Residents have been invited to contribute to the planning and design of a new dedicated palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital aimed at enhancing services for people with a life-limiting illness and better support their families and carers.
The NSW Government has committed $93M to redevelop and refurbish palliative care units throughout the state under the World Class End of Life Care commitment, including new and expanded units at Westmead, Nepean, Wyong, Tamworth and Orange hospitals.
Health Minister 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,” 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.”
Member for Wyong David Harris said a lead design team had been appointed to help finalise the clinical scope and master plan the new Wyong unit, which will be an important addition to the hospital’s palliative and supportive care services.
“The new purpose-built palliative care unit will complement Wyong Hospital’s existing palliative and supportive care teams by providing a higher level of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment when care at home is not possible die to acute clinical or social needs,” Harris said.
“This is a unique opportunity to design a world-class palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital and it is vital that we have local community input for such an essential service.”
Master planning for the Wyong unit, along with those at Nepean and Westmead, is scheduled to be completed in September and will be shortly followed by Orange and Tamworth, with all five sites scheduled to startr construction in 2024.
Minister Park said the new palliative care 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.
“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,” he said.
“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 at www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
Source:
NSW Government