An initiative that will provide housing to ease the discomfort and financial pain often experienced by family members of hospital patients has been launched in Canberra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The IGA East Row House Project was announced in October 2014 and aims to provide low-cost or free accommodation to visiting families as they sought medical treatment in the ACT.
The program, a joint initiative of IGA East Row and the Rooftop Foundation, was officially launched at Calvary Health Care in Bruce on Monday.
It was designed to fill a gap in accommodation for relatives of adult patients receiving treatment for serious illnesses.
Ambassador Debbie Rolfe said the project would have significant benefits for patients and their families.
"The ACT's health services will be significantly complemented and enhanced by IGA East Row House and the provision of long and short term accommodation together with facilities for day rest for visiting family members of patients who are accessing ACT hospital facilities."
The program will offer accommodation to family members, likely in north Canberra, who travel from regional areas and are under financial hardship or are otherwise unable to find a suitable place to stay.
The organisation will also work closely with community organisations to provide support for visiting families through a referral system with Canberra Hospital and by Calvary Health-Care ACT.
Deputy Opposition Leader Alistair Coe, who has previously voiced his support for the program in the Legislative Assembly, was also at the opening.
"The IGA East Row House Program has been established to support families who have loved ones receiving medical treatment in Canberra.
"I applaud this initiative and thanks those who have made it happen," Mr Coe said.
The organisation's goal is for an IGA East Row House to be established near major hospitals and regional treatment centres in every Australian territory.
The program will be funded through IGA East Row merchandise sales, and eventually from IGA supermarkets across the country.
The Rooftop Foundation raises funds to build more affordable houses for low income earners to purchase their own homes to help drive down homelessness rates in Canberra.
Details: Visit igaeastrowhouse.org.au.
