We are proud to have contributed to a significant enhancement in palliative care at Emerald Hospital through our donation, which enabled the creation of the Sunflower Room.
Julie Millson, the Nurse Unit Manager, shared her pride and satisfaction in launching this facility after extensive planning. “Our staff have always provided compassionate care to ensure a patient has access to treatment that respects their wishes, but this new space will make a huge difference to the comfort of both patients and their loved ones during this difficult time.” she noted.
The Sunflower Room is warmly decorated with a sunflower theme and includes a spacious bed that allows patients’ partners to sleep with their loved one. It is equipped with several amenities aimed at creating a cosy, less clinical environment. “Because we’re fairly isolated out here in the Central Highlands, there hasn’t really been anything like this, so it’s such an important service to offer, especially to young people with cancer,” Julie added.
Our $20,000 grant helped purchase a special bed, a fold-out sleep couch, a fall-out chair, a coffee machine, diffusers, a stereo, and a selection of movies and audio books for all ages. The staff’s donations of sunflower-themed soft furnishings have added a cheerful touch to the space.
The Sunflower Room also features a veranda with sitting area and convenient access to a tea room for families.
We are grateful to have been able to support the Emerald community in this way. We also want to acknowledge Dee Parkinson, the palliative care Clinical Nurse Consultant who initiated this idea, A/CNC Laura Knox, who supported it during her tenure, and all the staff at Emerald Hospital for their dedication to realising this vision.
