THE Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service has officially opened the new palliative care room at Cherbourg Hospital, at a cost of $150,000.

DDHHS board chair Mike Horan revealed the room yesterday, which will provide comfortable facilities for patients receiving end-of-life care.

Mr Horan also revealed further announcements for Cherbourg and Murgon hospitals.

"The refurbishment of an area near the Cherbourg Hospital men's ward means there is now a more spacious palliative care room with better facilities including a kitchenette and visitors' lounge.

"Providing culturally appropriate care is a key focus of the board and we understand how important it can be to have family and friends close by at such a sad time, especially those who may have travelled considerable distances to pay their respects and provide support.

"The loss of a loved one is always a time of great sadness but we sincerely hope the new palliative care facilities go some way towards providing some much needed comfort at a difficult time."

Cherbourg Health Service Manager Ms Tarita Fisher said the new facilities would be greatly appreciated by families saying goodbye and going through the process of grieving.

"Our new palliative care facilities are a wonderful addition to the hospital and something that our community welcomes," she said.

"It's a great improvement, particularly with the addition of a separate space with plenty of room for family and friends to gather, and facilities to make a tea or coffee.

"It's also a more private facility, with entry either from inside the hospital, or via a separate entrance at the rear.