Monday, 26th September 2022
A new paediatric palliative care room at John Hunter Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been made possible by generous donations from the Nicholas Trust and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The new $260,000 room provides a comforting and home-like environment for parents with an infant who is terminally unwell or has died due to their illness. Families can stay in the room to maximise their time with their child to say goodbye and build lasting memories.
Families also have access to specialist staff who can provide round-the-clock support during their stay.
Dr Paul Craven, Executive Director for Children, Young People and Families says the palliative care room provides a much-needed refuge from the clinical areas of the hospital.
“Working in partnership with the Nicholas Trust and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has allowed us to enhance the support we can provide to grieving families in the NICU,” he said.
“The loss of a child is such a difficult thing for a family to go through, so being able to provide a space specifically designed to provide comfort, privacy and dignity is such a simple but powerful gesture.”
The space has been carefully designed in consultation with key stakeholders, including members of the Aboriginal community to ensure every detail, down to the colours, furnishings and fittings are not only fit for purpose but culturally respectful and welcoming.
Jennifer Leslie, Chair of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, said when people are going through the worst, we as a community need to be at our best.
“Losing a child is perhaps the worst trauma anyone ever experiences, so to have a dedicated space where a family going through this hardship can feel safe and respected is so important,” said Jennifer.
“John Hunter Children’s Hospital has truly world class staff taking care of their patients, so it’s only fitting that a room like this is also world class, fitted with the most up-to-date medical equipment.
“Obviously there is no place like home, but we hope that by also providing a few basic comforts like a refrigerator, microwave and a queen-sized bed, we can create a homely feel.”
Jenny and Craig Butters, who founded the Nicholas Trust after losing their 14 year old son to brain cancer in 2004, continue to support palliative care initiatives that improve the experience of families like them.
“Having experienced first-hand the needs of families going through palliative care we are pleased to see the Nicholas Trust continues to make a positive contribution to families at this most difficult time,” Jenny said.
The new room replaces the old NICU palliative care room, providing a more private location and a more comfortable, homely and modern environment for grieving families.