Visitors play a vital role in providing emotional support to patients in palliative care, making it essential to understand the Arohanui Hospice visiting hours.
Located in Palmerston North, Arohanui Hospice offers inpatient services with set visitation times designed to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity for all involved.
Clear guidelines help families and friends plan their visits with confidence while respecting the routines of patients and staff.
From daily hours to after-hours access protocols, every detail reflects a commitment to compassionate and well-organized care.
Arohanui Hospice Overview
Arohanui Hospice stands as a cornerstone of palliative care in the Manawatū region, providing essential support to individuals with life-limiting conditions.
Strategically located in Palmerston North, this not-for-profit organisation serves over 180,000 people across the MidCentral District Health Board area, including Tararua, Horowhenua, and parts of the Rangitīkei region.
More than just a medical facility, Arohanui Hospice offers a holistic model of care grounded in dignity, empathy, and cultural respect.
Its Inpatient Unit (IPU) is designed to meet the complex needs of patients requiring round-the-clock care, offering a tranquil and well-equipped environment that supports both comfort and clinical excellence.
Patients are cared for by an interdisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors, and trained volunteers.
In addition to clinical care, the hospice extends its services to families and whānau, recognising the profound emotional impact of terminal illness.
By fostering an environment where visitors are welcomed as part of the care journey, Arohanui Hospice ensures that every moment spent together is meaningful, supported, and respectful of the individual’s journey.
Official Arohanui Hospice Visiting Hours
Arohanui Hospice maintains dedicated visiting hours to ensure a peaceful and well-regulated environment for all patients.
Visitors are welcome to the Inpatient Unit (IPU) daily between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, allowing families and friends to spend meaningful time with their loved ones in a calm, supportive setting.
To assist with planning, here is a quick reference guide:
| Day | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Public Holidays | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
All visitors are kindly asked to sign in and out at the main reception desk, located at the facility entrance. This simple protocol helps ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of everyone on site.
While flexibility may be granted in specific situations, visitors are encouraged to respect these hours to maintain a restful environment for other patients.
For urgent exceptions or special access needs, advance coordination with the care team is recommended.
After-Hours Visitor Policy
To ensure a calm, secure, and respectful environment, Arohanui Hospice implements a carefully managed after-hours policy.
While general Arohanui Hospice visiting hours conclude at 7:00 pm.
The facility remains accessible to whānau and close companions in circumstances where presence beyond standard hours is necessary.
Such as during critical stages of care or for patients requiring ongoing emotional support late into the evening.
Once the clock passes 7:00 pm, all external doors are automatically locked as part of the hospice’s safety protocol.
Visitors arriving after this time must approach the main entrance, where they can request access by pressing the clearly marked after-hours doorbell.
A member of the clinical or security staff will respond to facilitate entry, ensuring the environment remains calm and minimally disruptive for other patients.
All after-hours visitors are still required to sign in and out using the visitor logbook at reception or the designated after-hours register.
This practice allows staff to monitor patient surroundings effectively and provide support if necessary.
For those anticipating extended stays, such as overnight visits with terminally ill loved ones, prior arrangements should be discussed with the nursing team.
In many cases, staff will accommodate compassionate exceptions with sensitivity and care.
By maintaining these guidelines, Arohanui Hospice ensures both patient dignity and visitor accessibility are preserved.
Balancing the need for restful space with the essential presence of loved ones during moments that matter most.
Special Visitor Considerations
Arohanui Hospice recognises that every patient and family has unique needs, and its visitor policies are designed with compassion and cultural awareness.
In certain circumstances, flexibility around standard visiting protocols may be extended, especially during end-of-life moments, significant cultural observances, or emotional distress.
Overnight visits are permitted for close whānau or primary caregivers when clinically appropriate.
A small number of family members may be allowed to stay by the patient’s side overnight, and arrangements should be discussed with the nursing team in advance.
Staff will provide bedding and support to ensure comfort during extended stays.
The hospice also welcomes children and young visitors, provided their presence is supportive and supervised.
Families are encouraged to prepare children for the environment and emotional nature of hospice care. Staff are available to guide conversations or provide reassurance if needed.
In keeping with its values of cultural safety, Arohanui Hospice supports tangihanga practices and tikanga Māori, working respectfully with whānau to meet spiritual and cultural needs.
