Sacred Heart is one of Australia’s leading palliative care providers and is home to a comprehensive rehabilitation service. The Hospice has also developed a greater role in cancer care, with radiotherapy services and radiation oncology services colocated at Sacred Heart.
Operating as part of St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney, and managed by St Vincent’s Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospice is an affiliated health organisation under the NSW Health Services Act. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Hospice, the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service and the NSW Minister for Health defines the role and funding of the Hospice within the NSW public health system. Established by the Sisters of Charity in 1890, the Hospice has grown from a 12-bed palliative care cottage to a 65-bed facility treating over 800 palliative care and rehabilitation patients each year.
The Palliative Care Service provides quality care, compassion and comfort to people who are coping with life’s most challenging transitions and continues to explore ways to meet patients’ needs during this time.
The inpatient service features all of the benefits of a modern hospital and provides round-the-clock support for patients, their families and carers and treatment and therapy for day patients. The service includes pain control, symptom management and spiritual and emotional support.
