6 days ago
Family grateful for end-of-life care at Rockhampton's Fitzroy Community Hospice
Struggling to breathe, battling a staphylococcus infection and suffering from other age-related illnesses, Neil Robinson's family knew he was nearing the end of his life.
His family did not want the 85-year-old to die in hospital, but knew bringing him home could be overwhelming and complicated.
"His ailments were complex, and it was very daunting to think about caring for him ourselves," Neil's daughter-in-law Toni Robinson said.
A friend suggested hospice care, and it ended up being the solution Neil's family was looking for.
"My friend's father was cared for at a hospice, and it was such a comfort to his family," she said.
Neil spent his last week at the Fitzroy Community Hospice, the only end-of-life care option outside hospitals or aged care homes between Gympie and Townsville, a stretch of nearly 1,000 kilometres.
The community not-for-profit hospice opened its doors in June 2024 to provide better end-of-life care in central Queensland.
The second stage of the project opened last month to expand its capacity.
The new rooms have more space for families, which means people coming from outside the area to be with loved ones have somewhere to stay.
"Some people have confused us with aged care, but those we care for are referred to us through medical practitioners and nurse practitioners," chief executive officer Beth Thomas said.
Funding is provided through an agreement with Queensland Health for several public beds and private health insurers, as well as ongoing fundraising.
Ms Thomas said the organisation's executives worked with local GPs and the community to get the word out about the specifics of end-of-life care.
"It's about taking the burden of care from families and hospitals," Ms Thomas said.
"A big difference from a hospital is that we don't have fixed visiting hours. Family members and pets can come and visit any time.
"It is meant to be a soothing and calming environment with no bells and whistles and bustling that the hospital has."
Allison Leech, a nursing teacher at CQ University and former director of nursing at Toowoomba Hospice, believed more palliative care options were needed in regional areas as it eases the burden for both local health care systems and families.
"Many Australians want to die at home, but it's not always possible. So this becomes a home-like environment, and patients and families can do things on their own terms."
Fitzroy Hospice clinical nurse Megan Anderson saw the hospice as a place to create memories.
"It is holistic and we see the family as a key part of patient care," she said.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said hospice care was a critical part of the health care system, providing funding to some non-government organisations for palliative care services.
"Our palliative and end-of-life care strategy includes $171 million to fund more palliative care services and boost the workforce across the state," the spokesperson said.
Neil died in January this year after spending a week at the hospice.
Ms Robinson said the week was spent sitting at Neil's side with Hope, the family dog, resting her head in Neil's hand.
She said it was a "peaceful passing for Neil" and a comforting experience for the family.
"The staff provided us with everything we needed to know so we understood the dying process," Ms Robinson said.
"It was the next best thing to caring for Neil at home."
