Mona Vale palliative care unit opens

The Northern Beaches’ first palliative care unit will open next week at Mona Vale Hospital.

At the official opening this morning, Pittwater State MP Rob Stokes revealed the new $20 million inpatient building will have a dedicated 10-bed palliative care unit to care for and support patients nearing the final stages of life.

It will also house a 10-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management unit, providing early assessment and treatment of locals experiencing health conditions associated with aging, such as falls, reduced mobility and cognitive impairment.

“This is another important addition to Mona Vale Hospital and will see a specialised palliative care unit available for the first time on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Stokes said.

“These new services will join the urgent care, community health, diagnostic, rehabilitation and other specialty services provided at Mona Vale Hospital and further boost the number of medical staff on site.”

50 staff will be employed at the facility across the disciplines of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, podiatry, speech pathology, dietetics, pharmacy, administration, and environmental services. 

“Palliative care patients will receive the very best, highly specialised care focused on both their physical and emotional needs while remaining close to family and friends,” local member for Wakehurst and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard added.

Mr Hazzard, Mr Stokes and fellow local MP James Griffin toured the unit today, which was funded under the NSW Government’s $619 million upgrade of Northern Beaches health facilities.

Member for Manly James Griffin said it would provide respite for patients and their carers.

“Everything from the fittings to the artwork has been selected in consultation with groups like Friends of Northern Beaches Palliative Care and Northern Beaches In-patient Palliative Care Working Group, so the unit can meet all the needs of those admitted,” he said. 

The new palliative care unit will be opened as Australia’s first youth hospice in Manly is expected to be put out to tender this month, with facility to be operational in 2022.