Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District will benefit from an additional $298,666 in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end of life care across the region.
This funding boost for Nepean Blue Mountain Local Health District is part of the NSW Government's $2.8 million investment to enhance children's end-of-life care services, ensuring greater equity of access to both hospital and community-based services across NSW.
This forms part of the NSW Government's commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.
The district will receive funding to create home-like and comfortable multi-functional spaces, which may serve a range of purposes, including palliative care, post-death care and to care for children with chronic and complex conditions. This funding will also support tailored antenatal supports for families dealing with infant and perinatal loss across Nepean Blue Mountains, including a specialised bereavement room to support these families.
The initiatives supported by this funding will help ensure that families can access a range of high-quality services in a comforting environment closer to home.
The funding will also support cosmetic upgrades to facilities, purchase specialised equipment and comfort items as well as essential repairs and maintenance to create warm, family-friendly spaces for end-of-life care.
Additionally, the funding will allow for additional education and training opportunities for healthcare staff to equip them with the skills needed to deliver holistic and compassionate paediatric palliative care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"This funding underscores our commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable children and their families in NSW.
"Paediatric palliative care is essential for providing comfort and dignity to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
"Importantly, this funding will allow us to extend and enhance a model of care which provides families with much-needed peace of mind, knowing they can care for their child in a familiar, supportive environment during their final days."
Quotes attributable to Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:
"Having been a long-time supporter of and advocate for community-based palliative care services, I'm very pleased that the government is stepping up to provide necessary avenues for that support in the Blue Mountains.
"I am pleased that some of the funds will go towards providing services at Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital."
Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:
"Our Penrith Community welcomes this critical funding which will boost Palliative Care Services at Nepean Hospital and ensure those families in need get the essential services and support they require during these difficult and challenging times."
