Hospice Whanganui builds new Erson Wing with help of significant bequest

Hospice Whanganui public relations manager Valda Brechmanis in front of the new Erson Wing and garden created by the gardening volunteers.

Hospice Whanganui now has space to operate an outpatient clinic, thanks to a significant bequest that has funded a new wing at the Virginia Rd premises.

The new wing is known as the Erson Wing in recognition of donors Fleur and Alan Erson, public relations manager Valda Brechmanis said.

"It houses a fully-equipped consulting room for the doctors and office space for a counsellor and our nurse practitioner," Brechmanis said.

"The outpatient clinic is to meet the needs of patients who are well enough to come to appointments, having been referred to Hospice by their own doctor or medical specialist.

"Doctors will spend an hour or so with patients in an environment that is both practical and pleasant, and encourages our patients to come to Hospice, feel comfortable and then return home."

The new building has a dedicated space where Hospice Whanganui can deliver education to others working in palliative care.

The project also included refurbishment of some of the existing building.

"This upgrade included improvements to, and enlargement of, the nurses' station, reconfiguring of some of the office spaces in the admin area and the extension of the car parking area," Brechmanis said.

The project took nine months to complete and was blessed on May 1.

Hospice Awareness Week starts on Monday, May 14, and Hospice Whanganui is inviting the public to an open day on Wednesday, May 16.

"It's a chance for people to have a better understanding of what we do and an opportunity for us to de-bunk some of the myths about Hospice care," Brechmanis said.

"Ask the questions you've been wanting to ask but didn't know who to ask or where to ask them."

There are sessions at 2pm-3pm and 5.30pm-6.30pm on May 16. Bookings are essential as space is limited. Contact Valda Brechmanis on 349 2697 to book.