The community is invited to contribute to the design of a new palliative care unit at Nepean Hospital which will provide specialised care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses in the Penrith and Blue Mountains regions.

The NSW Government has allocated $93 million to redevelop and refurbish palliative care units across the state as part of the World Class End of Life Care commitment, including a new palliative care unit at Nepean Hospital.

Health Minister Ryan Park said community input into the design of the new dedicated unit was important to ensure it meets the needs of patients and their carers and families.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illness receive the highest quality end-of-life care, to provide peace of mind to patients, families and carers when they need it most,” Mr Park said.

“As well as featuring the latest technology and equipment, the new Palliative Care Units will provide a comfortable and home like setting to deliver the very best clinical care and emotional support.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said the new Palliative Care Unit at Nepean Hospital will provide a range of hospital and community services to meet individual and family needs. 

“The new purpose-built Palliative Care Unit will compliment Nepean Hospital’s existing palliative and supportive care teams by providing a higher level of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment when care at home is not possible due to acute clinical or social needs,” Ms McKeown said.

“This is a unique opportunity to design a world-class palliative care unit at Nepean Hospital and it is vital that we have local community input for such an essential service.”

Early work has begun with master planning underway to determine the location on campus and its co-location with other hospital facilities. 

Consultation with health staff and community members will continue throughout the year to support the design process. 

Penrith and Blue Mountains community members who are interested in providing input into the design are invited to register their interest by completing this form.

The $93 million allocated for new and redevelopment of palliative care facilities is part of the 2022-23 budget providing funding over five years (2022-23 to 2026-27) for NSW Health to deliver end of life and palliative care service enhancements across the state.

Construction of the new Palliative Care unit at Nepean Hospital is expected to commence in 2024.