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For Health Professionals

Supporting patients with life-limiting illness

Hospice Southland works alongside general practice, hospital teams, aged care providers, and community services to support people living with life-limiting illness.

Our role is to provide additional specialist palliative care expertise – focused on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life – while primary medical care remains with the patient’s usual clinician.

We aim to complement, not replace, existing care.

Who Hospice Southland supports

Hospice Southland provides specialist palliative care for patients
with life-limiting conditions, including but not limited to:

+ Cancer
+ Advanced cardiac disease
+ Chronic respiratory disease
+ Neurological conditions
+ Dementia
+ Renal disease
+ Other progressive life-limiting illnesses

Hospice involvement is not limited to the final days of life. Early
referral can support better symptom management, planning, and patient and whānau support.

If you are uncertain about eligibility, we welcome a conversation.

How to refer a patient

Referring a patient to Hospice Southland is straightforward.

Referrals are welcomed from GPs, hospital teams, and other health professionals. If you are unsure whether a patient is suitable for hospice support, we encourage you to contact us to discuss.

Early referral is encouraged, and hospice involvement can begin at any stage of a life-limiting illness.

To make a referral:

Complete the online referral form
Or contact our team directly

We will review the referral and make contact to coordinate next steps.

Clinical Order Articulating Scope of Treatment

A Clinical Order Articulating Scope of Treatment (COAST) form is an individualised plan for end of life care that considers both patient preferences and clinical judgment based on medical evaluation. It is a communication tool for health professionals with a set of default orders that can be easily utilized across all health settings and encounters. The aim of the COAST process is to efficiently communicate and coordinate goal-directed clinical care, thereby improving the end of life experience for patients and families.

COAST is based on the POLST process in the United States and the Goals of Care initiative in Australia. It has been adapted to the New Zealand population.

This form is completed by either a doctor (any grade) or nurse practitioner after thorough patient/proxy discussion regarding the patient’s treatment preferences and current health status. Just as a written prescription does not replace a comprehensive discussion about medications with the patient/proxy, the COAST form is not a substitute for advance care planning discussions.

In order to be valid, each field should be completed and the form must be signed and dated by the treating doctor or nurse practitioner (NP).

COAST Form & Process Video

Please find below all of the downloadable forms:

Forms can be electronically uploaded to Health Connect South.

PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently recruiting participants for our research study so these forms are no longer required when a COAST Form is completed.

COAST Frequently Asked Questions

Firstly, ask yourself: “Would I be surprised if this patient dies in the next year?” If the answer is “no”, then a COAST form should be completed for the individual. This includes patients receiving hospice care, those with a terminal diagnosis, and patients with advanced dementia.
At this time, the COAST form is intended only for adult patients (age 18 or older).
​The treating doctor or NP should complete and sign the COAST form. In most cases, this will be the GP. However, any doctor or NP who encounters an eligible patient should complete and sign the COAST form if it has not already been done.
​Individuals retain the original copy of their COAST form, whilst another copy is retained in the patient’s paper notes. We are hopeful the form will soon be available electronically in Health Connect South. The COAST form should be readily available to all treating health providers; individual agencies or facilities may need their own processes to ensure that the COAST form is accessible.

Yes. A COAST form can be changed in one of two ways:

  • By completing and signing a new COAST form. The new COAST form automatically replaces any previous version(s). The valid COAST form is the one that is most recently completed, signed, and dated.
  • By revoking the original COAST form and leaving it unreplaced. This can be done at the request of the patient, proxy, or treating doctor/nurse practitioner. Revocation is documented in writing by striking through the COAST document and writing “REVOKED” along with the date, a brief explanation of the revocation, and the signature and printed name of the health provider.

Yes. The orders on a COAST form may be disregarded in the following circumstances:

  • If fulfilling these orders involve providing medical care which is not equivalent to current healthcare standards.
  • If the authenticity of the COAST form is called into question
  • If all fields are not completed and/or the form is not signed/dated by the doctor/nurse practitioner.

The COAST form does not have an expiration date. COAST form should be reviewed periodically and updated as appropriate if:

  • There is a significant change in an individual’s health status
  • The individual’s treatment preferences change
No, the COAST form is meant to complement Advanced Care Planning. If COAST form orders directly conflict with orders stated in a patient’s Advanced Care Plan, the most recent document takes precedence.
​A facility is welcome to have its own processes and documentation methods. If this is the case, the COAST form should still be completed for all eligible patients. The COAST form is intended to be a shared tool that streamlines and co-ordinates care across all settings.

How we work alongside you

Hospice Southland provides:

+ Specialist palliative nursing support
+ Medical oversight in collaboration with the primary clinician
+ Symptom management guidance
+ Support for complex psychosocial needs
+ Family and whānau support
+ Inpatient care when required

The patient’s GP or primary clinician retains overall medical responsibility unless otherwise agreed.

We prioritise clear communication and collaborative care planning.

Geographic coverage

Hospice Southland supports patients across Southland and the Wakatipu Basin.

If you are unsure whether a patient falls within our service area, please contact us to discuss.

 

When to refer

Consider referral when:

+ Symptom complexity is increasing
+ The patient would benefit from additional specialist palliative input
+ There is increasing psychosocial or family distress
+ Advance care planning support is needed
+ Community coordination is becoming more complex

Early engagement often improves outcomes for patients and whānau.

Unsure if a patient is suitable?

Call our team to discuss – we’re happy to help.

Clinical collaboration

We recognise the importance of continuity of care and professional relationships.

Hospice Southland is committed to:
+ Clear communication
+ Shared decision-making
+ Respect for the patient’s existing care team
+ Supporting you in managing complex cases

We welcome direct communication regarding patient suitability, symptom advice, or shared care planning.