Construction starts on new Townsville Hospice
Published Wednesday, 12 December, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Terminally ill patients in North Queensland will have access to palliative care at a new centre under construction in Townsville, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson officially marked the start of construction of the Townsville Hospice at a sod turning ceremony.
He said the new hospice was a team effort between the Cancer Council Queensland and Queensland Health.
“The Cancer Council Queensland and the people of Townsville have raised $6.5 million to build this centre and that effort has to be admired,” Mr Robertson said.
“The State Government has made land available for the hospice to be built at Townsville Hospital.
“And once completed, Queensland Health will manage and staff the hospice.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when government and the community work together for better local health services.”
Mr Robertson said the 20-bed hospice would be available to all patients who no longer have treatment options available that might lead to a cure.
“Townsville Hospital averages between 10 and 12 palliative care patients in acute care at anytime and up to 100 patients in the community,” he said.
“The new hospice will provide a dignified service in a quiet, home-like environment for terminally ill patients and their families.
“It will also ensure that more beds are available for acute patients at Townsville Hospital.
“Further, the facility will play an education role for health care professionals and the community, and it will manage and support palliative care research.”
Mr Robertson said the new hospice was expected to be completed within 12 months.
12 December, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson officially marked the start of construction of the Townsville Hospice at a sod turning ceremony.
He said the new hospice was a team effort between the Cancer Council Queensland and Queensland Health.
“The Cancer Council Queensland and the people of Townsville have raised $6.5 million to build this centre and that effort has to be admired,” Mr Robertson said.
“The State Government has made land available for the hospice to be built at Townsville Hospital.
“And once completed, Queensland Health will manage and staff the hospice.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when government and the community work together for better local health services.”
Mr Robertson said the 20-bed hospice would be available to all patients who no longer have treatment options available that might lead to a cure.
“Townsville Hospital averages between 10 and 12 palliative care patients in acute care at anytime and up to 100 patients in the community,” he said.
“The new hospice will provide a dignified service in a quiet, home-like environment for terminally ill patients and their families.
“It will also ensure that more beds are available for acute patients at Townsville Hospital.
“Further, the facility will play an education role for health care professionals and the community, and it will manage and support palliative care research.”
Mr Robertson said the new hospice was expected to be completed within 12 months.
12 December, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680