Did you know that the NSW Government aims to launch Australia’s very first dedicated hospice for young people, dubbed the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, in Manly?
The Manly AYAH, located on the former site of the Manly Hospital, is a $19.5 million project that will become Australia’s first dedicated service for young adults afflicted with life-limiting illnesses and diseases, catering to people between the ages of 15 to 24, offering respite care, symptom management, and end of life care.
Despite being located in Manly, AYAH will be available to all youths regardless of their locations, providing specialised support to rural and regional patients and limiting their need to travel long distances for health care.
Health Infrastructure, in tandem with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and medical experts to deliver the new hospice. Schematic designs for the Manly AYAH aim to provide care and patient experience specially tailored for young adults, with a total of eight bedrooms for patients, an on-site dedicated kitchen and dining room, carer’s lounges adjacent to the bedrooms, and two family accommodation units.
Additional features included in the design are breakout spaces and facilities such as a games room, a lounge room, a media room, a multisensory room, a quiet room, and sitting rooms. Laundry will also be available for visitors and families staying overnight, and the outdoor balcony offers views of the harbour. A garden and landscaping area will also be present, along with Telehealth consult spaces.
Construction for Manly AYAH is expected to be completed in late 2022. The service has received positive feedback from the Manly community, who have campaigned passionately and raised funds to make the project a reality. Philanthropist Kay Van Norton Poche, who donated a grand total of $6 million to the project.
The former site of the Manly Hospital, and the future site of the Manly AYAH, can be found at 150 Darley Rd, Manly. For more information, and for the latest updates on the upcoming youth health service can follow their Facebook page.
