Construction starts on new Townsville hospice
Terminally ill patients in North Queensland will have access to palliative care at a new centre under construction in Townsville, says Health Minister Stephen Robertson.
The Cancer Council Queensland and the people of Townsville have raised $6.5 million to build this centre, and the state government has made land available for the hospice to be built at Townsville Hospital. Once completed, Queensland Health will manage and staff the hospice.
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.
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.
The new hospice is expected to be completed within 12 months.
