FIRST PATIENT WELCOMED AT MANLY ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT HOSPICE

The Australian-first Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) in Manly has welcomed its first patient this month.

Twenty-year-old Jamieson Leeson is spending two weeks at the new waterfront AYAH where she is receiving holistic and specialised respite care.

A former patient of Bear Cottage Jamieson knows just how important the care and respite services provided at the AYAH are.

“It is very important for young people needing hospice care, but also for those in situations like me that have grown out of Bear Cottage and need respite care where they can spend time with their family,” Ms Leeson said.

Jamieson, who is a Paralympian boccia player and currently studying a Bachelor of Economics at the University of New South Wales, said being a teenager or a young adult can be a tricky time in life.

“It is so great for people like me to have a place like this to meet others and be supported with their illness,” Ms Leeson said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin extended a warm welcome to the hospice’s first patient.

Mr Griffin said it was surreal meeting the first patient after years of planning and construction.

“The Manly community have supported this project from the very beginning, and to welcome the first patient is incredibly special,” Mr Griffin said.

“The beautiful location on the former Manly Hospital site now provides patients and families with a tranquil space at some of the most difficult of times.”

"Meeting Jamieson, the very first patient to receive care at the Manly hospice, it has been wonderful to hear first-hand about her positive experience so far, as well as her involvement on the interview panel to recruit key members of staff.”

Minister Hazzard said the new facility is now open to provide care to residents from across NSW.