Hospice staff were joined by associates as the site was blessed by the Rev Te Kauru Cameron of the Te Aka Puaho (the Presbyterian Māori Synod).
Otago Community Hospice chief executive officer Ginny Green said the new site on Ripponvale Rd, was more suitable for the growing team, which provided services for Central Otago and Wānaka.
There was a greater need for hospice support as the average population grew older and that applied throughout Central Otago, particularly in Wānaka, she said.
"Being an older population, the need for excellent palliative care services is just growing."
The site will house nine hospice staff including care co-ordinators, specialist nurses and doctors, a kaimahi wairua/spiritual care co-ordinator, a counsellor and a social worker.
"It has space for consultations, counselling, office space for the growing team and for education delivery for our colleagues in primary health and patients and whānau," Ms Green said.
The Hospice Hub was previously located in Cromwell’s industrial area and often difficult to access due to trucks, as well as feeling closed in.
Now the Hub looked out on to orchards, making it a "pretty special space", she said.
"It’s a fantastic hub for us as a team to come together and work," she said.
Community care co-ordinator Rachel Sinclair agreed and said the space would give staff an opportunity to reflect on their work, not only with patients, but with other staff.
"It gives us a sense of being able to reignite our energy and just focus on what’s important.
"Family and whānau and nature, particularly at end of life.
"It’s nice to look out at the mountains ... and just know there is something greater and bigger than us — that’s often what families are struggling with."
The blessing of the Hospice Hub coincided with Hospice Awareness Week which started yesterday.
The Otago Community Hospice would use the week to continue to raise awareness of hospice services and the challenges they face.
Hospice receives around 56% of its funding from the government and the remaining 44% is raised in the community, equalling about $3 million a year.
