A renewed fight to save a struggling Sunshine Coast palliative care hospice has reached Queensland Parliament, as pressure grows for long-term funding support and a path to reopening.
Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton has raised concerns in parliament for the support of end-of-life care services, calling for urgent action to help secure the future of Katie Rose Cottage Hospice.
The Doonan-based service, which provided free palliative care for terminally ill residents and support for families, suspended patient admissions before Christmas amid financial pressure, rising costs and declining donations.
As part of reducing costs during this time, the warehouse and op shop at Tewantin have closed, with both the Cooroy and Maroochydore op shops remaining open.
Ms Bolton said the service remained an essential part of the Sunshine Coast community and should not be left relying on ongoing fundraising efforts to survive.
Ms Bolton last month submitted a Question on Notice to Health Minister Tim Nicholls regarding the future of Queensland Health’s Palliative and End-of-Life Care Strategy, which is due to end in June.
“Since 2019, we have advocated for equitable funding models for hospices, who provide what terminal residents seek, as well as free up hospital beds with an economical model due to the contributions of volunteers and donations,” she said.
“This should not be an ongoing plea to governments; it should be both a compassionate as well sensible approach to our very last days.”
Ms Bolton said there were growing concerns over staffing pressures across palliative care services.
“This is deeply concerning for all, as well what we have been advised is an unsustainable ratio of nurses to patients in palliative hospices, versus outreach services and aged care facilities who manage palliative patients.”
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice has provided free end-of-life care on the Sunshine Coast for more than 15 years in a home-style setting designed to offer comfort and dignity outside a hospital environment.
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The push to find an alternative operating model was dealt a further blow following the sudden death of Sunshine Coast gerontologist Dr Drew Dwyer, who had recently joined efforts to help develop a long-term future for the hospice.
“Dr Dwyer’s selfless commitment was immediate to our calls, as he was passionate about aging and passing, with compassion, care and love,” Ms Bolton said.
“He would want our community to fight hard and ask for anyone with experience in palliative care and hospice management, or in building sustainable not-for-profit models, to come forward to ensure Katie Rose reopens in the future.”
Ms Bolton said substantial donations were still urgently needed to help secure seed funding while services remained suspended.
“Katie Rose is an essential part of our community, and we cannot lose them,” she said.
“In 2009, it took a village to provide this wonderful facility. Now I ask our community to come together again and ensure this incredible service where we and our families are surrounded by love and care is available into the future.”
