HUNTER New England Local Health District will benefit from an additional $276,569 in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end-of-life care across the region.

This funding boost for Hunter New England Local Health District is part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 million investment to enhance children’s end-of-life care services, ensuring greater equity of access to hospital and community-based services across New South Wales.

The district will receive funding to create home-like and comfortable multi-functional spaces, which may serve a range of purposes, including palliative care, perinatal care and post-death care, as well as to care for children with chronic and complex conditions.

The initiatives supported by this funding will help ensure that families can access a range of high-quality services in a comforting environment closer to home.

This includes improved access to disability-accessible transport and accommodation support for families in rural and remote areas across the Hunter region.

The funding will also support cosmetic upgrades to facilities and minor upgrades to the mortuary, purchase specialised equipment and comfort items as well as essential repairs and maintenance to create warm, family-friendly spaces for end-of-life care.

Additionally, the funding will allow for education and training opportunities for healthcare staff to equip them with the skills needed to deliver holistic and compassionate paediatric palliative care.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said the funding underscores a commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable children and their families in New South Wales.

“Paediatric palliative care is essential for providing comfort and dignity to children with life-limiting conditions and their families,” Mr 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.”