- Western Australian Planning Commission approves Children's Hospice through State's significant development pathway
- Hospice will be WA's first and only purpose-built facility providing respite and palliative care for children
- Location in Swanbourne offers 'home away from home' setting for WA children with life-limiting conditions and their families
The Cook Government has welcomed planning approval for Western Australia's long anticipated first hospice and respite care facility for children and their families.
The Children's Hospice development was approved today by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) through the State Government's significant development pathway.
The centre will be the first purpose-built paediatric hospice in WA and provide care to children with life-limiting conditions who need around-the-clock clinical support or end-of-life and bereavement care and respite accommodation for families throughout WA.
The Children's Hospice project is a partnership between the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) and Perth Children's Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
The current project estimate is $33 million, including funding provided by the State and Federal Governments and generous donations secured by PCHF from Lotterywest, the WA community and local businesses.
The hospice 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.
The significant development unit within the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage spent 18 months working with the applicant's consultants to resolve land use issues and address potential bushfire risks before recommending the WAPC approve the proposal.
The plans were supported by the State Design Review Panel which commended the development's high level of design quality, prioritisation of connections between indoor and outdoor spaces and outlook to the broader site and views, and commitment to Aboriginal cultural engagement.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government welcomes the Western Australian Planning Commission's approval of the new Children's Hospice and this is a tremendous outcome for all Western Australians.
"This beautifully designed and situated hospice will make a tremendous difference to the West Australian families going through what is the most challenging of journeys.
"I am looking forward to seeing this important facility complete and supporting children, their parents, siblings and other loved ones and providing them comfort."
As stated by Planning Minister John Carey:
"As Planning Minister, I welcome the WAPC's decision.
"This is an example of a State-significant proposal that can seek approval through a central referral process, across government agencies to assist with streamlined decision making.
"This is a great outcome for Western Australians and the new children's hospice will make a huge difference to many WA families."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This is an opportunity to support families through their toughest time.
"The hospice will be the central hub from which Statewide paediatric palliative care services are coordinated to support holistic care for children and their families across WA."
As stated by Nedlands MLA Katrina Stratton:
"I am delighted by today's decision, one that has resounding local community support.
"Hundreds of people signed my open letter, letting children and families know they would find a welcoming and compassionate community as they face the very worst of times.
"Today's decision reaffirms the essential role the hospice will play in meeting the needs of WA children and their families."
