The doors of Wishlist Centre have officially opened as Wishlist celebrates its third affordable accommodation facility to benefit patients and families accessing public healthcare.
The opening marks a very special moment in the charity’s 24-year history.
Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said Wishlist Centre will open to guests on Monday offering a unique circle-of-care for those experiencing significant health issues, away from the clinical environment of a hospital.
“Having affordable, comfortable accommodation right across the road from our major hospital - Sunshine Coast University Hospital will ease the burden on patients and families needing to access medical services away from their home,” Ms Rowe said.
The facility was made possible by a $12 million Commonwealth Government Department of Health, Community Health and Hospitals Program grant, and a $2 million gift from local philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace was present for the Wishlist Centre ribbon-cutting ceremony today.
“It’s a great privilege to represent the people of Fisher in Canberra and advocate for the infrastructure and services the region needs,” Mr Wallace said.
“It’s with great pride that I was able to deliver a $12 million investment from the former Coalition Government for the Wishlist Centre, which will ease financial and emotional pressures for patients and their families from the Sunshine Coast and its surrounding regions.”
The four-level facility built by Hutchinson Builders features 18 rooms, a podium level with full kitchen and communal spaces, and will provide crucial cancer support services, youth mental health programs, and parental resilience groups within the Centre.
Guests who live outside the 50km radius of Sunshine Coast University Hospital may also qualify for free of charge accommodation – if they are eligible for the State Government’s Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).
“You never know when a health crisis may impact you or a family member, so Wishlist Centre is here in times of need,” Ms Rowe added.
For more information, click here or phone Wishlist Centre on 1300 009 474.
WISHLIST CENTRE FAST FACTS:
- Wishlist Centre provides transitionary care accommodation to support patients and their families whilst having ongoing treatment.
- Wishlist Centre officially opened on Friday November 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- The first patients will be welcomed on Monday November 7.
- Wishlist Centre features 18 spacious and light-filled rooms, with single, family, and interconnecting rooms and a podium level with communal spaces for guests to use, including kitchen and laundry facilities, along with break-out spaces for community activities and therapy services.
