The Andrews Labor Government is expanding vital palliative care facilities at the Parkville Precinct.
Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced 12 new palliative care beds are now fully operational at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – taking the total number of beds at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter Mac sites to 24.
This ensures more people with a terminal illness can access the compassionate palliative care they need.
The newly opened area will also provide a state-wide palliative care service for young people, with two rooms catering for the unique needs of young people aged 16 to 25.
The rooms were co-designed by young people who have experienced cancer and feature the latest technology, more space for families to gather and kitchen areas. Specialist clinicians who work with young people are also on hand.
Peter Mac is a world leading cancer research, education and treatment centre and Australia’s only public health service solely dedicated to caring for people affected by cancer. This expansion will enable more patients to achieve the best possible quality of life while living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
The Labor Government announced $3.5 million funding for palliative care beds in high demand metropolitan areas in 2019. The new beds were delivered on-time to ensure Victorians have the care they need, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter Mac also share an integrated haematology service to care for people with blood disorders and work with the Royal Women’s Hospital to support the shared Parkville Cancer Clinical Trials Unit which enables patients to access a broad range of cancer-related clinical trials.
As stated by Minister for Health Martin Foley
“This expansion of palliative care services at the Parkville Precinct, including extra beds at Peter Mac, will ensure patients are cared for in the compassionate manner they deserve.”
“The specialised palliative care rooms for young people play a pivotal role in making sure patients with a terminal or life-limiting illness get the support they need in a comforting environment.”
As stated by Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Chief Executive Dr Shelley Dolan
“Compassionate palliative care services help relieve pain and suffering and make a real difference for our patients.”
“This is about delivering on the promise of the Parkville Precinct, as a place where individual healthcare facilities are working together to deliver outstanding patient care.”
