​The NSW Government is today announcing that it will be returning community palliative care services in the Western Sydney Local Health District to public hands. 

This announcement represents an important opportunity to enhance community palliative care services in Western Sydney. 

Silverchain’s contract commenced in 2017 and there was no contractual option to extend this arrangement post its conclusion on 30 June 2024. There will be no loss of services as a result of the contract ending. 

In fact, patients can be assured they will continue to receive high quality, 24/7 palliative care in the home, and this will be expanded to more people in Western Sydney. 

The NSW Government will back this in by doubling the investment in palliative care in Western Sydney Local Health District by next financial year from $1.36 million per annum in 2022-23 to $2.6 million in 2024-25. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“I am pleased to announce that more people in Western Sydney Local Health District who need palliative care will be able to receive it, as a result of our expansion of community palliative care services by bringing it in house. 

“I know the local health district will work closely with Silverchain to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“Where there’s an opportunity to retain the talent and institutional know-how of existing Silverchain staff, we will do it. 

“As is the case across NSW, palliative care will continue to be provided in a range of settings - both in the hospital and in the community, including in people’s homes if they wish. Services will continue to work with primary care and residential aged care to ensure the best possible end of life care is provided to anyone who needs them.

“Palliative care is provided to people in their most vulnerable and most difficult time in their lives and we will continue to ensure we give them the care and dignity they need and deserve.” ​