Faith-based and cultural advisors are also available upon request.
While pets are generally not permitted, exceptions may be made in special cases for example, for patients who draw comfort from seeing their companion animals one last time.
These visits must be pre-approved and supervised by staff to ensure the safety of all.
By remaining responsive to individual circumstances, the hospice upholds its mission of care that honours the dignity, culture, and emotional wellbeing of both patients and their loved ones.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Visiting a loved one at Arohanui Hospice is more than a moment of presence, it’s a chance to provide emotional connection, reassurance, and shared strength during a deeply personal time.
To support this experience, the hospice ensures that the environment is welcoming, practical, and thoughtfully equipped for visitors from all walks of life.
Below are key aspects of what you can expect when visiting the Inpatient Unit:
1. A Calming and Comfortable Environment
The hospice is designed to promote tranquillity, with spacious rooms, natural light, and peaceful surroundings.
Each patient room allows for privacy while also accommodating guests comfortably. Visitors can sit beside their loved ones, hold conversations, or simply offer silent companionship without disruption.
Common areas, including family lounges and gardens, provide space for quiet reflection or taking breaks as needed.
The layout and atmosphere reflect a deep respect for both the medical and emotional dimensions of care.
2. Visitor Facilities and Amenities
To ensure convenience during your visit, Arohanui Hospice offers practical amenities:
- Free on-site parking for visitors
- Accessible restrooms, including disability-friendly facilities
- Kitchenette and tea/coffee station for whānau use
- Wi-Fi access in designated areas
- Private spaces available upon request for sensitive conversations or moments of reflection
These amenities are maintained to support long or repeated visits, particularly for those who may travel from outside Palmerston North.
3. Volunteer Support and Guidance
Friendly and trained hospice volunteers are often present to offer support from welcoming visitors at the door to helping families navigate the space.
They are available to answer questions, provide orientation, or simply offer a calming presence when needed. Many visitors find great comfort in their quiet but meaningful assistance.
4. Respect for Privacy and Routine
While the hospice encourages regular visits, it’s important to remain mindful of patient rest periods and medical care routines.
Clinical staff may occasionally request a pause in visitation during procedures, assessments, or private care sessions.
Visitors are encouraged to coordinate with staff upon arrival to understand the best time for engagement.
Arohanui Hospice strives to make every visit meaningful, not just by providing access, but by cultivating an environment where compassion and comfort coexist.
Whether staying for a few quiet moments or several hours, visitors can expect to be met with warmth, professionalism, and deep respect for the journey their loved ones are facing.
Contact Information & Planning a Visit
To ensure a smooth and meaningful visit, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if you’re travelling from outside Palmerston North or require after-hours access.
Arohanui Hospice provides clear communication channels and welcomes enquiries from family, caregivers, and the wider community.
1. Key Contact Details
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Main Reception | +64 6 356 6606 |
| Physical Address | 1 Heretaunga Street, Palmerston North |
| Website | arohanuihospice.org.nz |
| General Email | [email protected] |
Reception staff are available during business hours to answer questions about visitation, patient status, or special arrangements.
2. Planning Your Visit
Before visiting, consider the following steps:
- Confirm Arohanui Hospice visiting hours (9:00 am–7:00 pm) and speak with staff if special access is needed outside this window.
- Check current health safety protocols, especially during winter or flu season.
- Notify staff if you’re planning to bring children, stay overnight, or visit as part of a large family group.
- Prepare transport and parking, as free on-site parking is available but may be limited during peak times.
3. Accessibility and Support
The facility is wheelchair accessible and provides mobility support upon request.
If you or your loved one requires language assistance, spiritual guidance, or cultural support, staff can arrange the appropriate services through their community liaison networks.
By planning your visit with care and communication, you help ensure that your time at Arohanui Hospice is both respectful and restorative for you, your loved one, and the wider care community.
Conclusion
Understanding Arohanui Hospice visiting hours allows families to create moments of presence that are both respectful and impactful.
These structured yet compassionate guidelines reflect a deep commitment to preserving patient dignity while supporting the emotional needs of loved ones.
In a time when clarity and care are most needed, Arohanui Hospice offers more than just a place to visit, it provides a space for connection, reflection, and shared humanity.
Planning your visit thoughtfully ensures that each interaction becomes a meaningful part of the care journey.
