After eight long years of campaigning and an incredible outpouring of community support, the Central Coast is set to get a dedicated Palliative Care Unit at Gosford Hospital.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch made the announcement recently.
The Elsie’s Retreat Committee, proudly supported by the Lions Club of Wyoming East Gosford Centennial, is thrilled with the news that ‘Elsie’s Retreat’ will later this year become a reality for the Community of the Central Coast.
The Committee’s campaign for the care unit began back in 2012, when a much-loved Central Coast nurse named Elsie Green needed a palliative care hospice but there wasn’t one – instead she passed away in a nursing home, aged just 51.
During her health ordeal, Elsie told a friend “I’m dying here in hell. Don’t let this happen to anyone else”.
And so Elsie’s Retreat Committee was born – and eight years later, the hardworking committee members have achieved their goal.
The new facility is set to include new indoor and outdoor spaces to totally transform palliative services for patients, families and carers on the Central Coast.
“We have always looked towards a sympathetic and homelike environment for our patients,” said Committee chair, Margaret Pearce.
“This has been made possible by the amazing support of the Community of the Central Coast.
She said planning for the new Palliative Care Unit was now underway, with a construction contract to be tendered shortly, and with work to begin later this year.
“We are now seeking assistance with donations and sponsorship to make this Unit become the very best, with support for TV’s, medical recliners, and all the comforts of home that we can give.”
Margaret recently received the Order of Australia (OAM) from Her Excellency, Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, for her incredible service to the local community.
“I was very humbled to received the Order of Australia,” said Margaret.
“Words cannot express the emotion and gratitude I felt when they spoke of The Elsie’s Retreat Project.
“This Award is for all the people who have made Elsie’s Dream become a reality.”
Congratulations Margaret – what an incredible example of what can be achieved with love, care and perseverance over many years – from the Australian Seniors News team.
