People receiving end-of-life and palliative care at Wellington Health Service will now benefit from a more comfortable, home-like environment, following a major refurbishment to the facility’s palliative care space.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the refurbishments are creating more comfort and flexibility for people receiving end-of-life and palliative care, along with their families and carers.

Mr Park said the changes have included the complete refurbishment of two single rooms, a kitchen and communal lounge area at Wellington Health Service, while a private carer zone and access to an outdoor gathering area have also been developed.

“We know most people would prefer to receive this care at home but unfortunately that isn’t always an option, and these projects ensure people who do need to receive end-of-life and palliative care in the hospital are as comfortable as they can possibly be,” Mr Park said.

“The space at Wellington has been completely transformed and has a genuine, homely feel to it, which will not only benefit those receiving care but also their families, carers and loved ones.

“It’s incredibly important that our rural and regional communities can access high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care, whether at home or in the hospital if required, and I’m pleased to see this refurbishment completed and opened.”

Christine Symington, Western NSW Local Health District Manager Palliative Care Services, said the Wellington renovation is one of five palliative care refurbishments across the District that have now been completed.

“We also recently opened the refurbished palliative care space at Trundle Multipurpose Service and we are expecting to open Canowindra Hospital’s completely renovated Tandara palliative care suite very soon,” Ms Symington said.

“Refurbishments have also been completed at Parkes Health Service and Brewarrina Multipurpose Service and we expect to open these projects with the local community in the next month.

“While refurbishment projects significantly improve the comfort of patients and their loved ones, they also help us to provide our communities with more flexibility and choice in end-of-life care.”