NSW commits additional $2.8m for paediatric palliative care

The NSW Government has committed an additional $2.8 million to support a range of initiatives to enhance paediatric palliative respite and end of life care across the state. Part of the government’s commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over four years, from 2023–24 to 2026–27, 12 local health districts and specialty health networks have received additional funding.

The local health districts and specialty health networks will receive funding to create comfortable and home-like multi-functional spaces. These may serve a range of purposes, including paediatric palliative care and bereavement support, maternity services and post-death care, and to care for children with chronic and complex conditions.

“Paediatric palliative care is essential for providing comfort and dignity to children with life-limiting conditions and their families,” NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said. “Importantly, this funding will allow us to extend and enhance a model of care which provides families with much-needed peace of mind, knowing they can care for their child in a familiar, supportive environment during their final days.”

Cosmetic upgrades, refurbishments, and repairs and maintenance to support the creation of supportive spaces in special care nurseries and paediatric wards and facilities will be supported through the funding. Also included is the purchase of specialised equipment and comfort items to create warm, family-friendly spaces for end-of-life care, and education and training opportunities for health care staff to equip them with the skills needed to deliver compassionate and holistic paediatric palliative care.

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