For 60 years, Calvary Health Care Kogarah has delivered compassionate palliative care alongside rehabilitation services that support people to live fuller, more meaningful lives. Since opening on 22 May 1966, the hospital has cared for thousands of individuals through illness, recovery and end-of-life care, earning a trusted place within the local community. Originally established as a hospice for people with terminal illness, Calvary Kogarah laid the foundation for the specialist palliative care and rehabilitation services it provides today.
High Quality Specialist Palliative Care at Calvary Kogarah
Calvary Kogarah offers comprehensive inpatient and community palliative care, as well as the Hospital in the Home Program (HITH) supported by a dedicated and highly skilled multidisciplinary team.
For many years, the community has been able to access their palliative care unit, which is one of the largest in Sydney. Patients, families and carers are benefiting from a $1.79m refurbishment to these facilities with updated and enlarged rooms providing a larger space for family gatherings. The improvements, which include rooms with balconies, a family concertina room and a communal lounge room and kitchen, give families the opportunity to stay with their loved ones in a more spacious and welcoming environment during end-of-life care.
Find out more about their Specialist Palliative Care service here.
A Well-Established Palliative Care Volunteer Program
Calvary Kogarah’s Palliative Care Volunteer Program works to improve the quality of life for hundreds of inpatient and community patients annually. Their volunteer program has grown from strength to strength over many years and now has a team of over eighty active volunteers supporting patients, families, and staff across the service.
Palliative Care Volunteer Manager, Zeffy Delhas said the Calvary Kogarah palliative care volunteers contribute in many meaningful ways.
“Our volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, with initiatives like the Jolly Trolley, rehabilitation and wellness activities, administration, and our biography service. They also provide gentle massage and support both within the hospital and out in the community. Each of these contributions plays an important role in enhancing quality of life for our patients and their loved ones. The program has evolved over time in response to the needs of those we care for and continues to be a deeply valued part of our service. Our 60th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the impact of our volunteers over the years” Ms Delhas said.
Find out more about their volunteer program here.
We recognise and congratulate the Palliative Care team at Calvary Health Care Kogarah for providing quality palliative care to the community for many years.