Wharekaka Applies for Hospital Level Care

Wharekaka Home for the Elderly has been a part of the Martinborough community since 1974, when the old maternity hospital became vacant and the facility we all know so well was established. Now, 40 years on and in addition to the services currently provided, the Wharekaka Trust Board is applying to the Ministry of Health for Certification for Hospital Level Care Services.

General Manager Corlette Doherty explains that the first step is to conduct an audit, which will involve processes and policies being examined and necessary alterations and upgrading carried out to six rooms. Advice for the work that will be required has already been sought and a plan is in place. Once the audit process has been carried out, and assuming the answer is ‘yes’, Wharekaka will then apply for a contract with the DHB.

Corlette says that the main benefit of this change is that “families will have a continuum of care and therefore peace of mind”. At present “it is distressing for the resident and their family when someone is forced to move to another facility because their health deteriorates to a point where they need hospital level care that we currently can’t provide”. Corlette reminds me that Wharekaka is “a community within a community”, and when a resident is compelled to move that affects everyone.

Maxine Nielsen, who is Wharekaka’s Clinical Nurse Manager, is clearly delighted by the proposed expansion of services. It will mean a big change in staffing, with registered nurses on duty round the clock and on every day of the year, but “I’m looking forward to things moving ahead, and excited about being able to provide a continuum of care”, she explains. Because she and other staff get to know residents and their needs so well, it is always difficult to see someone move on. Maxine says that “the staff take a lot of time to form a rapport with the resident and to gain an understanding of their likes, dislikes and norms. When a resident transfers to another facility for end of life cares, staff worry that some content of this information may be missed from the ongoing care”.
The main issue ahead for Wharekaka is that of funding. The Trust Board is a non-profit charitable organisation, so there is no “pot of gold to dip into compared with the corporates” as Corlette puts it. The community will be asked for their support in raising the $100,000 required for equipment, room alterations, linen and furniture. It is hoped to roll out the new services during July, so fundraising is urgent. Expect publicity very soon about initiatives that will enable the goal to be met and the Wharekaka community to move forward with this important step.