In keeping with Jewish customs, our palliative care service offers a warm, empathetic and reassuring environment that allows patients to maintain their dignity in an atmosphere of traditional values. Wolper’s palliative care staff are specially trained to provide counselling and support for both patients and their family members.

Our focus is primarily on pain relief, symptom control and enhancing quality of life. We also recognise the needs of family and friends, who are encouraged to take part in the care of their loved one.

Medical and palliative care patients have access to Wolper’s Sensory Room which was specifically developed and designed to provide a sanctuary away from the general hospital environment.

This is a unique space which provides a calming environment which can lead to reduced anxiety and fear, improved mood and other beneficial outcomes.

The Room is equipped with a massage chair which features a specialised Dreamwave setting that is not too strenuous for our palliative patients, a therapeutic spa bath which allows patients easy and safe entry and exit from the bath and a music sound system on which the patient can play any music that appeals.

Wolper’s Response to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Legislation

Wolper has a long history of providing exceptional end of life care. In keeping with Jewish customs, Wolper’s palliative care service offers a warm, empathetic and caring environment that allows patients to maintain their dignity in an atmosphere of kindness and respect.

All are welcome at Wolper. We strive to provide holistic, supportive care to people approaching their end of life and provide support for their families and loved ones.

The palliative care and support we provide enables our patients to die in comfort and dignity. We achieve this by ensuring we:

  • never harm;
  • relieve pain and other physical symptoms;
  • address psychological distress;
  • provide pastoral and/or spiritual care and support; and
  • withdraw life-prolonging treatments when they are no longer significantly beneficial or overly burdensome, or when a person wants them withdrawn.

Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation came into effect in New South Wales on the 28th November 2023. Wolper does not support voluntary assisted dying and will not provide these services to our patients.

Wolper does not facilitate or participate in assessments undertaken for the purpose of accessing or making use of the interventions allowed under Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation, nor does Wolper administer (or facilitate the administration of) a substance for the same purpose.

Wolper will respond respectfully to anyone within our care who expresses a wish to explore or consider Voluntary Assisted Dying. We will listen to any patient who wishes to talk about their end of life care and we will treat any enquiries about VAD in a sensitive and respectful manner.

Spirituality

Jewish law states that terminally ill people should remain active and productive members of society for as long as possible. Wolper provides patients with the opportunity to do this by celebrating all Jewish festivals and holidays, and providing places where patients can celebrate with family and friends while they are able.

Wolper is a non-denominational hospital and welcomes all people regardless of religion or creed. Rabbis from a number of different synagogues visit the Hospital regularly offering religious counsel, advice and assistance. Patients are able to request their own Rabbi or minister of any other religion visit them. Please speak to nursing staff about this.

Visitors

We encourage visits by family and friends as an important means of delivering reassurance and comfort. The presence of relatives and friends ensures that patients do not feel abandoned, and confirms the family’s love, devotion and commitment.

For our palliative care patients only, there is no limit on visiting hours and family members can stay overnight.

Pets dogs and assistance dogs are permitted to visit with prior permission from the nursing staff.

Bereavement Counselling

Wolper’s palliative care staff are specially trained to provide counselling and support during a family’s grieving process. Staff can also arrange assistance and support from professional bereavement counsellors for patients and their families if required.