A TRANQUIL new space has been unveiled at Mareeba Hospital to support patients and families during end-of-life care.
The Serenity Garden, located adjacent to the hospital’s newly opened Palliative Care Room, offers a peaceful outdoor retreat designed to promote comfort, reflection, and emotional wellbeing.
Funded through donations to the Mareeba Hospital Friends of the Foundation, a subsidiary of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, it is the culmination of several local donations.
Mareeba Friends chairman Tom Braes said the benefit of the space was immeasurable.
“People in end-of-life care appreciate beauty and serenity outside the confines of the hospital ward. This garden is a gift from the community to those who need it most,” Mr Braes said.
The project was made possible through generous contributions from a private donor, Mareeba Lions, Mareeba Rotary, and FNQ Growers, with a total investment of $24,000. The garden features a rock garden, paving, decorative screening, pot plants, benches and a table, shade cloth, and a calming water feature.
Mareeba Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Michelle Bombardieri said it was the perfect accompaniment to the newly opened Palliative Care Room.
“This room provides comfortable, private and self-contained facilities for patients and their families,” Ms Bombardieri said.
“To complement this, the Mareeba Friends of the Foundation supported the creation of the Serenity Garden – a private courtyard that allows families to remain close to their loved ones while accessing a peaceful, non-clinical space. The garden supports holistic care by offering fresh air, reducing psychological distress, and promoting rest and comfort,” she said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan paid tribute to the generous Mareeba community for once again supporting local health care.
“Mareeba locals know that when they support their local Friends group, the funds stay local to enhance local health services. Palliative care is just as important as other aspects of health care and it’s humbling to be able to play a small role in easing that journey,” Mrs Hogan said.
Photo: Mareeba Lions Club’s Patricia Pottle, principal donor Grant Lawrence, Friends chair Tom Braes, Mareeba Rotary Club’s Neil Setford, Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin (Absent: FNQ Growers chair Joe Moro).
