Work to deliver a brand new dedicated palliative care unit at Nepean Hospital is one step closer with construction underway following the appointment of the main works contractor.
CPB Contractors, the main works contractor currently delivering the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, has been engaged to build the new palliative care unit as an integrated fit out within the new Nepean Hospital Stage 2 building.
The new purpose-built palliative care unit at Nepean Hospital is part of the Minns Labor Government's $93 million World-class End of Life Care program, which will deliver new and redeveloped palliative care facilities at a number of hospitals across the state.
Staff within the new unit will provide specialist palliative care service 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 palliative care unit which is on the top floor of the new Stage 2 redevelopment building, will feature large single and double bedrooms with ensuites and include a rooftop courtyard, as well as family-orientated shared spaces to create a supportive, comfortable and inclusive setting for patients, families and carers.
Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has shaped the design of the new palliative care unit to ensure it meets the unique needs of local communities in the Nepean and Blue Mountains areas now, and into the future.
Construction on the new Palliative Care Unit will progress concurrently with construction of the Nepean Hospital Stage 2 building, which recently reached its full height of construction. Construction of the Nepean Hospital Stage 2 building is expected to be completed in late 2026, and will open to patients, staff and visitors following an operational commissioning period.
The Stage 2 redevelopment will deliver a major expansion and upgrade of health services and facilities for Nepean and Blue Mountains communities, and will feature:
- a new adult intensive care unit
- additional inpatient beds
- medical imaging and nuclear medicine services
- clinical support services including pharmacy and in-centre renal dialysis services
- staff education and training facilities.
The $93 million World Class End of Life Care program will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. In addition to Nepean, other locations include Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth and Orange hospitals.
For more information about the project, visit World Class End of Life Care Program
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The Minns Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses can receive quality end-of-life care close to home.
"Our $93 million World Class End of Life Care program is delivering new and enhanced palliative care facilities across the state to ensure patients, and their families have access to facilities that provide comfort, privacy and dignity for people in their final stages of life.
"This contractor appointment is a significant milestone for the project, bringing us a step closer to delivering enhanced palliative care facilities for those living in the Nepean and Blue Mountains area.
Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:
"The new Palliative Care Unit at Nepean Hospital will give people more choice to receive care at the end of their life closer to home.
"The location of the new facility will provide patients and their families with privacy and comfort within a purpose-built space, as well as access to complementary health care services and facilities at the new Nepean Hospital.
"I want to thank Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District staff and the local community whose input have shaped the design of the new Palliative Care Unit to ensure it meets the needs of our community well into the future."
