- Greater access to priority health services for patients in the Great Southern
- $4.788 million investment from Royalties for Regions program
Albany and surrounding areas can now meet increasing demand for palliative care with a new hospice officially opened today by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman.
The new eight-bed facility, owned by Albany Community Hospice, was made possible with a $4.788 million investment from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Mr Redman said the new hospice would meet the needs of palliative care patients and their carers, and would be a first-class facility bringing great benefits to the region.
“The hospice maximises the opportunity for patients to be cared for within their region, reducing critical travel to Perth to seek palliative care,” he said.
“Royalties for Regions is aimed at retaining benefits in the regions, and by investing in health services and infrastructure, we are creating sustainable regional communities.”
Mr Redman said the hospice’s co-location with the Albany Health Campus would improve access to pathology and imaging services and make transferring patients easier.
“Having the hospice collocated with the health campus will also support current and future demand, and provide patients with timely access to priority health services,” he said.
Health Minister John Day said the aim of palliative care was to improve the quality of life of patients, families and carers, providing specialised care and support.
“The connection to Albany Health Campus means patients who need assessment and monitoring of pain and other symptoms can be easily admitted to hospital when required,” Mr Day said.
“There will also be operational improvements, such as on-site technology support and more streamlined after-hours emergency help.”
Fact File
- This project is complementary to the Royalties for Regions $500 million investment in the Southern Inland Health Initiative
- The hospice is built on land leased from the State Government
