Construction is underway to expand the inpatient palliative care spaces at Orange Health Service, following the appointment of a builder to deliver the project.
The start of main works construction marks a significant milestone in expanding palliative care services in Orange and for surrounding communities. The project is being delivered as part of the NSW Government's $93 million World Class End of Life Care program.
The expansion will deliver three dedicated palliative care bedrooms with support spaces including an outdoor courtyard, adding to the two existing inpatient palliative care bedrooms in the facility.
The new palliative care rooms will be located on Level 1 of Orange Hospital, in close proximity to the oncology ward and existing palliative care bedrooms and facilities.
The design of the new rooms has been shaped by extensive consultation with health professionals who provide end-of-life and palliative care, Aboriginal representatives and carers and community members to ensure the best outcome for Orange and the surrounding communities.
Zauner Constructions has been engaged as the main works contractor to deliver the expansion, following a competitive tender process.
The World Class End of Life Program will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. In addition to Orange, other locations include Wyong, Nepean, Tamworth and Westmead Hospitals.
The Orange Health Service palliative care service expansion is expected to be completed in 2026.
For more information about the World Class End of Life Program, visit World Class End of Life Care Program
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park
"This is an important step in the delivery of expanded palliative care services for the Orange community.
"The NSW Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality end-of-life care at the right time, and in the right place."
""The expanded palliative care space at the Orange Health Service will provide modern facilities for clinical staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be an extremely difficult time."
"I want to express my thanks also to Member for Orange Phil Donato for his work and engagement in this space, having been a tireless advocate for palliative care services for his community for a long time."
" Quotes attributable to Member for Orange Phil Donato:
"It's great to see work getting underway for the expanded palliative care beds at Orange Health Service, and I'm looking forward to this project now taking shape"
"Community feedback has helped inform the design, ensuring patient bedrooms have a home-like feel with access to plenty of natural light and fresh air. The palliative care expansion will also provide patient privacy and space for visiting families, including communal indoor and outdoor areas."
"I wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Orange Push for Palliative, whom I've worked alongside for the past eight years in restoring, and expanding, inpatient palliative care services for Orange."
""I sincerely thank Health Minister Ryan Park for his strong and ongoing support in improving palliative care services for Orange."
