$13.6 million for new dedicated Palliative Care Unit at Wyong Hospital
Families and carers on the Central Coast with loved ones suffering a life-limiting illness will have more choice for support and care with the NSW Government announcing $13.6 million to deliver a new dedicated Palliative Care Unit at Wyong Hospital.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the new 12-bed Palliative Care Unit, to be located within the hospital, is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million Enhancing End of Life Care program.
“As a former Palliative Care Nurse, I couldn’t be prouder to be announcing this new dedicated Palliative Care Unit for Wyong Hospital. This will make such a difference to the lives of patients, families and carers,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This is about providing a choice to Central Coast residents. I know that many people prefer to be cared for at home, but unfortunately that isn’t always an option. This new dedicated unit will provide that higher level of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
“The new Palliative Care Unit will respond to increasing community needs in the northern part of the Central Coast and provide access for patients who require hospital-based support due to acute clinical or social needs.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the new unit would build on the recent enhancement of palliative care services on the Central Coast, following the opening of the Palliative Care Unit at Gosford Hospital.
“Once operational, this unit will provide our community the support it needs in a homely environment, with access to single rooms, family amenities and an outdoor space.
“I would like to thank the “orange army” of Elsie’s Retreat volunteers for their incredible support and campaigning to make this dream become a reality.”
The Wyong Hospital Palliative Care Unit will be located in the existing Wyong Hospital following refurbishment and upgrade of the identified space for the new unit. Construction timeframes will be confirmed once planning is further progressed.
Today’s announcement follows:
- The recently opened $200 million Wyong Hospital Redevelopment at ‘Block H’ plus an additional $6.4 million to expand the Cancer Day Unit as part of the 2022/23 NSW Budget
- And the new, 10-bed Palliative Care Unit at Gosford Hospital opened in 2021
As part of the Enhancing End of Life Care program, the NSW Government has announced that new dedicated Palliative Care Units will also be built at Westmead Hospital and Nepean Hospital. Planning for these projects is now underway.
The NSW Government announced a record $743 million boost to palliative care and specialist health services as part of the 2022-23 NSW budget to ensure NSW residents have access to the highest quality care and pain management services at the end of their life.
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