Palliative care services in Tamworth will be doubled thanks to a major investment in the Nioka Palliative Care unit at Tamworth Base Hospital.
Nationals Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said a contractor was appointed to build the upgraded unit, marking a major milestone in the campaign to increase local services.
"In 2022, I joined with Friends of Nioka led by local advocate Bryan Singh to kickstart the campaign for a bigger, better Nioka Palliative Care Unit in Tamworth," Mr Anderson said.
"Today, that campaign took a huge leap forward with a building contractor appointed to the project that will take the Nioka Unit from a 6-bed facility to a 12-bed facility.
"Local advocates have been pushing for more beds in Nioka for some time, recognising that we have a growing ageing population, and the local palliative care unit is almost always at capacity.
"Friends of Nioka are also hopeful that the upgrade will provide the opportunity for respite for local families who are full time carers of those in palliative care.
"I thank the Minister for Health Ryan Park for his commitment to this very important project and ensuring that the funding remained available to upgrade this facility and deliver those services closer to home.
"Friends of Nioka deserve credit for their tireless efforts for palliative care services in Tamworth. I know it is a deeply personal issue, and I thank Bryan Singh and members for their advocacy."
"This is another major health infrastructure project for our region that will provide additional healthcare options for our community."
