Queensland Government funding matches Abbott plan for palliative care

The Newman LNP Government has teamed up with the Federal Coalition to help establish the first Queensland-based children’s respite and hospice facility, Hummingbird House at Kangaroo Point.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg joined Coalition Leader Tony Abbott on site at St Vincent’s Private Hospital to announce an $11 million funding package for the project today.

They were joined by Coalition Health spokesman Peter Dutton, St Vincent’s CEO Cheryle Royle, the head of the Queensland Kids charity Paul Quilliam, Federal Member for Brisbane Teresa Gambaro, Griffith candidate Dr Bill Glasson and Moreton candidate Malcolm Cole.

“For more than 3,700 Queensland children with a life-limiting condition, today’s announcement will provide half the funds necessary to establish a dedicated palliative facility,” Mr Springborg said.

“These are children whose life’s horizon may be limited to fewer than 18 years and for whom Hummingbird House will provide specialised support.”

Mr Springborg said in a recent report, the Queensland Parliament’s Health and Community Services Committee recommended the establishment of a specialised children’s hospice in Queensland.

The committee was told Queensland families were travelling to access services from existing hospices in Sydney and Melbourne.

“Over the last 12 months, six families from Queensland had to travel long distances to access these services in Sydney,” he said.

“The Queensland LNP Government and a Federal Coalition Government led by Tony Abbott will each provide $5.5 million over seven years to enable the Queensland Kids charity and St Vincent’s Private Hospital to establish Hummingbird House.

“With matching support from donors and sponsors, this facility will provide 24/7 respite care, full medical support, pain management, end-of-life care, grief and bereavement services, sibling support and family accommodation.”
 
[ENDS] 20 July 2013

Media contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230