FAMILIES sitting with their loved ones nearing the end of life in the Palliative Care unit at Orange Hospital are now offered another level of comfort with the donation of two deluxe recliner chairs by Orange Push for Palliative utilizing community donations.
Located within the Haematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care (HOPS) unit on the ground floor of the hospital, the area offers a fully furnished lounge area established by Orange P4P when the unit opened with dedicated palliative beds in January this year.
“Our group has had wonderful feedback from families who have been so appreciative of the quiet, calm amenity offered complete with kitchenette, and nearby tranquil garden area,” said Orange P4P president Jenny Hazelton.
“In particular families have told us about the outstanding level of specialized care by the staff within the unit and the Community Palliative Care Team,” she said.
Although the hospital lockdown due to Covid 19 has meant volunteers have been unable to provide direct support to the unit, Orange P4P continues to work closely with staff on the PCU to ensure families have everything they need at a difficult time.
Mrs Hazelton said the group had established a system to provide pre-prepared emergency meals and speciality beverages weekly for families who could not leave the hospital and needed to stay close by their loved ones in their final hours.
She said Orange Push for Palliative is committed to ensuring the wonderful amenities remain in place into the future.
“Our ongoing commitment of our volunteers has been matched by the generosity of the community who has provided magnificent paintings for the unit, hand-made quilts for patient beds, smart TV’s for patient rooms, IPads for families to facetime, and now this latest addition of the recliners for the rooms.
Fundraising by Orange P4P is ongoing and if you would like to donate please call 0403501401 or email orangepush4palliative@gmail.com