Manly will soon house Australia’s first palliative care hospice for young people living with an incurable illness, with construction to commence shortly.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Manly James Griffin visited the site of the former Manly Hospital today to turn the first sod on the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice.
“This is the first hospice in Australia dedicated to 15-24 year old patients living with an incurable illness, providing first class palliative care services and support during the most challenging of times,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The hospice will welcome families from right across NSW, including in rural and regional areas.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will provide specialised care, including bereavement support and counselling.
“The Manly community has made the development of this vital hospice right here on our beautiful coast possible through their wonderful support and donations,” Mr Griffin said.
“More than $6.5 million has been raised by the community for this project. This was boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government along with $5 million from the Federal Government.
“This hospice will fill a much-needed gap for young people who outgrow Manly’s renowned Bear Cottage or have been diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult.”
The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will have eight bedrooms for patients, breakout spaces including a media and games room, as well as two family accommodation units with two bedrooms each.
Construction of the hospice is scheduled for completion in late 2022 and is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments, as well as generous community donations.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
For further information and to support the Hospice, visit the NSLHD website.
