The vital 24/7 Palliative Care service at the Calvary Mater Hospital will remain following representations to Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
It was feared the service would be cut back to a telephone hotline service after hours instead of having nursing staff on duty for home visits.
More than 400 palliative patients use the service and doctors and staff at the hospital were worried the rumoured cutback would take away the choices for patients on where and how they will end their lives.
Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp says it's a win for common sense.
"I met with the minister, local CEO of the area health service, also other advocates, and I think a lot of noise was made and we've finally had a win for common sense. Death is not limited to those hours and the minister certainly wasn't impressed with the situation either and so we have had a win. It's a terrific outcome," he said.
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| Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp |
