New cuddle beds arrive!

24th January 2025

ORANGE Push for Palliative is delighted to announce the arrival of two double sized  “cuddle” beds to enhance the end of life experience for palliative care patients and their families at Orange Hospital.

The installation of the beds means families will be able to hold their loved ones close in their final days and hours.

Valued at more than $68,000, the two specially designed state of the art beds have been made possible with generous funding by the Minns government facilitated by NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park.

“This came about after our local member Phil Donato set up a meeting with Mr Park and the Premier Chris Minns during their cabinet visit to Orange earlier this year”, said OP4P president Jenny Hazelton

“Our group explained the work we have been doing and continue to do to provide additional amenities for palliative patients and their families in Orange and were surprised and thrilled to be offered these of funds on the spot to purchase the beds.”

The two beds installed in the palliative unit on Medical Ward A, at Orange Hospital will convert to double size to allow families to hold their loved ones close at the end of life, and with the aid of sophisticated technology will provide a comfortable and ‘weightless’ experience for the patient.

Minister Park said the new cuddle beds will help crate a more comfortable environment and experience for patients receiving end-of-life or palliative care, as well as their families or carers.

“I’m pleased to see the beds have now been installed at Orange Health Service which will help provide a sense of comfort and peace for patients and their families,” Mr Park said.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said the new cuddle beds are an extremely important initiative for palliative patients and their families.

“These beds will allow families to be close at a very sad time at the end of life,” Mr Donato said.

Mrs Hazelton said OP4P continues in its commitment to provide amenities for palliative patients and their families and looks forward to maintaining the strong and positive relationship with Orange Health Service as the group continues to support palliative patients.

“These new beds incorporate new state of the art technology in the specialist designed air mattresses which are the first of their type to be used in our health district” said Mrs Hazelton.

New ‘cuddle’ bed in Palliative Care at Orange Hospital with OP4P Vice President Janice Harris, President Jenny Hazelton & Member for Orange Phil Donato.

Staff Inservice - learning to use the Cuddle beds!

Arjo consultant Mel Norton conducting the Inservice to Nursing staff.