Communities in Western Sydney have been given a first look at the new purpose built Supportive and Palliative Care Unit to be delivered at Westmead Hospital.
The new Unit is part of the $93 million allocated for capital investment as part of the NSW Government's World Class End of Life Care Program and will feature contemporary supportive and palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces, outdoor areas and plenty of natural light.
The location, within a rooftop expansion zone on Level 5 of the Clinical Acute Services Building at the Westmead Hospital, was selected following a comprehensive campus-wide site investigation. The location is close to complementary health services within the hospital, while also providing for patient and family privacy, and access to outdoor space.
The planning and design of the new Unit have been informed by extensive consultation with Supportive and Palliative Care health professionals, carers and community members. The new Unit will provide a culturally sensitive and home-like space to provide care, places for gathering and family, a multi-faith room and access to an outdoor veranda area from all rooms.
The NSW Government's $93 million capital investment in the World Class End of Life Care program will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. Other locations to benefit from the Government's funding for enhanced palliative care units include Wyong, Orange, Tamworth and Penrith.
Planning and design for the new Westmead Hospital Unit will continue over the next few months, with a focus on interiors, landscaping, fittings and equipment.
Construction timeframes will be confirmed following the completion of the design process and once a building contractor has been appointed.
For more project information, visit the website: World Class End of Life Care Program - Health Infrastructure NSW.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The new dedicated Unit will provide purpose-built facilities within a home-like setting for palliative care staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives.
"The new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital will provide access to mostly single patient rooms, family and communal spaces, a multi-faith room and access to the outdoors from all rooms. The location will provide a private and sensitive space."
Quote attributable to Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:
"I'm pleased to see this important project progressing which will provide high-quality end-of-life care to further support local patients and their families."
"Having access to family and communal spaces, the outdoors and a calm, homely space were common themes during recent consultation undertaken as part of the planning for the new Unit. We have listened to families and included these features in the new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, which will be a suitable space for patients and their loved ones at such a difficult time."
