Construction is now complete on the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) - the first of its kind in Australia, providing respite care, symptom management or end-of-life care to 15 to 25-year-old patients with life-limiting illness
The new Manly facility addresses a critical need in the care sector, by providing specialised care for young people, as well as support for families, including bereavement support and counselling.
The facility includes:
- eight bedrooms for patients, each with an ensuite and outdoor balcony
- two carers’ lounges
- two family accommodation units with two bedrooms each
- on-site dedicated kitchen and dining room
- breakout spaces including lounge room, games room, media room, multisensory room, quiet room and sitting rooms
- laundry for families staying overnight
- outdoor balcony off the lounge room with views over the harbour
- garden and landscaping areas, including spaces for outdoor activities
- telehealth consult spaces
The facility will support young patients and their families from all over NSW, including those in rural and regional areas.
The project team has worked closely with Bear Cottage throughout the planning and construction process, with input into the design of the facility, the arts strategy, recruitment and appropriate furniture, fittings and equipment. The hospice will be important for young people aged 15 to 24 who outgrow Bear Cottage or who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult.
Connecting with country has been an important part of the facility’s development with aboriginal art throughout the facility and a yarning circle for the use of patients, their families and carers.
Construction commenced in May 2021 on the old Manly Hospital site on Darley Road. The project has kept a strong focus on long-term sustainability initiatives holding a 4-star Green Star equivalent, solar panels on the roof, LED lighting throughout and water capture facilities.
The AYAH development has been made possible through generous donations from the community and funding committed by the NSW and Australian governments.
View the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice project page.