Contract awarded for new palliative care unit

The Central Coast community’s dream of a dedicated in-patient palliative care unit is one step closer, with a tender awarded for the construction and refurbishment works.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said Tuggerah-based Collaborative Construction Solutions would undertake the design and works.

“Gosford Hospital’s former maternity ward will be transformed into the new 10-bed palliative care unit, providing a home-away-from-home feel for patients and their families,” Mr Crouch said.

“This dedicated unit will enable inpatient support for palliative patients requiring acute symptom management who are then able to return home, as well as those patients who cannot be cared for at home in the last days of life.

“Once the unit becomes operational in 2021, Central Coast residents will for the first time ever have a choice between receiving palliative care at-home or in a hospital setting.

“By locating this unit within Gosford Hospital, it means patients can also benefit from access to specialist medical, nursing and allied health services as well as diagnostic testing.”

Mr Crouch said the delivery of a palliative care unit was a labour of love for the Elsie’s Retreat Project Committee.

“I want to pay tribute to Margaret Pearce, Oana McBride, Judy Mausley and Peter Hurley as well as the entire team of volunteers for raising a total of $300,000, which we hope can be matched by an additional contribution of $140,000 by Lion’s Club International,” Mr Crouch said.

“This incredible amount of funding will purchase equipment, fittings and furniture to support the creation of a ‘home-like’ environment.”

The works are expected to be complete in early 2021.