Manning Base Hospital received $41,355 in funding for refurbishment to palliative care facilities from the NSW government, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) announced on Wednesday June 23.
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A total of $399,992 has been allocated to HNELHD for palliative care facilities refurbishment with John Hunter Hospital receiving $15,650 and Belmont Hospital receiving $25,335.
Denman MPS (Multipurpose Service), Quirindi Hospital and Boggabri MPS also received funding.
HNELHD CEO Michael DiRienzo said that the money will be used for new furnishings and decorations in a number of locations, with some receiving room upgrades and configuration changes.
"Providing end-of-life care for a loved one is an extremely difficult and emotional experience. The improvements to these facilities, thanks to this funding boost, will go a long way to making that time a little easier," Mr DiRienzo said.
"These projects that help create more home-like environments, bringing dignity and comfort to patients, families and carers."
Manning Valley Push for Palliative founder, Judy Hollingworth said that the money wouldn't go far.
"It might buy a few bedspreads and curtains," she said.
However she recognises the importance of making the ward more homelike for end-of-life patients and their families.
"I wouldn't take it away from that area."
She would like to see more private rooms made available, saying the staff do their best to move people around so patients and families have privacy at the end of the patients' lives.
"Its a nice gesture. But there are other things which would cost more which would make a bigger difference, like personnel, social workers, (we need some that really understand palliative care). That would make a bigger difference for existing staff, and families," Judy said.
"But this wouldn't even pay the salary for one person."
And equipment is always on the wish list.
"$41,000 would buy a few pieces of equipment, if it was used in any other way," Judy said.