Rural and Regional Patient Family Accommodation Launched

NORTHERN HEALTH FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ACCOMMODATION FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL PATIENT FAMILIES

On Wednesday, 24 July 2019, Northern Health Foundation will host the grand opening of their emergency accommodation relief house, for families of patients who travel long distances to visit loved ones. Over 1,000 patients travel in excess of 80 kilometres per year to seek treatment at Northern Hospital. To care for their loved ones, families of patients need to follow them to hospital, leaving for Melbourne often on short notice, and needing to find accommodation in unfamiliar surroundings during what is already a highly stressful time.

The emergency accommodation aims to lessen the burden on the families of patients in our care by providing a home near the hospital. Carers and families have much greater troubles concerning them than finding a suitable place to stay with a sick loved one. A key priority is to support families from rural or regional Victoria who are visiting loved ones.

The three bedroom house in Wollert is fully equipped with amenities and items for families to feel comfortable during their stay. Accommodation will be at no direct cost to the patient families accessing it. The house is part of the Foundation’s 2017 Accommodation Relief Appeal, which was made possible by Northern Health patron and philanthropist, Paul Wheelton.

The project has also been made possible by generous corporate supporters, philanthropic trusts, donors and the northern community, and will provide much needed accommodation to Northern Health patient families when they need it the most. Media are invited to attend the grand opening.

Photo opportunities in front and inside the property will be available. Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019 Time: 10.30 am – 11 am Address: 10 Wiseman Walk, Wollert Vic 3750