Progress on Prince Edward Island's new stand-alone palliative care centre is underway, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Doug Currie said.

The design concept has recently been finished and tenders for the new buildings will be issued in the fall. Constructed adjacent to the Sherwood Home in Charlottetown, the facility will incorporate services such as a day program, respite services, an outpatient clinic and a 10-bed palliative care unit. The design also includes a common room that will serve as a gathering place, kitchen and family room.

The centre and its programs will be tailored to meet the needs of patients and their families. For example, patients may want to stay at the centre during the day but return home with their families during the evening and overnight.

"This centre will meet the needs identified by Islanders and their families, as well as community partners such as the Hospice Palliative Care Association of P.E.I," said Currie. "I'm confident this new facility will benefit patients, families and health-care workers."

Approximately $5.2 million is being invested in the facility. Constructed is expected to be completed in early fall 2014, with patients moving in later that fall. The palliative care unit in the Prince Edward Home will close when the new facility opens.