PCWA welcomes construction start of Perth children’s hospice

Palliative Care WA has welcomed the start of construction of Western Australia’s first purpose-built paediatric hospice – Boodja Mia (Sandcastles).

Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, along with Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Ian Campbell and Carrick Robinson, turned the first sod on Thursday 8 February at the Swanbourne centre that will provide around-the-clock clinical support, end-of-life care, bereavement support and respite accommodation for families across Western Australia.

The Children’s Hospice project is a partnership between the Child and Adolescent Health Service(CAHS) and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).

Funding for the project has been provided by the State and Federal Governments and generous donations secured by PCHF from Lotterywest, the WA community and local businesses.

Boodja Mia 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.

Enabling works have begun and main works will commence in April 2024. Boodja Mia is expected to open in late 2025.

The budgeted cost for the build and fit-out of Boodja Mia is estimated at around $34 million.