HealthStays is a combined initiative of the Rotary Clubs of Maitland and they are calling on industry, local businesses, service clubs, councils and community members across regional NSW to back a groundbreaking project to build a vital new accommodation complex near Maitland Hospital.
Each year, thousands of patients receive medical treatments as outpatients of Maitland Hospital and nearby allied health services. Many of these patients, their families and carers are from regional and rural NSW and require appropriate, affordable and accessible accommodation near to the hospital – but many are either turned away or priced out.
HealthStays is the answer.
This critical community infrastructure will offer dignity, rest and relief to the patients, their families and carers. HealthStays would provide units for those needing overnight stays before or after procedures, for cancer treatment, surgeries, or when supporting loved ones in maternity, palliative or intensive care. The project is 100% not-for-profit, with a clear governance structure and long-term plans to grow with regional health needs.
“HealthStays would mean you don’t have to sleep in your car or stress over a $300 a night hotel bill, just so you can be with your child or partner,” said Trevor Lynch, the Chair of the HealthStay’s Board, and a driving force behind the initiative.
“Room rates will be far more affordable, especially for guests who live more than 100 kilometres away or travel more than 200 kilometres in a week for whom State Government subsidies are available.”
HealthStays has successfully raised funds locally from the business community and business families to purchase a site located minutes from Maitland Hospital and nearby cancer centres and specialists. A DA has been prepared based on architectural plans and civil design that have been optimised for the site.
But there is more to be done!
The $6.7m construction phase will be funded through business support, grant opportunities and Rotary’s continued grassroots fundraising efforts. Major benefactors always play a significant part in this and enable government co-funding to be sought. The facility is planned to operate from early 2027.
“It’s an ambitious project but the need was identified a few years ago and reinforced by the 2022 NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into regional health.” said Trevor.
“The Inquiry found that rural and regional residents have inferior access to health and hospital services, face significant financial challenges in accessing diagnosis, treatment and other health services, and have significantly poorer health outcomes, greater incidents of chronic disease and greater premature deaths.
“The need for affordable, quality accommodation in a caring environment will only become more important as our population continues to grow and age.”
Trevor said that everyone can help turn HealthStay’s vision into a reality.
“We have incredible support from our Rotary clubs, other charities, federal and state representatives, local business and professionals but we have some way to go, and we can’t do it without more help.
“We are calling on businesses, councils, service clubs and community members across regional NSW to get behind this project and to help spread the word. In particular we are seeking corporate partners to join us and be part of a solution that honours care, connection and compassion.”
| To make a donation or to contact the project team regarding partnerships or fundraising go to: https://maitlandhealthstays.org.au |
