Major expansion of Clare Holland House


Released 25/09/2018

Joint media release: Meegan Fitzharris MLA, The Hon Greg Hunt MP and Senator the Hon. Zed Seselja

Families who rely on palliative care services in the ACT will have access to better facilities and services with a major expansion of Clare Holland House announced today by the Australian and ACT Governments in partnership with The Snow Foundation.

High quality and accessible palliative care is a crucial part of Australia’s world-class health care system.

Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said the Australian Government is committed to boost palliative care services in the ACT.

“The Government is committed to helping people live complete and comfortable lives as they progress to the need for end of life care,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Australian Government’s $4 million in funding for Clare Holland House will see an increase in the number of specialist in-patient palliative care beds, and there will be improvements and development of administration and clinical space.”

Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, said the Australian Government’s support for the project would allow Canberrans to remain close to their families.

“By expanding palliative care services at Clare Holland House, people won’t have to move away from Canberra, and will be close to the emotional and social support of their loved ones,” Senator Seselja said.

“The expansion will include an increase in the number of specialist inpatient palliative care beds and more family friendly features that enable loved ones to stay with patients on site.

“Canberrans who are coming to the end of their life deserve to have the best care possible.”

The Australian Government also subsidises palliative care medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and palliative care consultations under the Medical Benefits Schedule.

ACT Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris, said the new funding partnership will see over $6 million invested in upgrading and extending the much loved health facility.

“We know that as our community grows and as our community ages, the number of people accessing palliative care services is growing as well,” said Minister Fitzharris.

“Palliative care is a crucial health service, and this upgrade of Clare Holland House will ensure our community continues to receive the highest quality care that is delivered with dignity and respect to people at the end of their life.”

The ACT Government is also considering how best to increase investment in palliative care services.

“We are considering how best to support the expansion of palliative care services, and we look forward to the conclusion of the Legislative Assembly’s Inquiry into End of Life Choices to further inform this work. These two areas of work are perfectly timed,” said Minister Fitzharris.

Minister Fitzharris also acknowledged and thanked The Snow Foundation for their incredibly generous $2 million donation towards this important project.

“The Snow Foundation came to us wanting to partner on this project, because they know it will make a real difference to the lives of so many people across Canberra, and I’d like to thank them for their very generous contribution,” said Minister Fitzharris.

“We are proud to support the Clare Holland House as they offer more patients the best palliative care, with less time in the hospital and more time with loved ones,” said Georgina Byron, CEO of The Snow Foundation.

“This expansion will allow more Canberrans to embrace the work of Claire Holland House and ensure more Canberrans live with dignity through their final days,” Ms Byron said.

In addition to the funding that has been announced today, the ACT Government will continue to work with The Snow Foundation to establish a fundraising initiative that will enable the community to contribute to the project and the important work that Clare Holland House does into the future.

The expansion of Clare Holland House is anticipated to commence in 2019. Further information on the project will be announced as planning and design work progresses.

More information on Clare Holland House and palliative care service is available here.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Claire Johnston (Fitzharris)

(02) 6205 0022

0452 597 459

ClaireV.johnston@act.gov.au

Ben Wicks (Hunt)

(02) 6277 7220


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