Construction complete on WA’s first children’s hospice
Construction of Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children's Hospice is now complete, marking a major milestone in the delivery of Western Australia's first purpose-built paediatric hospice which has now entered the commissioning phase in preparation to welcome its first families in October.
Located in Swanbourne, Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) will provide a home away from home for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families, offering around-the-clock specialist clinical care, end-of-life care, bereavement support and palliative respite accommodation for families across Western Australia.
Designed to be welcoming, comfortable and family centred, the hospice features seven guest bedrooms with ensuites, three family suites, including private outdoor areas, and a dedicated bereavement suite with private access.
Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) also incorporates a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and therapeutic spaces, shared living and dining spaces, an assisted bathroom, indoor and outdoor play areas, a memorial garden, alongside dedicated clinical and support areas.
The $38.6 million project was made possible through a partnership between the State Government, the Commonwealth Government and generous donations secured by PCHF, Lotterywest, a variety of corporate donors, and the wider Western Australian community.
The State Government has allocated more than $20 million to the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) to support the commissioning and ongoing clinical operation, with Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) supporting some of the non-clinical functions.
Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children’s Hospice will be operated by CAHS and cater to children aged up to 18 and their families who are under the care of their Paediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Service.
To support the new service, CAHS has recruited approximately 50 additional staff from WA, interstate and overseas. The multidisciplinary workforce includes nurses, medical staff, allied health professionals, family support practitioners and support staff who will provide holistic care tailored to the needs of children and families. A dedicated volunteer workforce will also play an important role in creating a welcoming environment.
Through PCHF, families staying at Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) will also have access to experiences and activities designed to support connection, create lasting memories and foster a sense of home, including sibling support, excursions, special events and shared family meals.
As Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) moves closer to opening, it represents the fulfilment of a vision shared by families, clinicians, supporters and the wider community over many years. Together, we look forward to welcoming children and families to a place where they can access expert care, find comfort and support, and spend meaningful time together in a home-away-from-home environment.