A $2.4 MILLION Palliative Care Unit and the new Urgent Care Centre were officially opened at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital yesterday.
The new facilities, officially opened by Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie and NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Oxley Andrew Stoner, are aimed at providing care to patients from across the Hastings-Macleay Network.
Dr Gillespie said the purpose-built facility, funded by the Australian Government through the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services, was constructed by Kempsey company O’Donnell and Hanlon Pty Ltd.
“The Palliative Care Unit features eight rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and north-facing verandahs. The rooms have been designed to provide a comfortable setting for patients and their families,” Dr Gillespie said.
“The unit also features a large lounge area along with an education room with video conference facilities to support the clinical training of staff.”
Mr Stoner said that while the building work was taking place, so too was a community appeal to raise funds to purchase additional items to make the new facility more comfortable.
“The support of the community has not only ensured that the Palliative Care Unit is a modern health care facility; it is also a comfortable and peaceful environment for patients and their families,” Mr Stoner said.
“To date, the Community Appeal has raised a remarkable $112,000 which has resulted in the donation of items ranging from comfortable lounge settings and visitor chairs to local Aboriginal artwork and handmade quilts,” he said.
The new Urgent Care Centre has been funded by the NSW Government and includes improved facilities for patients and staff.
