The expansion of Tamworth Hospital’s Nioka Palliative Care Unit has reached a major construction milestone, with more than 200 cubic metres of concrete poured for the foundations of the new facility.
The project will double the unit’s capacity from six to 12 beds, expanding access to specialist palliative care for patients and families across Tamworth and surrounding communities.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the expansion was an important investment in end-of-life care for the region.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality end-of-life care and the expanded Nioka Palliative Care Unit is a great example of this.” said Park.
“The expansion of the Nioka Palliative Care Unit will double capacity of the current unit, meaning more people and their loved ones can access palliative care and support when it’s needed most.
“We are grateful to the staff and members of the community who have provided valuable input to shape the expanded unit, which will significantly enhance palliative care facilities for Tamworth and surrounding communities.”
About 30 truckloads of locally supplied concrete were used to form the foundations of the expanded section and a new linkway connecting it with the existing palliative care unit.
The expansion is being funded through the NSW Government’s $93 million End of Life Care program.
The new section will include six palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor areas.
The facility has been designed to create a home-like environment, with oversized bedrooms featuring warm interior finishes and large windows overlooking private courtyards.
Three courtyards will provide green spaces for relaxation, including a private outdoor area, while an overnight room will allow additional family members to remain close to loved ones.
An enclosed linkway will provide private access to the Palliative Care Unit and Rehabilitation Unit from the Acute Services Building.
Hunter New England Local Health District director of clinical operations Susan Heyman said the design would provide a calmer and more welcoming environment for patients and their families.
“I know how much the Nioka Palliative Care Unit means to our community, and it is so good to see this important expansion taking shape.” said Heyman.
“When people are facing end-of-life care, comfort, privacy and time with loved ones matters. This expansion will help create a calmer, more welcoming environment for patients and families, while supporting our staff to provide compassionate specialist care.
“The first major concrete pour is an exciting milestone for the project, and over the coming months the community will start to see the new spaces take shape.”
Work is also underway to refurbish the existing Nioka Palliative Care Unit, including improvements to inpatient rooms and general areas that will integrate with the expanded facility.
With the foundations now laid, the structure of the new building will begin taking shape over the coming months.
Construction of the expanded unit is expected to be completed in 2027.
The NSW Government is investing $11.9 billion to deliver additional beds and expanded services across 32 new or upgraded health facilities as part of the 2026-27 budget, including almost $3 billion over four years for hospitals across regional NSW.
The End of Life Care program is also redeveloping and refurbishing palliative care facilities at Nepean, Orange, Westmead and Wyong hospitals.
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