Cranford Hospice finds preferred home

Chesterhope Station grounds on Pakowhai Rd is the proposed new site for Cranford Hospice. Photo/ Paul Taylor.

Cranford Hospice could be set to move to the "heart of Hawke's Bay" after Chesterhope Station was recommended as their new home.

The Cranford Hospice Foundation, Cranford Hospice Trust and the Hawke's Bay District Health Board together announced last month they were undertaking a business case, prepared by Sapere Research Group, so they could adapt for the future growth of a modern specialist palliative care facility.

Cranford Hospice Foundation chair John Buck said the analysis recommended Chesterhope Station as the preferred location, which was made available by a "generous offer" of land and buildings by the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust.

It was identified as a "future focused" hospice facility, with a report by Turley and Co property consultants revealing that the age, construction and location of the hospice's current site on Knight St limited the opportunity for growth, expansion and modernisation.

Cranford Hospice Trust chair Hayley Anderson said the opportunity to relocate to Chesterhope would put them in the heart of Hawke's Bay.

It is located midway between Napier and Hastings and it is accessed directly from Pakowhai Rd, on one of the main arterials between our two cities. The property is in a secluded rural location surrounded by an arboretum of trees, complete with its own lake and gardens.

"It's an absolutely stunning property which I think the people of Hawke's Bay will appreciate," Ms Anderson said.

Cranford Hospice CEO Janice Byford-Jones said the opportunity to build a bespoke new hospice was very exciting.

"I think that this project will be something that the people of Hawke's Bay can get in behind and is a wonderful location for Cranford Hospice's new home".

The HBDHB, the Cranford Hospice Foundation Board, and the Cranford Hospice Trust have all passed resolutions supporting the business case to the next stage, which required a period of intense public consultation.

The group planned to discuss the site with all their key stakeholders, before making a final decision to proceed.

At the top of their list was their staff, volunteers and local Pakowhai residents.

"In addition it is really important that we consult with community clinicians and the general public. We plan a range of meetings over the next six weeks to ensure that people get a say."

They are hoping a part of this will include an Open Day at the property so that people can come out, have a look, and make their own assessment.

"This is an exciting time for Cranford Hospice and it's really important we listen to the views of the people of Hawke's Bay on the location before we push the final 'Go button'."

The business case has been paid for by the Cranford Hospice Foundation and the HBDHB and the report will be available on the Cranford Hospice Trust website.