Premier

A Modern New Home For Ballarat Hospice

18 September 2017

The Andrews Labor Government will build a modern new home for the Ballarat Hospice, giving the service the facilities they need to deliver the very best, compassionate end-of-life care.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced Ballarat Hospice will receive $6.2 million through the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, which is rebuilding rural and regional hospitals across our state.

This project will build a contemporary palliative care hub in Ballarat with modern clinical and family counselling rooms, a multi-purpose education suite, e-health technology, secure reception and equipment storage and amenities for families and visitors.

Ballarat Hospice currently operates from a heritage listed church that has limited space to meet with clients and families or undertake staff and volunteer training.

This funding means staff and volunteers will finally get the modern facilities they deserve.

It will help expand access to high quality, home-based palliative care services to people in Ballarat and beyond. The project is expected to be completed by late 2019.

Ballarat Hospice delivers specialist, community-based palliative care for patients, families and carers living in Ballarat, Hepburn, Golden Plains and Moorabool. In 2017/18, the Hospice is receiving $1.7 million in Labor Government funding for home-based palliative care and bereavement support.

Across Victoria we are investing a record $135 million per year on palliative care, of which $54 million is dedicated to at-home palliative care. In 2016, the Labor Government launched a new End-of-Life and Palliative Care Framework to better support end-of- life choices.

This year we also announced a $5 million boost for palliative care with a focus on at home care. Ballarat Hospice received $182,675 to buy vehicles, clinical equipment and communication, and security equipment.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“We are supporting more people in regional Victoria with a terminal illness to be cared for, and die, in their place of choice, and in line with their wishes.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

"Ballarat Hospice has provided end of life care for so many families in our community, including my own, and I'm proud our Government is able to support them to do even more for patients and their loved ones in their most difficult days."

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“Every Victorian should be able to access compassionate end-of-life care. A new home for the Ballarat Hospice will make a real difference for patients, families and careers accessing home-based care.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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