The expansion of the Nioka Palliative Care Unit at Tamworth Hospital has reached an important milestone, with the first major concrete pour completed for the new building.
Funded as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $93 million world-class End of Life Care program, the expansion will double its current capacity, increasing the total number of beds from six to 12, enhancing services for Tamworth and surrounding communities.
Concrete has been poured to form the foundations for a new linkway to the existing palliative care unit in the hospital, and for the expanded section of the unit, which will feature six palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor spaces.
Around 30 truckloads of local concrete were used, with more than 200 cubic metres of concrete poured at the site. With the foundations now laid, the building’s structure will start to take shape over the coming months.
When complete, the enhanced and expanded facilities will support staff to deliver specialist care while also promoting the privacy, comfort and dignity of people with life-limiting illnesses who have complex symptoms or end-of-life care needs.
The facility has been designed to create a home-like environment and will feature oversized bedrooms with warm interior finishes and large windows overlooking private courtyards.
Three courtyards will provide green spaces for relaxation, including a private outdoor area, and an overnight room to enable additional family members to stay close to their loved ones. An enclosed linkway will provide private access to the Palliative Care Unit and the Rehabilitation Unit from the Acute Services Building.
Work to refurbish the existing Nioka Palliative Care Unit is also underway, including improvements to inpatient rooms and general areas that will integrate with the expanded unit once complete.
Construction for the expanded unit is expected to be completed in 2027.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $11.9 billion to deliver more beds and expanded services across 32 new or upgraded health facilities in NSW as part of the 2026-27 budget. This includes nearly $3 billion over four years for hospitals across regional NSW.
The world-class End of Life Care program is redeveloping and refurbishing palliative care facilities across NSW. Other locations include Nepean, Orange, Westmead and Wyong hospitals.
For more information about the Program, visit World Class End of Life Care Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality end-of-life care and the expanded Nioka Palliative Care Unit is a great example of this.
“The expansion of the Nioka Palliative Care Unit will double capacity of the current unit, meaning more people and their loved ones can access palliative care and support when it’s needed most.
“We are grateful to the staff and members of the community who have provided valuable input to shape the expanded unit, which will significantly enhance palliative care facilities for Tamworth and surrounding communities.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D’Adam:
“This is a significant milestone that brings the Tamworth community another step closer to these expanded services.
“By delivering more comfortable, private, and welcoming spaces, we are helping to ensure that people receiving end-of-life care are supported with dignity and compassion.
“The expanded spaces will help deliver enhanced palliative care services for the region, making a big difference for the community.”
Quotes attributable to Director of Clinical Operations Hunter New England Local Health District, Susan Heyman
“I know how much the Nioka Palliative Care Unit means to our community, and it is so good to see this important expansion taking shape.
“When people are facing end-of-life care, comfort, privacy and time with loved ones matters. This expansion will help create a calmer, more welcoming environment for patients and families, while supporting our staff to provide compassionate specialist care.
“The first major concrete pour is an exciting milestone for the project, and over the coming months the community will start to see the new spaces take shape.”
