History of Hospice
Albany Community Hospice officially opened on 15 November 1990. It was the accumulation of the dreams and dedication of many community members and which resulted in possibly the first free standing day hospice in Australia that was totally owned and funded by the people.
The land and building were donated by Paul and Joan Terry whilst many individuals and businesses gave freely of their time, labour, materials and money to ensure that Albany would achieve the vision of Fr Hugh Galloway. The Hospice initially provided guests with day care and sometimes weekends or overnight care in a secure and homely atmosphere.
In December 1995 Albany Community Hospice became a licensed private hospital. This enabled the hospice to secure funding from private health funds and the Department of Veterans Affairs and marked a change that would see the hospice aim for the balance between clinical excellence and loving kindness.
In 1998 a study was commissioned to assess the future of the Hospice and the resulting information indicated that a new building was required. After considerable fundraising and planning the new Hospice was built on the grounds of Albany Regional Hospital and the official opening was held on 3 February 2002.
After the redevelopment of the Albany Regional Hospital a grant submission was successfully made to Royalties for Regions to provided 4.7 million dollars for the relocation and expansion of the Hospice on the Albany Hospital Campus.
The new eight bed facility was open in April 2016 and has been designed to provide an efficient, high quality environment for staff whilst focussing on the special needs of our patients and their family/carers. The large individual rooms open out on to beautifully landscaped court yards. In addition, there are a number of dedicated rooms and spaces for quiet contemplation, formal meetings and/or professional support.
HESED
The Hesed stained glass window created by local artisan Mark Hewson of Torbay was part of the original Hospice building at its opening in 1991. The pelican and fishing boat are symbolic of Albany and the beginning of Albany Community Hospice, with its close proximity to the sea, the connection with the old fisherman’s cottage and the pelicans that reside around Princess Royal Harbour.
Since then, this significant piece has followed Hospice to all of its locations, it is currently on display in our third building near the entrance to our family room, so that all of our guests have the opportunity to enjoy it.
Hesed, translated from Hebrew means “Loving kindness”, which is something that Albany Community Hospice has embraced through its values since the beginning. ‘Hesed’ is a part of positive human relations; a kindness that is above and beyond the minimum duties imposed by an association.
The expression “clinical excellence with loving kindness” is frequently repeated within ACH, and reflects the holistic way in which our guests are treated- embracing their personal relationships, their spirituality, and combining this with the practical support that they need in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.