Opening of new day hospice

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA today opened the Covenant Care Day Hospice in Cook, which provides a one day a week activity day for terminally ill people.

The Day Hospice offers a professionally organised activities day for diagnosed terminally ill people so they can share the company of people in similar situations.

"It is a ‘day with a difference' that gives those with a life threatening condition, spiritual, emotional and social support outside of their homes," the Chief Minister said.

"The Day Hospice has been operating one day a week since October last year, and it supports and complements the existing palliative care services.

"For patients, the Day Hospice gives a chance to meet people facing similar circumstances, receive mental stimulation, emotional and spiritual support, rather than focussing solely on their illness and personal circumstances.

"Palliative care will affect almost everyone at some stage in our lives whether as a patient, carer, family member, friend or neighbour. This is why promoting understanding of palliative care services and offering a range of different service options is important for our community," the Chief Minister said.

The ACT Government is strongly committed to strengthening palliative care services in the ACT; and has a long history of supporting Palliative Care ACT, to which it currently provides funding support of around $315,000 per annum.

The ACT Government Health Directorate is currently developing a new ACT Palliative Care Strategy and Services Plan.

"This review will examine a range of issues such as increasing demand for services, workforce needs, support for non-government organisations and possible new models of care," the Chief Minister concluded.