- 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.
Comments attributed to 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."
Comments attributed to 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."
Comments attributed to 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."
Comments attributed to 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."
