Family togetherness at the forefront of new hospital building design
The new Paediatric Services Building (PSB) as part of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW), will offer additional family accommodation near the cardiac and critical care inpatient units, enabling more parents and carers to remain close to their child.
The new level nine facilities, operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHC GWS), will provide accommodation for 10 additional families every night and offer holistic programs and services such as learning activities, entertainment, and counseling.
Claire Barber, Chief Executive Officer of RMHC GWS, explained the benefit of having family accommodation in the new hospital building.
"(Our) 60-room House on the grounds of CHW operates at capacity for most of the year, and our services and support are always in high demand,� Ms Barber said.
“This additional House within the PSB will allow us to increase our capacity to support families with seriously sick or injured kids, particularly local families.�
In addition to onsite accommodation, kitchen facilities will be available, where families can prepare meals and share communal areas such as living rooms, dining area, and an outdoor terrace.
The impact of having a home away from home for families when children are undergoing treatment can be life changing.
"Without everyone at the Ronald McDonald House, we would not be where we are today," a RMHC parent said.
"I don’t think I would have come out of it as well without them. The love, kindness, laughter, and moments shared have been enough to see us through some of our darkest days."
Since RMHC GWS opened its doors in 1981, they have supported more than 17,000 families in the House, equating to well over 200,000 nights of accommodation, saving families around $40 million in potential accommodation costs alone.
Beyond the physical spaces, RMHC considers a comprehensive approach to care for the entire family unit.
"Our holistic health and wellbeing programs mean families are cared for and supported throughout their journey, not only addressing practical needs, like a place to sleep close to the hospital, but considering a range of physical, emotional, and social needs,� said Ms Barber.
SCHN Director Allied Health and board member for RMHC GWS, Bobbi Henao Urrego, said in a paediatric setting “considering the health and wellbeing of the whole family means the care of the child is being optimised.�
“It is when we ensure the core foundations of families are met, they can focus their energy where it needs to be placed,� said Ms Henao Urrego.
The 14-storey PSB will boast family spaces throughout the entire hospital, including single-patient bedrooms with an ensuite and care zone, parent hubs and multipurpose spaces, greater outdoor access, playgrounds, and improved retail amenities.
Construction continues for the PSB and is close to reaching its highest structural point. The building, along with the new RMHC family accommodation unit will be open in 2026. The redevelopment team is continuing to work on the service operating model to fully operationalise the space.