A grassroots community campaign to expand palliative care services at Tamworth hospital is about to yield concrete results.

On Wednesday, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park turned the first sod on the upgrade of the Nioka Palliative Care Unit , in what he described as "a home away from home for patients and family who are going through a palliative care journey".

"Palliative care is truly some of the most important work that we do in the NSW health system," the minister said.

"I think it matters even more so to regional communities, because where we come from really is a part of who we are."

The upgrade will double the number of beds to 12, will incorporate new green space and guest accommodation for patients' families, and is part of the NSW government's $93 million 'World Class End of L

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