Mr NATT - 2005-10-11
Can you inform the House on progress that this government has made in fulfilling its election commitment to support Territorians with end of life care and their families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the opportunity to talk about the delivery of a very important election promise from our government. At the August sittings, I announced the fulfilment of a $4.25m key election promise with the opening of the NT Hospice by the Chief Minister and me on 26 August 2005. The occasion was marked with a ceremony attended by staff, patients and many interested community members. The hospice is now fully operational and provides patients with end of life specialised care in a supportive and peaceful environment suited to the tropical environment on the grounds of Royal Darwin Hospital.
A range of community organisations have donated their time, goods and services to the hospice. There is an ongoing engagement with these groups, including Palliative Care Northern Territory, to continue the development of the hospice’s activities. Since opening, the hospice has had 10 admissions. There are currently seven inpatients, three having respite care and four end of life care. Feedback has been very positive, with patients and families utilising the new facility finding it very peaceful and supportive.
On 17 September 2005, the Northern Territory News published a letter from the family of a hospice patient. They were very grateful and extremely pleased for the support provided and that he was able to have all of his family with him when he died.
Northern Territory Palliative Care patients can be referred to the hospice from anywhere in the Northern Territory. This government has put into action a key election promise giving terminally ill patients a facility appropriate to their needs, and will continue to work to ensure palliative care needs across the Northern Territory are appropriately addressed through the palliative care strategy and Building Healthier Communities.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the opportunity to talk about the delivery of a very important election promise from our government. At the August sittings, I announced the fulfilment of a $4.25m key election promise with the opening of the NT Hospice by the Chief Minister and me on 26 August 2005. The occasion was marked with a ceremony attended by staff, patients and many interested community members. The hospice is now fully operational and provides patients with end of life specialised care in a supportive and peaceful environment suited to the tropical environment on the grounds of Royal Darwin Hospital.
A range of community organisations have donated their time, goods and services to the hospice. There is an ongoing engagement with these groups, including Palliative Care Northern Territory, to continue the development of the hospice’s activities. Since opening, the hospice has had 10 admissions. There are currently seven inpatients, three having respite care and four end of life care. Feedback has been very positive, with patients and families utilising the new facility finding it very peaceful and supportive.
On 17 September 2005, the Northern Territory News published a letter from the family of a hospice patient. They were very grateful and extremely pleased for the support provided and that he was able to have all of his family with him when he died.
Northern Territory Palliative Care patients can be referred to the hospice from anywhere in the Northern Territory. This government has put into action a key election promise giving terminally ill patients a facility appropriate to their needs, and will continue to work to ensure palliative care needs across the Northern Territory are appropriately addressed through the palliative care strategy and Building Healthier Communities.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016