Picture: Bronnie Taylor along with Kevin Anderson and Friends of Nioka announced the expansion at Tamworth Hospital on Tuesday 10 January.
Terminally ill residents living in Tamworth and surrounding areas will soon have access to upgraded palliative care services.
The New South Wales State Government announced on Tuesday 10 January they will deliver a stand-alone, expanded, and purpose-built palliative care unit at Tamworth Hospital.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the announcement is a big win for the community that will deliver positive outcomes for patients, their families, and carers.
“Last September, I joined Friends of Nioka in pushing for expanded palliative care services in Tamworth and today, the NSW Nationals in Government are delivering on that promise,” Mr Anderson said.
The facility is being delivered as part of the state government’s ninety three million dollar End of Life Care Program and is expected to double the amount of beds currently available at Tamworth Hospital from six to twelve.
The long-time dedicated palliative care ward in Tamworth, Friends of Nioka, has been pushing for the expansion for over three decades and President Heather Frankel said the group welcomed the significant investment.
“Friends of Nioka look forward to working with the NSW Government, Hunter New England Local Health District and local clinicians to ensure the needs of the community are front of mind in the delivery of this upgraded and expanded unit,” Ms Frankel said.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said this major expansion of palliative care services in the Tamworth region will mean patients and their families have the choice and comfort they deserve during some of their toughest days,” Mrs Taylor said.
“As a former palliative care nurse, I know how important quality end-of-life care is to people living in our regions, and I’m so pleased to be here today with the Member for Tamworth to announce this major expansion of local palliative care services.
“We know most people would prefer to be cared for at home, but unfortunately that isn’t always an option. With this investment we can ensure local, dedicated staff have the facilities they need to continue delivering compassionate care and support.”
Mr Anderson said the planning is already underway and over the coming months the government will work with local clinicians and the community, including Friends of Nioka, to ensure the community’s needs are front and centre.
The plan for the expanded palliative care unit at Tamworth will be finalised in June 2023.