such a service in improving the quality of life for terminally ill children and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

While Health NZ is reviewing community feedback on pediatric palliative care services, there is a growing sense of urgency to address the funding gap and ensure equitable access to care for all children in need.

Commitment to Enhancing Palliative Care

Health NZ’s acting national director, Jason Power, acknowledged the need for improvements in pediatric palliative care services and assured that efforts are underway to strengthen the existing system. The National Palliative Care Work Programme aims to finalize both pediatric and adult care models by the end of the year.

Health Minister Simeon Brown expressed his commitment to addressing the funding shortfall and working towards a more comprehensive palliative care framework. However, for families like the Davises, the urgency of the situation highlights the pressing need for immediate action to prevent further suffering among vulnerable children.