Work to deliver the new Westmead Supportive and Palliative Care Unit has taken a key step forward with construction set to begin soon following appointment of the main works contractor.
Following a competitive tender process, Interior Construction Group (ICG) has been engaged as the main works contractor. Construction for the new Westmead Unit is expected to begin in the coming months, following design finalisation.
The new purpose-designed unit at Westmead Hospital is being delivered as part of the NSW Government's $93 million World Class End of Life Care funding commitment.
Staff within the new unit will provide specialist care while supporting the privacy, comfort, and dignity of people with a life-limiting illness who have complex symptoms and/or end-of-life care needs.
The new unit will feature 15 bedrooms with ensuites and will be located within a rooftop extension zone on level 5 of the Central Acute Services Building at Westmead Hospital, offering privacy and easy access to complementary health services on the hospital campus.
Extensive consultation with staff and consumers has been vital in shaping the new Westmead Supportive and Palliative Care Unit to meet the diverse needs of Western Sydney communities.
Designed for versatility, the new unit features a multi-faith room, communal and private spaces, and outdoor access from every room, ensuring a welcoming environment for patients and their loved ones.
The $93 million World Class End of Life funding will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. In addition to Westmead, other locations with new or redeveloped palliative care facilities include Wyong, Nepean, Tamworth and Orange hospitals.
More information on the Program can be found here: www.nsw.gov.au/palliative-care-program
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"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.
"Across the state, more in-hospital supportive and palliative care services are needed. It's why we're allocating $93 million as part of the World Class End of Life Care funding to deliver five new or refurbished purpose-designed palliative care units for staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be an extremely difficult time.
"The location of the new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital means patients and their families will have privacy and comfort within a purpose-built space, as well as access to complementary care services and facilities within Westmead Hospital."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:
"The new unit at Westmead Hospital will provide quality end-of-life care in a calm and home-like environment, where patients and their families can be well supported during a difficult time. I look forward to seeing construction get underway."
