New veteran-family live-in digs at Concord hospital

Veterans and their families will have improved access to health care with the opening of Fussell House at Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney today.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the 19 room residential accommodation facility was available to current and former ADF personnel and their families as they access comprehensive mental and physical health services at the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare (NCVH).

“Fussell House is named after 25-year-old Lieutenant Michael Fussell who was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was killed in action by an improvised explosive device,” Mr Chester said.

“We can never fully repay the debt we owe to Lieutenant Fussell, but this facility will provide an enduring way for us all to honour his memory and sacrifice for our nation in ongoing support of our veterans and their families.

“I am proud to open this facility, which was made possible by a $6.7 million investment from the government in our ongoing commitment to [veteran health and wellbeing].”

Fussell House provides veterans and their families from across Australia with a home away from home at Concord as they access the care and support they need.

The facility offers private and shared spaces and includes family suites, individual rooms, family lounge areas, kitchen, laundry and utility rooms and outdoor BBQ area.

NCVH is operated by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals at Concord Repatriation General Hospital and offers a unique model of care, integrating a range of specialist outpatient services for mental and physical health and rehabilitation to assess, manage, treat and support the health and wellbeing needs of veterans.

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Veterans James Griffin said the NCVH would relocate into a new $341 million clinical-services building expected to open at Concord later this year.

“Providing on-site accommodation will be a key component of the NCVH as it will support the treatment for veterans and their families including those residing outside of metropolitan Sydney,” Mr Griffin said.

Federal Member for Reid Fiona Martin said Concord Repatriation General Hospital had a proud history of serving Australia’s veterans and their families and Fussell House marked a new chapter in that history.

“Fussell House is integral to the support available at the NCVH and ensures our families have a dedicated space to call home while veterans are receiving the treatment they need,” Dr Martin said.

“Fussell House and the NCVH will benefit veterans and their families across Australia for generations to come.”

For more information and details about how to access the services offered by NCVH, visit ncvhconcord.com.au

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