Orange’s Push for Palliative advocacy group has welcomed the announcement that Orange Hospital will soon have five designated beds for end-of-life care in a specially designed unit.

Orange is one of five hospitals that will receive new and expanded units as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million investment in improving palliative care facilities throughout the state.

Orange Hospital currently has two designated end-of-life beds, largely thanks to the lobbying of local advocacy group Push for Palliative (P4P). Founded following a public meeting in 2015, the group has tirelessly advocated for better Palliative care services for Orange and the surrounding districts.

Orange P4P president Jenny Hazelton said she was thrilled that their voices had finally been heard.

“We are also very pleased the NSW government has listened and responded in a timely manner since taking office to recognize that two designated beds in Orange is simply not enough considering the size of our population,” Jenny said.

“Our group is extremely appreciative that in the lead-up to this announcement our group was involved in the consultative process and this is a wonderful outcome for our community.”

Jenny thanked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park following his announcement on August 4, adding that the input of Member for Orange Phil Donato over the last few years has been invaluable.

Push for Palliative currently funds and provides meals and other amenities for end-of-life patients and their families at Orange Hospital.

Jenny said they are committed to assisting with the establishment of the additional beds in any way we can.

“We now need to be a little patient to enable the administrative and construction process to proceed,” she said.

“Our group remains committed to do whatever we can to support the establishment of the five designated beds in the hospital following Minister Park’s announcement.”

Jenny added that this support will be in tandem with their goal to see a stand-alone hospice built near the hospital that could provide end-of-life care, respite beds for families caring for loved ones at home, pain management, and a range of other support services and activities.