Opening ceremony marks completion of WA's first children's hospice
Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of Sandcastles (Boodja Mia)
An opening ceremony at WA's first children's hospice, Sandcastles (Boodja Mia), was held today, marking a major milestone for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Following 21 months of construction, the $38.6 million project, led by Perth Children's Hospital Foundation (PCHF), will soon open its doors to welcome its first families.
The ribbon was cut by ambassador parent Jules Lake and her daughter Téa, alongside Health Minister Hon. Meredith Hammat, PCHF Chairman the Hon. Ian Campbell AM and PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson in front of close to 200 guests, including families, Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) staff, government representatives, supporters, project partners and members of the Swanbourne community.
For the Lake family, Sandcastles will offer specialist care and support in a purpose-built environment specially designed to meet the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Jules' daughter Téa has a rare genetic condition called MIC-CAP, characterised by multiple daily seizures. Téa is one of only 20 people known to have the condition worldwide and the only person in Australia.
"Téa is a beautiful, funny, strong and determined young lady. Our life can look very different from most families, and we've become very familiar with hospitals, uncertainty and nights when you don't know what the next morning will bring".
"When we toured Sandcastles, what struck me was how different it felt from a hospital. While it has all the necessary facilities, it's warm, bright, spacious and peaceful, and designed with the whole family in mind".
"For families like ours, something as simple as a shower, a meal together, a sleep-in or a few hours without being on constant alert can make the difference between coping and not coping".
"That's exactly why Sandcastles is needed. Illness doesn't wait for special occasions, and Sandcastles gives families another option – somewhere between home and hospital, where children can access expert medical care while families can still be families."
The seven-bed hospice is surrounded by natural bushland with sweeping views of Swanbourne Beach and has been designed to feel more like a home than a healthcare facility. The purpose-built space includes three family suites, shared kitchen and dining spaces, lounge areas, playrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, gardens, outdoor play spaces and a dedicated area for teenagers.
Thoughtful design features include public façade artwork by Noongar Elder Barry McGuire, warm timber finishes, native gardens and locally sourced limestone.
Clinically operated by CAHS, Sandcastles will provide specialist care, symptom management and end-of-life care, alongside respite, family and bereavement support for children up to 18 years of age and their families across Western Australia, including those in metropolitan, regional and rural areas.
Families under the care of the Paediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Service (PPCHS) will be able to access Sandcastles free of charge, with stays ranging from overnight visits to extended stays of up to three weeks.
Sandcastles will welcome children and families in stages, beginning with selected daytime experiences and activities before overnight stays commence.
Families receiving care through the PPCHS have been helping test and shape the Sandcastles experience, sharing valuable feedback to help ensure the hospice is ready to welcome children and families soon.
Also on site for the opening ceremony was Sandcastles' resident black labrador, Bella. Funded by Petbarn Foundation and specially trained over three years as a therapy dog, Bella will help children and families feel safe, settled and reassured during their stay.