Mona Vale Hospital has officially opened its palliative care unit for patients with serious illnesses, allowing them to receive better healthcare while simultaneously being closer to friends and family. Mona Vale is the first suburb to have a specialised palliative care unit available in the Northern Beaches.
On the 4th of February, 2021, the Mona Vale Hospital opened its all-new purpose-built Palliative Care and Geriatric Evaluation and Management building.
Palliative care refers to specialised medical care for people with serious illnesses, providing them with relief from the symptoms and stress of their respective afflictions. Thus, patients in palliative care require specialised care that caters to both their physical and emotional needs.
The Mona Vale palliative care unit was constructed as part of the New South Wales’ Government’s multi-million dollar investment into palliative care and the reduction of avoidable hospital admissions. As of March 2021, the state government has invested an extra $145-M on top of an annual $220-M, and the 2020-21 NSW Budget also included an additional $56-M to boost palliative care services.
In total, the NSW government has invested $619-M into upgrading health facilities across the Northern Beaches. Health Minister Brad Hazzard comments, “The NSW Government is committed to providing best practice multidisciplinary palliative care services that give patients and their families real choice and support during what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult times.”
Prior to the installation of the new building, people would have to travel to Greenwich or Neringah which made it difficult for them to spend time with their loved ones. The Palliative Care and Geriatric Evaluation and Management building possesses two wings: a 10-bed palliative care unit, and a 10-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management unit, both of which aim to diversify the medical care and services provided by the Mona Vale Hospital.
An estimated 50 members of staff will work at the facility, operating through disciplines of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, administration, and countless other personalised care services.
The Mona Vale Hospital can be found at 18 Coronation St, Mona Vale. For more information, visit their website. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates, news, and announcements concerning their facilities and for inspirational stories.
