Children with life limiting conditions and their families will benefit from a $16 million funding boost to enhance paediatric palliative care respite and hospice services.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new services will complement those already provided by Bear Cottage and at the children’s hospitals in Sydney and Newcastle.
“Few of us could ever imagine the extraordinary courage and resilience needed to support a much-loved child as they progress through their illness,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring we improve the quality of life of these kids and their families, whether the care is being provided at home, in a hospital or a hospice.”
The additional enhancement brings the total funding for palliative care from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to more than $2.2 billion over the next five years.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding would help provide vital care closer to home.
“Parents going through such inconceivable sadness deserve our support to ensure they can receive respite and assistance when they need it most,” Mr Kean said.
Paediatric palliative care aims to improve quality of life of children with a life-limiting illness as they head towards the end of life. It can include the prevention and relief from pain and other symptoms.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said those caring for children with life limiting conditions face the most challenging situation imaginable and need our every support.
“Families often choose to care for their loved ones at home but many children have complex medical and nursing needs which make that task difficult,” Mr Hazzard said.
“By further enhancing paediatric palliative and end of life care services, we are giving more families support and access to the care they need in a home-like environment.”
NSW Health will work with stakeholders including families and carers, relevant non-government organisations and paediatric palliative care clinicians to identify and fund appropriate services, ensuring the best outcomes for children and their families.
These services may include, but are not limited to, providing dedicated end of life care space for children and their families in children’s hospitals and the provision of additional respite care capacity and support services.