Lithgow Hospital has unveiled two purpose-built palliative care rooms designed to provide patients and their families with a more comforting and dignified end-of-life experience.
Part of the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, the new facilities were made possible through a combination of NSW Health funding and generous community donations. One room was newly constructed and the other refurbished, both designed to meet and exceed modern palliative care standards.
Each space offers a private entrance, soft furnishings, a kitchenette, outdoor seating, gardens, and even a barbecue area. The aim was to create a “home away from home” environment where patients, families, and carers can spend meaningful time together in a setting that feels less like a hospital and more like a sanctuary.
“This was a great project and very much driven by the team at Lithgow,” said Linda Ora, Project Manager for Supportive and Palliative Care at Nepean Hospital. The initiative followed earlier refurbishments at Blue Mountains and Springwood hospitals, supported under the same funding guidance.
This project meets some of the key priorities in the NSW Health strategy to improve palliative care facilities by focusing on person-centred care, recognising the vital role of families and carers, and ensuring equitable access to quality services. Importantly, the upgrades also support the delivery of value-based health care, prioritising the outcomes that matter most to patients and families.
Funding from the NSW Ministry of Health covered the construction and fixtures for one palliative care room, while the Palliative Care Trust Fund, bolstered by more than $80,000 in community donations, enabled the refurbishment of a second. Since opening two years ago, both rooms have been in near-constant use, reflecting their importance to the Lithgow community.
Danell Thompson, Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Lithgow Hospital, said the additions have not changed bed numbers, models of care or staffing levels, but have significantly improved the experience of patients and families. “Staff at Lithgow are multiskilled and care for all patients back of house (Chronic and Complex, Medical, Surgical, Palliative, Aged Care and Maternity Unit). All staff have exposure to Palliative Care patients and supported by NUM, CNE, education and training and Community Palliative Care (NP, CNS and Medical Lead).”
High-level consumer input was also central to the project, ensuring the rooms were designed to meet the real and practical needs of patients and families. With these thoughtful upgrades, Lithgow Hospital is helping to ensure that end-of-life care is delivered with warmth, dignity, and humanity.
As shown in the photos, the new rooms feature a courtyard space where patients can be comfortably wheeled outside, providing access to fresh air and natural surroundings. Families have expressed their appreciation for this opportunity to spend time outdoors together. Each room is also equipped with a large ensuite, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of palliative care patients.
We congratulate the team at Lithgow Hospital, the Nepean Blue Mountains Health District and the Lithgow community for working together to achieve a great outcome.
