It's something that most of us don’t want to think about, but end-of-life facilities are a key element in any modern hospital.

Keeping with that theme, construction is underway to expand the in-patient palliative care spaces at Orange Health Service (OHS) following the appointment of a builder to deliver the project.

The start of main works construction marks a significant milestone in expanding palliative care services in Orange and for surrounding communities, Minister for Health Ryan Park said.

“This is an important step in the delivery of expanded palliative care services for the Orange community,” Mr Park explained. “The expanded palliative care space at the Orange Health Service, will provide modern facilities for clinical staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be an extremely difficult time.”

The project is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million world-class End of Life Care program.

The expansion will deliver three dedicated palliative care bedrooms with support spaces including an outdoor courtyard, adding to the two existing inpatient palliative care bedrooms in the facility.

The new palliative care rooms will be located on Level 1 of Orange Hospital, in close proximity to the oncology ward and existing palliative care bedrooms and facilities.

The design of the new rooms has been shaped by extensive consultation with health professionals who provide end-of-life and palliative care, Aboriginal representatives, and carers and community members, to ensure the best outcome for Orange and the surrounding communities.

Zauner Constructions has been engaged as the main works contractor to deliver the expansion, following a competitive tender process. The OHS palliative care service expansion is expected to be completed in 2026.

The World Class End of Life Program will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. In addition to Orange, other locations include Wyong, Nepean, Tamworth and Westmead Hospitals.