- Western Australia's first children's hospice will be named Boodja Mia (Sandcastles)
- Today marked the start of the construction with the location in Swanbourne offering a 'home away from home' for WA children with life-limiting conditions and their families
- Boodja Mia is expected to open in late 2025
Western Australia's first purpose-built paediatric hospice will be named Boodja Mia (Sandcastles) - an ode to the natural surrounds of the children's hospice.
Construction has started on the Swanbourne centre that will provide around-the-clock clinical support, end-of-life care, bereavement support and respite accommodation for families across Western Australia.
The Children's Hospice project is a partnership between the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) and Perth Children's Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
Funding for the project has been provided by the State and Federal Governments and generous donations secured by PCHF from Lotterywest, the WA community and local businesses.
Boodja Mia will have seven single-guest bedrooms with ensuite, one two-bedroom family suite with ensuite and connection to a guest bedroom, two two-bedroom family suites with ensuite and private terrace, and one bereavement suite with a private car bay.
It will also have a hydrotherapy pool, fenced playground and garden spaces with a memorial garden, indoor play areas, communal living and dining areas, therapy and clinical spaces and meeting rooms.
Enabling works will begin in coming weeks, with main works to commence in April 2024. Boodja Mia is expected to open in late 2025.
The budgeted cost for the build and fit-out of Boodja Mia is estimated at around $34 million.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Today marks a significant day as we begin construction on the State's first ever children's hospice - Boodja Mia.
"My Government is proud to be supporting the first and only purpose-built facility providing respite and palliative care for Western Australian children.
"Boodja Mia will support WA families going through what is the most challenging journey."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Boodja Mia will provide support for families during their toughest times and will be the central hub from which State-wide paediatric palliative care services are coordinated.
"The facility will be a 'home away from home' and provide holistic care for children with a life-limiting condition.
"These services will help Western Australian children and their families, and I look forward to seeing this important facility complete."
