Kids living with life-limiting conditions and their families will receive more funding for care and support, thanks to a $8.25 million commitment from the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the commitment over the next five years will help Hummingbird House to continue to be a place where kids can be kids, families can reconnect, and precious memories can be created in a home away from home.
“Hummingbird House is Queensland’s only children’s hospice that has changed how children with life-limiting conditions live and receive care at the end of life,” Mr Miles said.
“A place where families can immerse themselves in spending quality time together and focus on what matters most, each other.
“That’s why we are increasing our funding to Hummingbird House, so they can provide care to more children and families from across Queensland.
“Because of our commitment, Hummingbird House can provide more short break stays, family support services, creative therapies, and care at the end of life, including grief and bereavement support for families who need it most.”
Minister Miles said it is estimated around 3,700 young Queenslanders will tragically not reach their 18th birthday due to life-limiting conditions.
“Queensland kids and their families deserve our support and care as they navigate their way through tough situations most of us couldn’t even imagine,” he said.
General Manager of Hummingbird House Dr Fiona Hawthorne said Hummingbird House had provided support to more than 229 families over the past three years.
“A team of doctors, nurses, personal care workers, family support workers, housekeepers, cooks, allied health staff, and volunteers provide a home-like environment where kids and can be kids and families can reconnect and make precious memories that will last a lifetime,” Dr Hawthorne said.
“We are deeply grateful to our operating partner Wesley Mission Queensland, for their ongoing support as the service grows.
“The continuation of funding from the Queensland Government for the next five years, means we can continue to provide care for children affected by life-limiting conditions and their families, at no cost to them personally.
“On behalf of the families we know, and those we are yet to meet, thank you Minister Miles and the Palaszczuk Government.”
Since opening in 2016 Hummingbird House has provided more than 3,200 bed days including:
– symptom management stays meaning kids can avoid a hospital admission
– care at the end of life for 33 children and
– specialised after-death care, including family bereavement support and funeral planning, for 29 children whose families chose to come to Hummingbird House after their child’s death.
Hummingbird House is an eight bed facility with five family accommodation suites, therapy rooms, a multi-sensory room, all-abilities accessible bath, pool, large outdoor spaces and play centre, teenagers retreat, and a specifically designed space for care after death.
The Palaszczuk Government has supported Hummingbird House since 2015.
