The NSW Government is committing an additional $2.8 million in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end-of-life care across the state.

This forms part of the government’s commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.    

12 local health districts and speciality health networks have received additional funding to strengthen specialist paediatric palliative care and improve the physical spaces where palliative and end-of-life care is provided. 

Local health districts and speciality health networks will receive funding to create home-like and comfortable multi-functional spaces, which may serve a range of purposes, including paediatric palliative care and bereavement support, maternity services 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 families can access a range of high-quality services in a comforting environment closer to home, especially for those living in rural and regional locations. 

The funding will support local health districts to undertake cosmetic upgrades, refurbishments, repairs and maintenance to support the creation of supportive spaces in special care nurseries, paediatric wards and facilities. This also includes the purchase of specialised equipment and comfort items 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 Health, Ryan Park, said, “This funding underscores our commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable children and their families in NSW.

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

“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.”