The Orange community is being given its first look at the palliative care expansion at Orange Health Service, thanks to a new artist's impression released today.
The expansion at Orange Health Service 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 Health Service, near the oncology ward and existing palliative care bedrooms and facilities.
The design involved extensive consultation with health professionals who provide end-of-life and palliative care, Aboriginal representatives, carers and community members to ensure the best outcome for Orange and the surrounding communities.
The Orange community is encouraged to attend one of following community information sessions held in the Main Foyer of Orange Health Service to find out more about the new dedicated palliative care space:
- 11.30am - 1.00pm, Wednesday 21 August 2024
- 9.00am - 10.30am, Thursday 29 August 2024
The expansion of palliative care services at Orange Health Service is part of the NSW Government's $93 million World Class End of Life Program to deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. Other locations receiving new and enhanced palliative care facilities include Wyong, Nepean, Tamworth and Westmead.
Construction timeframes will be confirmed once the planning and design phase is complete.
This comes after the Minister for Regional Health visited the Orange Health Service and announced over $60,000 in funding to purchase palliative care equipment for patients using the inpatient rooms. Local community group Orange Push for Palliative had been advocating for the funding to purchase two 'cuddle beds', which are large patient beds allowing loved ones to be physically close to their family member as they approach end of life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:
"The palliative care expansion at Orange Health Service will better support the hospital's Specialist Palliative Care Service to provide inpatient end-of-life and palliative care for patients and their families during what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives.
"Community feedback has helped inform the design, ensuring 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 was very pleased to meet with Orange Push for Palliative on my recent visit to Orange and announce funding for the purchase of cuddle beds for use in the palliative care unit.
"These beds provide an important opportunity for family members to be physically close to their loved one, deepening meaningful and intimate connection at this very sensitive time."
Quotes attributable to Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
"The addition of three new palliative care bedrooms at Orange Health Service means more people will be able to access the care they need closer to home, giving them more time when it matters most.
"I would encourage members of the Orange community to attend one of the information sessions so they can learn about how this new service will benefit residents."
For more project information, including the latest design, go to:
https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/end-of-life-care-program
