$743 million more for NSW palliative care over the next five years
NSW is set to pour an extra $743 million into palliative care to 2027, in addition to the $300 million the State Government already spends on end-of-life care every year.
Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) announced the funding for this month’s State Budget, which will be released on 21 June.
“We’re committed to ensuring NSW has the best palliative care services and support in Australia, if not the world.
Treasurer Matt Kean said that 600 more staff will be added across the state when the program is rolled out.
The Government will spend $650 million over the next five years in order to:
- employ an extra 600 nurses, allied health professionals, doctors, and support staff;
- boost hospital capacity and implement best-practice models for supportive and palliative care;
- improve access to pain management services for patients with life-limiting illness, to help patients and their family and carers;
- improve services for people with late stage chronic and degenerative conditions, and cancer;
- further strengthen outpatient and community health services;
- support consumer choice and excellence in end-of-life and palliative care;
- strengthen virtual care, transport and equipment programs; and
- improve partnership with non-Government organisations, primary care and aged care services.
Additionally, $93 million will be spent on redeveloping and refurbishing NSW Health facilities, including adding new palliative care wards at Nepean and Westmead Hospitals.