Planning to deliver the state's second dedicated paediatric hospice has taken a key step forward, following the appointment of the design team for the new facility, which will be built at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.
The Minns Government is investing $22.3 million to deliver the new hospice, which will support children and young people with life limiting illnesses, as well as their families within a home-like environment.
To be known as, 'Mounties Care Cottage', the Mounties Group is also contributing $13 million over 10 years to the new service, through the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
The design team includes RP Infrastructure Pty Ltd (Project Manager), Billard Leece Partners Pty Ltd (Architect) and Arup Pty Ltd (Engineer), who were appointed following a competitive tender process.
The design team will work with Health Infrastructure, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and stakeholders, including staff and consumers in the coming months to identify the key clinical service priorities and help shape planning for the new paediatric hospice.
The new hospice is inspired by Sydney boy, Rio Fowler, and the work of Rio's Legacy.
Rio Fowler was diagnosed with a rare and terminal condition called arterial vasculopathy disease at 16 months old. Rio and his family spent time at the children's hospice, Bear Cottage in Manly, part of Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, for end-of-life care before he died in 2018.
Following his death, Rio's parents, Ryan and Karen founded Rio's Legacy, a charity dedicated to supporting families and children with life-limiting conditions and advocating for services like Bear Cottage.
Construction timeframes of Mounties Care Cottage will be confirmed following planning and the appointment of a builder.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This is a special project, and I am delighted to see it progressing.
"The appointment of the design team means we can get on with the job of delivering this important new facility, which will support children and their families across NSW.
"The new paediatric hospice in Western Sydney will build on the comprehensive and supportive care Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN) currently offers, to give more families access to an incredibly important service during what can be a very difficult time in their lives.
Quotes attributable to Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:
"We're looking forward to seeing plans take shape for this much needed facility in Western Sydney.
"Mounties Care Cottage will care for children with life-limiting illnesses and provide support to families.
"The new paediatric hospice facility is only the second of its kind in NSW. It will provide spaces for families to connect and relax including direct private access to play areas and an outdoor garden."
Quotes attributed to Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Chief Executive, Cathryn Cox PSM
"We look forward to progressing this project and collaborating with the design team to deliver a home-like environment within the hospital, specifically tailored to the needs of children with life-limiting illness and their families."
