The community is invited to contribute to the planning and design of 3 new dedicated palliative care units, which will enhance services for people with a life-limiting illness and better support their families and carers.
The NSW Government has committed $93 million to redevelop and refurbish palliative care units throughout the state under the World Class End of Life Care commitment, which includes new and expanded units at Westmead, Nepean, Wyong, Tamworth and Orange hospitals.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said community input into the design process will be crucial in ensuring each of the new units meet the needs of the local community.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring people with a life-limiting illness receive the highest quality end-of-life care, to provide peace of mind to patients, families and carers when they need it most,” Mr Park said.
“As well as featuring the latest technology and equipment, the new Palliative Care Units will provide a comfortable and home like setting to deliver the very best clinical care and emotional support.”
The Wyong, Nepean and Westmead Palliative Care Units are scheduled to complete master planning in September and will be shortly followed by Orange and Tamworth, with all 5 sites scheduled to commence construction in 2024.
Minister Park said the new palliative care units will complement the existing palliative and supportive care teams at Westmead, Nepean, and Wyong Hospitals.
“The new units will provide more choices for patients on where they want to receive care and how they want to be cared for, providing a comprehensive range of hospital and in-home services,” Mr Park said.
“It’s important the community is involved in this process to ensure the new units provide the care and support people need as they approach the end of their life.
“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who is interested to register today.”
Community members who wish to contribute to the design are invited to register interest by completing the relevant form for Wyong, Westmead and Nepean hospitals.
A similar opportunity for the Orange and Tamworth communities will be available in the coming months.
The $93 million allocated for new and redevelopment of palliative care facilities is part of the 2022-2023 budget providing funding over 5 years (2022-2023 to 2026-2027) for NSW Health to deliver end of life and palliative care service enhancements across the state.
Construction of the new palliative care units across all 5 sites will commence following the design and planning process, in consultation with staff, patients and the community.