Enhancing palliative care in Canberra

Clare Holland House, which has provided palliative care in Canberra for the past 20 years, is asking people to help raise funds to complement its new expansion project.

An eight-room addition is under way, with $6 million pledged by the Snow Foundation and the Commonwealth Government for construction.

Calvary, the Snow Foundation and Hands Across Canberra have launched a community fundraising campaign that will continue after construction is over.

“Once construction is completed we are keen to instal furnishings, fittings and equipment that add to the amenity of Clare Holland House and enrich the experience of patients, families and visitors,” General Manager of Calvary Public Hospital Robin Haberecht said.

“We want to instal a small gymnasium area for patients, and upgrade the gardens and grounds with suitable outdoor furnishings and features.

“We are planning to provide ‘paediatric bundles’ for young people and infants that may be admitted for palliative or respite care.

”While younger people are only a small part of our patient cohort, it is very important they have an attractive and age-appropriate setting for their admission.

”Our goal is to be able to offer each young patient décor, soft furnishings and entertainment tailored to their personal preference and interest.”

A feature of the fundraising is that individuals and organisations can create their own fundraiser within the overall campaign. This may be as a tribute to a person, or a fundraising event organised by a person or group:

https://giving.handsacrosscanberra.org.au/clare-holland-house-community-fundraiser .

“I invite people in the local Catholic community to further enhance the care provided from Clare Holland House by supporting our fundraising goals,” Robin said.

“Connections formed with people through our fundraising campaign can be the platform for the community to find out more and better understand contemporary palliative care, especially the services we provide from Clare Holland House.”