A larger, more peaceful space will be created for palliative care patients at Mareeba Hospital.
The $425,000 palliative care project involves moving the hospital’s palliative care room to a quieter, fit-for-purpose space, with garden views, a dedicated ensuite, kitchen and lounge.
This new space will provide a more peaceful setting for those entering the end stages of life, according to Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Don Mackie.
‘The new palliative care room will be a much larger space, with a lounge and kitchen, with plenty of space to accommodate for large families to be with their loved one.
‘The new space will also include a private ensuite, which the current palliative care space does not provide.
‘The project is now in the detailed design phase, with tenders expected to be announced from August, and construction expected to start later this year.
‘These upgrades allow our clinicians to continue to offer quality care to patients and their families - and care that is closer to home.
‘We expect to be welcoming patients into the new space by early 2024.’
Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jennifer Fitzsimons said the upgrade would be a positive addition for the community.
‘By moving this space to a quieter part of the hospital, patients will have direct access to an outdoor setting,’ she said.
‘From the new room there will be more windows and access to an outdoor space that includes a rotunda. We also plan to carry out some landscaping.
‘There will be recliner chairs as part of a new carer zone, so people can stay over.
‘It is so important that patients, families, and friends will be able to access a self-contained space for privacy and that includes the small kitchen for their comfort.
‘We are always thanked by local families for the family orientated service we provide.
‘This will be a really positive service for the community.’
Mareeba Hospital Nurse Unit Manager Robyn George knows firsthand the importance of a private space for family to be with a loved one when they are nearing the end of life.
She spent precious time with her mother in the palliative care room at Mareeba Hospital before she passed away a few years ago.
‘It was really weird because I was here as a daughter and not as a nurse unit manager. I was absolutely blown away by my nursing staff and the care they provided. They were just amazing and beautiful.
‘Having that dedicated room meant you could bring your family in and nest together. I was quite amazed by how important that is.
‘The new room will have a nicer outlook and will be a lot quieter. We have a lot of nurses who love working in palliative care and do it really well.’