#hauora: National Paediatric Palliative Care Service Welcomed As Major Step Forward
Children’s Commissioner says new nationwide support will help ease inequities for seriously ill tamariki and whānau Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is welcoming the launch of a long-awaited national paediatric […]
Children’s Commissioner says new nationwide support will help ease inequities for seriously ill tamariki and whānau
Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is welcoming the launch of a long-awaited national paediatric palliative care service, describing it as a major milestone for tamariki living with life-limiting conditions and the whānau who care for them.
The new national service is expected to improve coordination and access to specialist care for children with serious illnesses across Aotearoa, particularly for families living outside major urban centres.
Dr Achmad says the announcement addresses long-standing inequities that have left many whānau struggling to access consistent and culturally appropriate support depending on where they live.
Until now, paediatric palliative care services have largely been concentrated in bigger centres such as Auckland, meaning families in rural and regional communities often faced additional stress, travel costs and disruptions while trying to access specialist treatment and support.
Health advocates say many families caring for seriously ill tamariki have experienced fragmented services, workforce shortages and inconsistent access to respite care, psychological support and end-of-life planning.
The Commissioner says a nationally coordinated approach has the potential to provide more equitable care and ensure children and whānau receive support closer to home and within their own communities.
There are also hopes the new model will strengthen links between hospitals, hospices, community providers and Māori health services to better support holistic care for tamariki and their whānau.
Dr Achmad says the wellbeing of siblings, parents and wider whānau must also remain central to the service, with emotional, cultural and practical support recognised as essential parts of paediatric palliative care.
Advocates say culturally safe care and stronger Māori health partnerships will be critical to ensuring the service genuinely meets the needs of whānau Māori and reflects tikanga and whānau-centred approaches.
The Children’s Commissioner is now calling for sustained investment, workforce development and ongoing consultation with families to ensure the new national service delivers meaningful and lasting improvements.
Health leaders say the move represents an important shift toward recognising paediatric palliative care as an essential part of the health system rather than a limited or regionally dependent service.
