Work to deliver enhanced palliative care facilities for communities in western Sydney is progressing, with planning and design for new, purpose-built palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals now completed.
The completion of the design phase for the palliative care units at both Westmead and Nepean hospitals paves the way for the tender process to appoint a building contractor to commence next year.
The NSW Government is investing $93 million as part of the World Class End of Life Care Program to deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state, including at Nepean, Westmead, Wyong, Tamworth, and Orange hospitals.
The new purpose-built palliative care units, offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest standard of care.
Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has played an important role in the design development for each unit at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, and ensures the palliative care space meets the needs of the local community.
At Westmead Hospital, the new unit will include bedrooms with ensuites, communal spaces, a multi-faith room, and direct access to a shared outdoor area. This facility will be located within an extension to the Clinical Acute Services Building and has been designed to offer privacy and access to complementary health services within Westmead Hospital.
At Nepean Hospital, the new unit which is on the top floor of the new Stage 2 Redevelopment building, will feature bedrooms with ensuites and include a rooftop courtyard, as well as family-orientated, shared spaces aimed at creating a supportive, inclusive setting for patients and their loved ones.
Construction timeframes for the new palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals will be confirmed following the appointment of a building contractor.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The NSW Government's investment to enhance palliative care facilities is focused on delivering respectful and purpose-built spaces which provide dignity and comfort for people in their final stages of life.
"These units at Nepean and Westmead hospitals will ensure patients and their families have both privacy and comfort, as well as enhanced access to palliative care services and facilities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:
"It is important that the design for these new palliative care facilities included input from health staff and the community. It will provide our Nepean hospital patients and their families with the comfort, ease, and solace they deserve during these difficult times.
"Our Government's $93 million commitment is part of the World Class End of Life Care Program highlighting our dedication to expanding access to quality and compassionate care for communities throughout NSW."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis
"The new unit at Westmead Hospital will provide quality end-of-life and supportive care in a calm, homely environment, supporting local patients and their families during a difficult time."
