Palliative care boost for Grafton hospital

Palliative care patients and their families are about to reap the rewards of a $5.5 million State Government health spend on end-of-life services.
Grafton Base Hospital has attracted $184,000 for refurbishments to its palliative care facilities.

Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis said the revamp at the hospital would bring comfort to people at the end of life, along with their families and carers.
“Existing palliative care rooms will be enhanced and kitchenettes created to improve the experience for patients and families,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“There will be access to an outdoor area, which will allow patients, especially bed‑bound patients, to spend time in the fresh air. Upgrades will also allow family and friends to stay for extended periods.”
The upgrade at Grafton is one of 34 palliative care facilities across NSW to be refurbished over the next two years, at a total of $5.5 million.
“These projects help bring dignity and comfort to patients, families and carers.”

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Every year, the NSW Government spends more than $220 million on palliative care services across the State.
In addition to this funding, in 2020-21 a further $16 million of enhancement funding was spent to improve services, including a boost of $7.17 million for 35 allied health workers and 20 palliative care nurses across NSW.

The latest round of funding follows the success of $4.5 million allocated for refurbishments in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Both funding rounds were part of a $45 million enhancement for palliative care announced in the 2019-20 NSW Budget.
This enhancement and a further $56 million announced in late 2020 support an additional 5000 End of Life home support packages available across NSW from July 1; the recruitment of 100 new palliative care nurses; more Aboriginal Health Workers; digital health to improve access to palliative care; enhanced bereavement services; and education to ensure a strong, competent workforce.

This is in addition to the $100 million palliative care package announced in the 2017-18 Budget.