Palliative Care NSW welcomes this latest announcement that should see palliative care patients and their families across south-western Sydney benefitting from improved services, with the Minns Labor Government allocating $3 million in the 2025–26 Budget to enhance local palliative care facilities.
This investment will contribute to a new acute palliative care ward at Campbelltown Hospital and increase the subacute palliative care capacity at Camden Hospital.
The acute palliative care ward at Campbelltown will support patients who may still be receiving treatment, but who require immediate symptom management. The subacute ward at Camden will focus on restorative care and long-term quality of life and wellbeing. The investment aims to improve access for palliative patients requiring ongoing medical care such as radiation therapy or dialysis.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but this investment will offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life, help support their loved ones and help ensure they continue to receive the highest standard of care.” said Minister for Health, Ryan Park.
The Campbelltown Hospital program will create a new tailored ward for palliative care patients with a new nurse call system and upgraded computer systems.
“The $3 million funding will provide contemporary palliative care services for the community of south-western Sydney and will deliver on a key government commitment to deliver World Class End of Life Care across NSW.” Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren.
The Camden Hospital program will revamp the old maternity ward to create an expanded palliative care ward with renovated bathrooms designed specifically to support palliative care patients, a new nurse call system and patient experience enhancements, including access to an outdoor courtyard.
“The palliative care unit at Camden Hospital helps people to live their lives as fully and as comfortably as possible when diagnosed with a terminal illness. This upgrade is much needed, and will ensure Camden residents can continue to live within the comfort of their own community and surrounded by family – without requiring loved ones to commute.” Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell
Planning and design for the enhanced services will be guided by community consultation with staff and patients to ensure the upgraded facilities are comfortable, practical and honour the heritage of the original Camden site.