Paynter Dixon has commenced construction on a new state-of-the-art Palliative Care Facility and modernised Day Surgery unit for the Mater Hospital.

To mark this critical milestone in the Hospital’s rich history, The Mater held a sod-turning ceremony which included the Blessing of the site by the most Reverend Bishop Daniel Meagher, and a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by proud Gomeroi man, Raymond Weatherall. The $35.3 million development is co-located next to the main Hospital building.

“I am delighted to see this project coming to life. For the first time our Hospital will be able to provide patient care from birth to end-of-life, with terminally ill patients no longer needing to be referred elsewhere for their care. At the same time, we’re galvanising our status as one of the busiest surgical private hospitals in the country,” said Mater CEO Annette Czerkesow.

The development has been enabled by the vision and extraordinary philanthropic support from the Friends of the Mater Foundation who have committed $18.5 million to the project.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Mater, this development will see us realise a long-held dream.”

“We are enormously grateful to the Foundation and its donors who have not only exhibited immense generosity – but a deep desire to be part of making a huge difference for our patients” said Ms Czerkesow.

The new development will create a twelve-bed Palliative Care Unit, with supportive services and consulting rooms. The Mater will now be able to play an important role in the provision of holistic care for patients with life-limiting illness for the community, especially of Northern Sydney.

Significantly, the facility will also become a leading research and teaching Centre, advancing and improving practices in palliative care.

The second floor of the new wing will house an expanded and upgraded day surgery unit, including two additional Endoscopy suites, which will not only improve patient flow and experience in the Hospital, but ensure the Hospital stands ready to support the evolution of medical procedures that are increasingly being offered as day surgery admissions.

“Paynter Dixon is excited to commence construction of the Palliative Care Facility and Day Surgery unit for the Mater Hospital” said Paynter Dixon Executive Chairman, James Boyd.

“We believe this landmark development will position the Mater as a world-class provider of patient care, research and teaching in palliative care, while also empowering the hospital’s advanced and innovative surgical capability.

“We are partnering with the Mater and the St Vincent’s Health Network to ensure the project is undertaken to the highest standards of quality and safety.”

“Our shared commitment will deliver facilities which embody the Mater’s vision for holistic care.”

Dr Keith Hartman AM, Chairman of the Friends of The Mater, said the start of construction marks the realisation of a long-held dream for The Friends of The Mater Foundation.

“We believe that a world class Palliative Care Facility is central to the mission, vision and values of the hospital. The new Day Surgery Unit will provide state of the art facilities to allow the Mater to further enhance the delivery of holistic and compassionate care for all patients.  We are delighted to be supporting this important project.”

It is anticipated that construction will take two years to complete.