The official opening of the new Palliative Care Unit at Wyong Hospital will be held today, marking an important milestone in the delivery of high-quality end-of-life care for the Central Coast community.
Delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government's $93 million capital investment in the World Class End of Life Care program, the new unit has been designed to provide privacy, comfort and dignity for people in the final stages of life, providing the highest standard of care and support close to home.
The purpose-built unit is located in an existing building at the eastern end of the Wyong Hospital and features 12 palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor spaces.
Developed in close consultation with local community members and palliative care staff, the facility has been tailored to meet the needs of patients, families, loved ones and the broader Central Coast community.
Local community group, The Elsie's Palliative Care Project, has made a generous contribution to the new unit, providing family and overnight room furnishings, specialist beds, garden enhancements and a range of additional amenities to help provide additional comfort and support for patients, families and carers.
Key design elements include:
- Spacious bedrooms to accommodate visiting family members, featuring home-like interior finishes and large windows overlooking private gardens
- Individual patient balconies, enabling patients to move outdoors on their bed to enjoy the garden
- A large family room with dining spaces where family and visitors can gather and share meals.
- A landscaped garden, with existing mature trees retained to provide a natural outlook from patient bedrooms.
- A communal outdoor area that provides a private and reflective space.
- An overnight room to allow additional family members to stay close to their family.
The Wyong Palliative Care Unit was delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Central Coast Local Health District and builder, Renascent Australia.
The $93 million World Class End of Life Care program is delivering new and redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. Other locations include Nepean, Westmead, Tamworth and Orange hospitals.
For more information about the World Class End of Life Program, visit hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/end-of-life-care-program
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The Minns Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses receive high quality end-of-life care at the right time, and in the right place.
"This modern and purpose-built Palliative Care Unit at Wyong will provide comfort, dignity and compassionate care in what can be a very difficult time for patients and their families."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris:
"This new unit is a wonderful facility for the Wyong community and a great addition our region's existing palliative care services, including the palliative care unit at Gosford Hospital and in-home services to meet individual and family needs.
"People have different needs and preferences when it comes to end-of-life care. This new unit will provide greater choice for patients and families, while ensuring they remain connected to their loved ones and local support networks.
"I acknowledge Oana McBride for her vision and drive for enabling her friend Elsie's dream to be realised and also the Elsie's Palliative Care Project team for their tireless efforts."
Quotes attributable to Member for The Entrance David Mehan MP:
"Everyone deserves dignity and quality care at the end of their life. This new unit will give patients and their families access to that care close to home.
"It's an important investment in palliative care on the Central Coast and will provide patients and families with greater choice and support when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch:
"This milestone opening is so important to ensure that every family can access end-of-life in the utmost comfort and dignity.
"In the heartbreaking reality of end-of-life care, this unit meets the unique needs of palliative care while ensuring that no one in our community has to travel far from home to find comfort, dignity and support in their final days."
Quotes attributable to Central Coast Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Jude Constable:
"The opening of this purpose-built unit is an important milestone for palliative care on the Central Coast.
"This will provide another care option alongside our established services at Gosford Hospital and in the community, ensuring people can receive the support that best meets their needs.
"We're incredibly grateful for the support of Elsie's Project, whose contribution has helped create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and families through additional furnishings, specialist equipment and enhancements to the unit's outdoor spaces."
