Laying the foundations of WA’s first children’s hospice.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Laying the foundations of WA’s first children’s hospice.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
This month marks a major milestone in the construction of Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) – WA’s first ever children’s hospice.
We’re excited to share that the first two concrete slabs have now been poured, forming the foundation of the basement area. This is the beginning of what will become a purpose-built sanctuary of care, comfort and connection for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
To date, 80 cubic metres of concrete – the equivalent of 16 truckloads – was poured to form the base of the basement level. Watch the progress unfold:
Once complete, the basement will include:
- Parking for families and staff, with EV charging, ACROD access, motorcycle and bus bays
- A secure bike store and staff end-of-trip facilities
- Dedicated storage for medical gas and oxygen, plus a guest laundry
- Lift access, rubbish disposal areas, and the pump room for the hydrotherapy pool
Another concrete pour is just around the corner, marking the beginning of the foundation for the hospice’s ground floor. Stay tuned for more exciting updates.
Inspired by the natural therapy of sun, sea, sand, and ocean air, Sandcastles will offer specialist respite and end-of-life care for children and their families – giving them a warm, welcoming place to create memories, and feel supported while still receiving hospital quality care.
More than 2,000 children in WA live with life-limiting conditions. Behind each child is a family – parents, siblings, grandparents – navigating the unimaginable. Families like the Bakkers.
Their daughter Fleur, who sadly passed away in August 2022, had dreamed of seeing Sandcastles become a reality.
“Fleur loved the beach, this was one of her happy places. We went quite often to see the beach, making sandcastles. So the name (of the hospice) is amazing for us. To see that it’s being built close to the beach was a dream for her. And it’s finally happening,” – Miranda Bakker, Fleur’s mum.
Visit WA’s first Children’s Hospice to:
- View timelapse videos and follow construction updates
- Donate or learn how your business can support through our Value in Kind Donation Program
Sandcastles Children’s Hospice is funded by PCHF thanks to generous contributions from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Cancer Council Western Australia via a generous bequest from the late John Street, Minderoo Foundation, Lotterywest, Australian Government and the WA community.
Thanks to the generous support of the development team – Hassell, Hesperia, Encon, and construction partner West to West Group. Ongoing clinical operations will be supported by the Government of Western Australia through the Child and Adolescent Health Service.
