“While these conversations can be difficult, they remove the uncertainty our families face when we may not be able to speak for ourselves,” said Director of Nursing Primary and Community Emma Hickson.
“It also gives them peace of mind they’re carrying out our wishes about things that matter to us – such as how we want to be cared for, emotional and cultural needs, funeral arrangements and more.
“As health professionals, we may need people’s families to help make decisions about such things as treatment and when it should stop. If family don’t know what a person wants, these are stressful and difficult decisions for them to make.”
Health professionals will be at stalls around the region to encourage people to begin thinking about advance care planning, and to start having conversations that count:
·10am-2pm – Wellington Regional Hospital atrium.
·11am-4pm – Pataka Art & Museum foyer.
·10am-1pm – Kenepuru Community Hospital foyer.
For more information visit www.advancecareplanning.org.nz or email advancecareplanning@ccdhb.org.nz.
Image: Executive director of nursing and midwifery Andrea McCance and her mother, Diane, had their conversations that count last year.
Media contact: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571
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