The new Perth Children’s Hospital is on track to open at the end of this year, with authorities today giving a sneak peak into some of its facilities.
The hospital has experienced a number of delays and setbacks and initially was to open late last year.
The Health Department has released a video which provides a glimpse of the new $1.2 billion facility, with features such as an atrium, children’s play areas, and gardens on display.
WA Child and Adolescent. Health Service chief executive Frank Daly said more than 1,000 Princess Margaret Hospital staff had input into the design over the past two years.
“It [the design] uses the latest evidence in what is the best design for children who are sick, but also best recovery for families as well,” Professor Daly said.
“Things like access to natural light, open spaces and gardens, wards that are designed to be family friendly; you’ll see on the animation every in-patient bed has an accompanying parent’s bed to stay overnight.
“I think Western Australians can be incredibly proud of their hospital, not only is it one of the most advanced children’s hospitals in Australia, but also around the world.”
The hospital also features a lounge for Aboriginal patients and each in-patient level has a family lounge.
Professor Daly said the hospital was on schedule to open the first stage at the end of 2016 after experiencing a number of delays and setbacks.
He said staff as well as patients would appreciate features of the new facility.
“It is also going to be a fantastic place to work,” he said.
“Nowhere in the building are you going to be more than 15 metres from natural light, a view or a garden, so its going to feel open, alive and colourful,” he said.