World-class paediatric facilities unveiled

The State Government today unveiled the new paediatric ward and playground at the $2billion Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH), providing the first look at facilities that will cater for children in Perth's south metropolitan area.

  • Government unveils dedicated paediatric facilities at new $2b Fiona Stanley Hospital

  • Includes 24-bed paediatric ward and five paediatric day surgery beds, as well as dedicated paediatric emergency area

  • $450,000 playground, donated by Brookfield Multiplex and subcontractors, adjoins paediatric ward

The State Government today unveiled the new paediatric ward and playground at the $2billion Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH), providing the first look at facilities that will cater for children in Perth's south metropolitan area.

As part of the State's commitment to providing high-quality health services closer to more families' homes, FSH will provide paediatric services from February 2015, as part of the phased opening of the new hospital.

Health Minister Kim Hames said FSH would employ a range of dedicated paediatric staff, including emergency paediatricians, enabling families to access critical care for children south of the river.

"FSH will deliver inpatient and outpatient services for children, with a dedicated 24-bed paediatric ward and five paediatric beds in its day surgery unit," Dr Hames said.

"FSH's emergency department will feature a separate entrance and treatment area designed specifically for children, which includes 10 acute bays and four short-stay beds in the paediatric area, and two dedicated paediatric bays in the trauma and resuscitation area.

"While the new $1.2billion Perth Children's Hospital will provide specialty medical treatment for the most serious paediatric medical cases, FSH will be one of six other public hospitals with dedicated paediatric facilities, so families can access high-quality healthcare closer to home." 

Key features of FSH's paediatric facilities include a therapy gym, an indoor play area and a parent's lounge.

Managing contractor, Brookfield Multiplex, and 35 of its subcontractor companies have also donated $450,000 for a new outdoor playground at FSH.  The playground adjoins the paediatric ward in a rooftop garden and will accommodate wheelchairs and hospital beds.

Created by Jeavons Landscape Architects of Melbourne, the playground has been designed to encourage exploration, imaginative play and social interaction.  It features colourful gardens, a wall mounted piano, boat, binoculars, stainless steel mirrors and artistic seating.

"I would like to sincerely thank Brookfield Multiplex and all of the sponsors of the outdoor paediatric playground at Fiona Stanley Hospital," the Minister said.

"The playground will provide children receiving medical care at FSH with a reprieve from their treatment, allowing them to immerse themselves in play and engage with other children at the hospital in an outdoor environment."

Dr Janine Spencer has been appointed as the head of paediatric medicine at FSH.

       Fact File

  • FSH is one of six public hospitals, including Midland Public Hospital, Joondalup Health Campus, Peel Health Campus, Armadale Kelmscott District Memorial Hospital and Rockingham General Hospital, with dedicated paediatric beds which will support the $1.2b 298-bed PCH

  • FSH will be opened progressively in a four-phased sequence that prioritises patient safety and care, beginning with the State rehabilitation service in October 2014.  More information on FSH at http://www.fsh.health.wa.gov.au

  • PCH will open in late 2015.  More information on PCH at http://www.newchildrenshospitalproject.health.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300