I AM A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

Wedgetail Retreat provides a holistic and inclusive model of care which allows access to best-practice cancer and life-limiting illness support, respite or hospice care. The Wedgetail team supports the individual and their family with client-centred, quality-of-life enhancing programmes of care. This is achieved by trained volunteer palliative carers, Registered Nurses and when needed, Specialist and GP care.
Wedgetail Retreat Hospice is now in its fifth year of operation and has supported over 600 respite or end-of-life patients.
Our organisation prides itself on its nurse-lead model of care and is staffed by a Registered Nurse 24/7. The Nursing team works closely with Northern New South Wales Local Health District Palliative and Multidisciplinary teams in partnership with our skilled Hospice GP Dr Kim Nguyen.

Who can stay & for how long?

Wedgetail Retreat Hospice receives referrals for both respite and end-of-life clients from home or hospital.
A respite stay at Wedgetail is usually 1-2 weeks to give full-time carers a break and support both the client and family through some “down-time”. It can also be a time to provide medication reviews and assist with pain control, alongside other symptom management.
These reviews are undertaken by both the Northern New South Wales Local Health District Palliative Care Specialist and our Hospice GP Dr Kim Nguyen.

An end-of-life stay at Wedgetail usually fits in with a Specialist prognosis of 6 weeks or less.
During that time, clients and their families will nominate to transfer from home or hospital to receive total care needs in preparation for their final days.
These may include domestic and clinical support as well as emotional and spiritual guidance. We strive to empower our guests to make the most of life during the pre-terminal and terminal phases.
Family members are always invited and encouraged to stay with their loved ones during this time. Wedgetail Retreat can accommodate four whole families to stay together with provision for food, washing and bedding with a small donation required towards meals for extended family.

How Much Does It Cost TO STAY?

Currently Wedgetail Retreat Hospice relies 100% on community donations. The annual cost of running our facility is in excess of $750,000 per year. Wedgetail encourages its guests to consider a contribution based on what is affordable to them (we receive no government funding and rely solely on donations, grants and our Op Shops’ profits to fund the Hospice).

Where is the closest township?

Both Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah are within a 10-minute drive from the Hospice. Families can arrange additional accommodation in Murwillumbah. Please ask the Wedgetail team for further information and assistance if required.

to organise before admission:

Prior to a Hospice admission we encourage families to have discussions regarding end-of-life care so that we can assess what is most important for their loved one. These discussions should include information on:
· Will and Executor of the Will
· An Advanced Care Directive for end-of-life wishes, such as a Not For Resuscitation Order
· Funeral arrangements
· Spiritual requirements
· Information on Enduring Power of Attorney and/or nominated Health Guardians

Wedgetail Retreat is happy to assist in facilitating the process of completion of essential documents. Please let us know if you require further assistance.