Ambulance Wish Queensland launches Sunshine Coast Hub, aiming to fulfil more Wishes to Queenslanders across the Sunshine Coast.
Ambulance Wish Queensland, a program of Palliative Care Queensland, is excited to announce the launch of a new hub. The new hub coincided with an onsite wish for palliative care patients at Dove House Palliative Care Unit in Caloundra and a community event at Noosa Seniors.
The aptly named ‘Sunshine Coast Hub’ will provide, facilitate and fulfil wishes for those in the region, creating memories forever for Sunshine Coast Queenslanders and their families.
This new hub, having received a donation of a decommissioned Ambulance from Queensland Ambulance Service, will fulfil wishes 150 kilometres from Noosa.
Palliative Care CEO Louise O’Neill said the opening of the Sunshine Coast Hub marked a significant achievement for extending the reach of Ambulance Wish Queensland to more Sunshine Coast Queenslanders.
“Having an Ambulance stationed on the Sunshine Coast means that we’re able to reach more Queenslanders with life limiting illnesses and raise awareness about palliative care”
“Our team is always touched by the heartwarming stories of families; the love and memories they share, and we’re so privileged to be able to play a part in fulfilling their final wishes.”
“Expanding this volunteer led program across Queensland will help enhance end-of-life care for individuals with life limiting illnesses. Ambulance Wish Queensland personifies the holistic nature of palliative care and highlights the importance of communities coming together to help look after their own in times of need.”
“The expansion of these services would not be possible without the support, commitment to and championing of Ambulance Wish Queensland from Hon. Shannon Fentiman MP, Queensland Health and the Queensland Ambulance Service. On behalf of the Palliative Care Queensland Board, Staff and Volunteers, we acknowledge the tremendous contributions to the expansion of this program,” said Ms O’Neill
“I would like to extend our gratitude to our Sunshine Coast Hub sponsors – Country to Coast PHN, Mingary Care and Gleeson Quantity Surveyors (GQS) – and to all our donors and volunteers for their ongoing support. As we expand across Queensland, the need for statewide sponsors and local hub sponsors within the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Townsville Hubs is paramount.”
Sunshine Coast Health Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies said the Sunshine Coast Hub is a great addition to our region.
“Our palliative care teams do an incredible job supporting patients and their families experiencing life limiting illnesses, and a program like this is just another way we can all work together to improve their mental wellbeing during what can be a very emotional time,” Dr Gillies said.
“You cannot place value on how a positive memory can help lift spirits on a tough day for these patients, and we appreciate the work Ambulance Wish Queensland does to contribute towards this.”
Country to Coast, QLD, Chief Executive Officer, Julie Sturgess, is delighted to support Palliative Care Queensland’s Ambulance Wish Queensland, recognising how this invaluable service creates lasting memories for terminally ill residents and their families.
“We are proud to partner with Palliative Care Queensland, as our sponsorship of Ambulance Wish Queensland will foster end-of-life care support, ensuring palliative patients feel respected, cared for and treated with dignity,” said Ms Sturgess.
“Our shared hope is that the kindness and compassion that this service represents has a ripple effect in the community both our organisation’s serve.”
