Managing Director Paul Quilliam says Queensland Kids is thrilled that Hummingbird House is on its way – a vital aid for Queensland families needing high quality respite and clinical care outside a hospital environment.
“This is a major milestone for us,” Mr Quilliam said. “We have desperate families needing care in a purpose built, free standing children’s hospice. There are approximately 3700 children diagnosed with a life limiting condition in Queensland at any one time.”
“Thanks to Wesley Mission Brisbane we have a great site and experienced care service providers. And as soon as the government funding commitment to Hummingbird House is in our bank account we can begin construction,” he said.
“We’re also excited to announce that a major donor has formally committed to match dollar for dollar three million dollars in government capital funding.
“This will allow a start to construction of a dedicated children’s respite and hospice facility, and for us to now focus on securing ongoing operational funding of a further $1.5 million per annum for the first five years.”
State and Commonwealth government funding equates to $3million for capital and $8million over five years for operational expenses.
The 1.25 acre site is located at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Wheller Gardens campus, close to Chermside’s transport hub and the Prince Charles Hospital.
Similar to the Bear Cottage hospice in Sydney, Hummingbird House will provide respite and end-of-life care in a stand-alone homelike environment for terminally ill children.
“We are thrilled to be working with Wesley Mission Brisbane on this vital project. They have been caring for the Queensland community for more than 100 years, and their clinical experience will be invaluable,” Mr Quilliam said.
Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Executive Director, Geoff Batkin says the organisation is incredibly proud to allocate the land and come on board as the clinical service provider for Queensland’s only children’s hospice.
“Hummingbird House will change the lives of children with a life limiting condition and their families in a profound way,” Mr Batkin said.
“Where families currently have to travel to Sydney for stand-alone hospice care, or else settle for a stay in a hospital ward, Hummingbird House will provide a dedicated children’s hospice in Brisbane, and Wesley will play a major role in delivering world class paediatric palliative care.”
Donations to Hummingbird House can be made in person at any Mr Toys Toyworld store, Bank of Queensland Stafford, to the Wesley Mission or direct to Hummingbird House online
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