A children’s hospice situated in Chermside gets an $8.25-million funding boost for the care and support of kids living with life-limiting conditions.
Photo credit: Hummingbird House / Facebook
Hummingbird House will receive the additional funding over the next five years, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services – Steven Miles said, so that the “facility can provide more short break stays, family support services, creative therapies, and care at the end of life, including grief and bereavement support for families.”
It is estimated that around 3,700 Queensland youth will not reach their 18th birthday due to life-limiting conditions,.
“That’s why we are increasing our funding to Hummingbird House, so they can provide care to more children and families from across Queensland,” Mr Miles said when he announced the State Government funding commitment.
“Queensland kids and their families deserve our support and care as they navigate their way through tough situations most of us couldn’t even imagine,” Mr Miles said.
“A team of doctors, nurses, personal care workers, family support workers, housekeepers, cooks, allied health staff, and volunteers provide a home-like environment where kids and can be kids and families can reconnect and make precious memories that will last a lifetime,” General Manager of Hummingbird House Dr Fiona Hawthorne said.
“We are deeply grateful to our operating partner Wesley Mission Queensland, for their ongoing support as the service grows.
“The continuation of funding from the Queensland Government for the next five years, means we can continue to provide care for children affected by life-limiting conditions and their families, at no cost to them personally.
“On behalf of the families we know, and those we are yet to meet, thank you Minister Miles and the Palaszczuk Government.”
Hummingbird House Foundation was founded in 2011 by Paul and Gabrielle Quilliam, after fostering a child who was suffering from a life-limiting condition. Hummingbird House has provided more than 3,200 bed days and supported more than 229 families since it opened in October 2016.
The eight bed children’s hospice has five family accommodation suites, therapy rooms, a multi-sensory room, all-abilities accessible bath, pool, large outdoor spaces and play centre, teenagers retreat, and a specifically designed space for care after death.
