Charity reveals plans for $5m end of life facility
A Sunshine Coast based charity announced the first stages of what would be a tranquil and unique space for the Coast's aging residents.
Sunshine Coast
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SUNSHINE Hospice announced the first stages of what would be a $5million development for the Coast's aging residents.
The community-based charity recently purchased a 6100sqm property at Illuka St, Buderim for the purpose-built community hospice.
It took more than three years and 200 volunteers working at its five opshops to secure land for the six-bedroom facility that will provide an alternative end of life option.
Managing director Sue Mason-Baker said their goal was to a create a space that delivered quality, residential palliative care.
"We have hospitals, we have aged care, we have home care, but hospice provides another opportunity for people to die in a beautiful, peaceful setting,” she said.
The two-level facility will provide 24-hour clinical care for patients. Each of the six rooms will have a balcony overlooking natural bushland, with a family room and limited family accommodation on site.
Board chairman Frank Lewins said the hospice would provide a quiet and relaxed environment.
"Architecturally designed and surrounded by natural bushland and landscaped areas, providing a tranquil environment for patients,” he said.
"The hospice will care for a person's physical, spiritual and psychological wellbeing, as well as supporting loved ones.”
It will offer end of life care, respite care and grief and bereavement counselling for families who need it.
The Sunshine Hospice Board will now start a multi-faceted fundraising campaign to raise the at least $5million for the building on top of the cost of the fit-out and equipment.
Mr Lewins said they would call on both State and Federal governments, the corporate sector and the Sunshine Coast community to ensure they delivered the project and aimed to start construction next year.
"We acknowledge the commitment and loyalty of our volunteers who manage and run our op shops,” he said.
"These shops raise much needed funds for the hospice project and the announcement is a tribute to their hard work and dedication.”
The team will also call on more community volunteers to help maintain the hospice, including gardening, laundry, cooking, cleaning and provide social support.
"It's been a long journey but we're finally here and we're happy with that,” Ms Mason-Baker said. "It's a community hospice and will endure much longer than this current board will, and we hope the community can get on board and support us.”
Sunshine Hospice will lodge a material change of use development application with Sunshine Coast Council next week.
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