Katie Rose Cottage Hospice (KRCH) Board has suspended its 24 hour service pending the outcome of funding discussions with State and Federal governments.
Since opening nine months ago 30 people have been provided with end of life care at the hospice and support for their families and carers.
“Those who have spent their last days with us ranged in age from 36 to 98. The service provided by our team is exceptional and truly honours the end of life,” KRCH chairperson Carol Raye said.
Ms Raye said in addition to providing the community with excellent care it estimates it has saved the government about $1million as its costs are about a third of those provided at public hospitals.
In June this year and with the help of a $110,000 government grant KRCH gained ‘Accredited’ status which signifies its high quality care aligns with the expectations and requirements established by the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
But to continue its service which includes employing round the clock registered nurses in addition to the involvement of community and business members KRCH requires the same long term funding which is given to Queensland’s other six hospices and outreach services.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said at Estimates Hearing this week she had asked Health Minister Stephen Miles for a commitment for partner funding from the $17m allocated in the budget for palliative services.
“I am in the process of securing a meeting between the Department of Health, KRCH and myself to look at what will be made available and how this can be accessed to ensure our residents are not denied their choice of services such as Katie Rose Cottage Hospice,” she said.
Ms Raye said their Op Shops would continue to operate as normal, fundraising and events would continue and the day hospice would remain open with staff, gardeners and maintenance continuing.”
“We will continue to work hard to attract enduring funding supported by our community and our local Independent Member of Parliament, Sandy Bolton, and are very confident of a successful outcome in the near future” she said.
