Jim Fagan
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice at Doonan has received a $1.5m Federal Government funding boost to expand its services for the terminally ill in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
The grant will allow two new guest rooms to be added to the three already there, giving carers the chance to reduce the waiting list which regularly occurs. It will also add a second lounge room and new administration and storage rooms.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce who visited the hospice on Monday.
“Navigating the final stage of life can be very challenging for a person and their loved ones,” he said.
“Our commitment to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice will mean more Sunshine Coast residents approaching the end of their life can access the level and type of care they need in their final weeks and months.
“Community-led services like this allow people to live well, spend less time in hospital and be cared for in their place of preference. Where possible, we want to reduce hospitalisation for palliative care.
“Our government recognises the need for more community-based end of life and palliative care services in this region and we are proud to make this investment in the future of Katie Rose Cottage Hospice.
“The project will provide an economic boost for the region, creating 15 jobs during construction and an additional five ongoing positions to support the expanded service. The extensions are expected to be completed by the end of the year,” he said.
Mr Joyce, who is also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, was accompanied by Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, who said:
“Katie Rose Cottage is a much-loved and treasured part of the Noosa community. Its expansion will enable more people to experience high quality care in a peaceful setting.
“It is a place of peace, tranquillity and serenity, providing dedicated, professional and compassionate care, in a comfortable home environment. Katie Rose Cottage Hospice will now be able to extend its services to more people.
“They will be able to experience the high-quality care and service that chairperson Carol Raye and her committee, the palliative doctors, nurses and carers plus more than 280 volunteers provide to the residents and their families and friends.”
Later Katie Rose board chairwoman Carol Raye told Noosa Today the hospice had been working with Llew O’Brien for a Ffederal grant.
“It was a delight to host him and our Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to make this announcement at our hospice. It is pleasing the Federal Government recognises the benefits in investing in this kind of community driven palliative care service and I sincerely thank them for the grant.
“I especially thank our community who have to date been predominately funding our service.
For the last three years we have cared for more than 200 people (plus their families and loved ones) on their end of life journey.
“I also thank our wonderful care team and, importantly, our many volunteers across the organisation, who work so hard to assist in raising money.
“We look forward to progressing our plans and being able to offer five beautiful rooms to those needed quality palliative care.”
