Expanding palliative care services in Noosa

The Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $1.5 million to fund an extension to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, expanding access to end of life and palliative care services for people in Noosa and on the Sunshine Coast.

With a growing and aging population, there is a need for more palliative care facilities in the region.

The extension will see two new rooms added

to the hospice, increasing its capacity from three to five beds. This will allow more than 20 additional people to receive care each year, depending on their length of stay.

A second lounge room, an administrative area and storage room will also be added.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said Katie Rose Cottage is a much-loved and treasured part of the Noosa community, and its expansion will enable more people to experience high quality care in a peaceful setting.

“Katie Rose Cottage Hospice is a place of peace, tranquillity and serenity, providing dedicated, professional and compassionate care, in a comfortable home environment,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Today’s announcement means that Katie Rose Cottage Hospice can extend its services to more people. The two-bedroom expansion will enable more than 20 additional people to be accommodated here each year.

“They will be able to experience the high quality care and service that Chairperson Carol Raye and her committee, the palliative doctors, nurses and carers, as well as more than 230 volunteers, provide to the residents and their families and friends.

“Upon entering the hospice, you know you are in a warm and welcoming place. Everyone here invests their time, skills and energy to give personalised, respectful and supportive end of life care, in a range of ways, including providing direct care, cooking and cleaning, and maintaining and creating new spaces to relax in the beautiful landscaped gardens.

“This commitment to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice to improve palliative care is a much-needed and very welcome step for the Noosa community.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said expanding the service would ensure more locals get appropriate care at the right time.

“Navigating the final stage of life can be very challenging for a person and their loved ones,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Our commitment to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice will mean more Sunshine Coast residents approaching the end of their life can access the level and type of care they need in their final weeks and months.

“Community-led services like this allow people to live well, spend less time in hospital and be cared for in their place of preference. Where possible, we want to reduce hospitalisation for palliative care.

“Our Government recognises the need for more community-based end of life and palliative care services in this region and we are proud to make this investment in the future of Katie Rose Cottage Hospice.”

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said support for palliative care was included as part of the Government’s commitment to generational reform across the aged care sector.

“We know how important it is for people experiencing the final stage of their lives to receive the highest level of care,” Minister Colbeck said.

“This additional investment at Katie Rose Cottage Hospice will ensure tangible support for those in need and peace-of-mind for family members as they navigate what can be a challenging time.”

More broadly, Minister Colbeck said the Government has committed $49.4 million in increased funding to support palliative care, dementia care and infection prevention and control training to workers and include improved access to dementia training in regional and rural areas.

The Katie Rose Cottage Hospice extension will provide an economic boost for the region, creating 15 jobs during construction and an additional five ongoing positions to support the expanded service.

Construction will commence in the coming months and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Katie Rose Cottage Hospice was established in 2016 as a community-driven, not-for-profit palliative care service. Since then, it has provided care to more than 200 terminally ill patients.