Artist's impressions showcasing the new paediatric hospice at The Children's Hospital at Westmead have been unveiled, providing a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities.
The Western Sydney Paediatric Hospice, the second of its kind in the state, will be established to support children and young people with life‑limiting illnesses and their families following a $22.3 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.
The new images depict welcoming individual patient bedrooms which provide privacy and offer a relaxing space to rest, communal play spaces filled with natural light and outdoor areas for patients and their families.
The new facility will build on the comprehensive care the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN) offers through Bear Cottage to support families with more care options when facing life-limiting illnesses and navigating complex healthcare periods.
Families who have received respite and end-of-life care, and clinicians, have been integral to the design development, working closely with Health Infrastructure and SCHN project teams.
The vision of the family-centred design is to create a sanctuary in nature that feels like home.
Key features include:
- homely family suites that allow parents, carers and siblings to stay with the child requiring care
- light-filled, flexible living spaces where families can spend time together
- private nooks and quiet spaces for reflection, or for parents and carers to work remotely
- outdoor spaces and landscaped gardens
- play areas with deep consideration for siblings to connect
- a large communal dining area to encourage family connections
- a welcoming entrance to promote a calm arrival experience.
The development of the hospice was inspired by Sydney boy, Rio Fowler, and the work of Rio's Legacy. Rio was diagnosed with a rare terminal condition at 16 months old and received end‑of‑life care at Bear Cottage before he passed away in 2018.
Rio's parents, alongside other families, will remain actively involved in the project, working in close collaboration with staff throughout the planning and design process.
Construction timeframes for the new hospice will be confirmed following further planning and the appointment of a builder.
The Western Sydney Paediatric Hospice is being delivered as part of a broader investment from the Minns Government in Western Sydney hospitals, which includes the delivery of Rouse Hill Hospital, the new Bankstown Hospital, and additional beds at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals.
For more information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-infrastructure-projects/western-sydney-paediatric-hospice
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This investment will ensure more families can access the care and support they need at an incredibly difficult time.
"I am delighted to see the design of this significant project take shape, with patients and their families at the heart of the development.
"I want to thank all the staff and families for their ongoing contribution as the new hospice at The Children's Hospital Westmead continues to take shape. This family centred design will ensure we can deliver the best care and support possible in a home-like environment."
Quotes attributable to Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:
"Purposefully located to support families from across the state, the hospice will provide specialised care for children with life‑limiting illnesses, alongside vital respite, comfort and support for their families.
"The new facility will include welcoming spaces for families to connect and rest, including lounge and dining areas, recreational spaces, and access to private outdoor areas for play or quiet reflection."
Quotes attributable to Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Executive Director Clinical Operations, Dr Joanne Ging
"The unveiling of these designs is an important step forward in delivering a paediatric hospice that is thoughtfully shaped around the needs of children, young people and their families.
"As the design progresses, our teams are working closely together to help develop a new model of care that will complement and strengthen the paediatric palliative care services already provided across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network."
