June 28, 2017
A $150,000 renovation at Cherbourg Hospital should prove priceless for families going through the saddest times of their lives.
The new Palliative Care room, located near the Men’s Ward, has been created to provide a more spacious area where families can gather to be with their loved one.
The refurbishment also includes a kitchenette and visitors’ lounge.
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board chairman Mike Horan and Cherbourg’s oldest resident, Eva Collins, unveiled a plaque on Tuesday to mark the opening.
“It is only a $150,000 renovation but it is worth millions,” Mr Horan said.
“Providing culturally appropriate care is a key focus of the Board and we understand how important it can be to have family and friends close by at such a sad time, especially those who may have travelled considerable distances to pay their respects and provide support.
“The loss of a loved one is always a time of great sadness but we sincerely hope the new palliative care facilities go some way towards providing some much needed comfort at a difficult time.
“It’s also a more private facility, with entry either from inside the hospital, or via a separate entrance at the rear.”
The old Palliative Care room has been converted into an infection control area.
Mr Horan, and other members of the Health Board, were in Cherbourg to attend their monthly Board meeting – which meets alternately in Toowoomba and at rural hospitals throughout the health region.
“This is the third time we have had a Board meeting here and each time and every time we see the improvements at the hospital,” Mr Horan said.
He praised the leadership of Cherbourg Health Service Manager Tarita Fisher, as well as the Cherbourg Health Action Group who worked to get the Palliative Care room project going.
The official name for the new room is “Gaŋgai Waŋguŋ”, which means “Calling of Spirit”.
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