SW News:

After agreeing with the Church-run Calvary Health Care, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government will take control of Clare Holland House next week. According to officials, this decision was reached after lengthy negotiations between the government and Calvary Health Care, centering on what would be best for the patients and employees of the palliative care hospice. 

Calvary said it reluctantly decided to relinquish the hospice. Its National CEO Martin Bowles said, “Calvary and the ACT Government have mutually agreed the future of Clare Holland House and access to public palliative care services in the territory is best supported by remaining directly connected with the public hospital to ensure continuity of care for patients needing public palliative care services.” 

To maintain an integrated palliative care paradigm for both inpatients and outpatients, Clare Holland House was operated by Calvary as a service of the Calvary Public Hospital Bruce to date. “It is with a heavy heart that we have come to this decision, but in our view Clare Holland House is not a separate service, and patient care is our priority,” Bowles added. 

Recognizing the difficult decision for Calvary, the Health Minister said it would provide continuity of care for people needing public palliative health services. Rachel Stephen-Smith said, “We have heard very clearly from staff that they believe palliative care services – hospice and community-based – should stay together as a specialized, integrated palliative care service.” 

Meanwhile, Canberra Health Services said it would now work with Calvary to ensure a smooth and safe transition of services to minimize disruption for staff, patients, and carers as much as possible. Beginning on July 3, Canberra Health Services will take over and manage the Bruce public hospital. The hospital will become known as the North Canberra Hospital. 

Clare Holland House is the only publicly funded hospice in the territory.