Families of patients will now have a place they can rest and recuperate while their loved ones are receiving end-of-life care at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.

Angophora House has opened to relatives and carers of patients and provides them with a welcoming space for respite where they can have a shower, make a cup of tea or just rest.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital General Manager Simon Hill said Angophora House is a cottage located on the hospital grounds that is designed as a place for family members and carers to rest away from the clinical setting of the hospital.

“Family members and carers will be able use the house to prepare and eat meals, shower and refresh and relax in a comfortable space,” he said.

“Our hope is that by providing a private space for families and carers to gather and care for each other, we can support them to create a positive memory of their family member’s last days.”

The house has been named Angophora House to align with the end-of-life symbol and image of the Angophora tree used at Northern Sydney Local Health District hospitals, which also has cultural significance for First Nations people as an ascension tree for spirits.

The hospital’s volunteers, The Pink Ladies and Men Auxiliary assisted with the furnishing of the cottage.