Hannah’s House welcomes the State Government’s $21 million commitment to the operation of WA’s first children’s hospice – and is pleased to be part of discussions surrounding the service, which will bring to life the dream of the Perth not-for-profit’s founders.
Construction of the Sandcastles Children’s Hospice (Boodja Mia) – which is being funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) and will be operated by WA’s Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) – in Swanbourne is due to be completed this year.
Board Chair Anne McCormack said Hannah’s House, which provides specialised in-home, school and community support for children with complex and life-limiting health needs, was delighted with the funding announcement.
“This commitment represents a tangible step forward in defining how Sandcastles will operate, and the experience families can expect.
“The opportunity before all the parties involved in making this a reality is for WA to create a very special space that utilises the community of providers in WA, and feels home-like to everyone who visits,” said Ms McCormack.
“Having been positively engaging with the Foundation and CAHS for several years, Hannah’s House stands ready as a community partner to bring our expertise in caring for and providing comfort and joy to children with life-limiting and complex conditions and their families to Sandcastles.”
WA’s children’s hospice is not only about palliative care but also respite care, providing a crucial home away from home for children like those Hannah’s House support, allowing exhausted parents to rest, recharge and care for other family members in their own space knowing their children are safe and entertained.
Hannah’s House was founded by Perth parents Martin Watson and Jacky Vigurs whose daughter, Hannah, was born with a rare condition that required round-the-clock care.
After visiting a children’s hospice in Manchester in 1996 and experiencing the great sense of community where problems and the relentless care of a dependent or sick child could be shared, and friendship and support offered in a practical way, the couple dreamed of setting up a children’s hospice in WA.
In 1999, they established the Children’s Hospice Association, which in 2008 became Hannah’s House.
“Before Hannah died in 2010 at the age of 19, she – like many children with complex needs in WA – was cared for at home full time, with many visits to hospital along the way,” explained Ms Vigurs.
“While we are so grateful for the support we received and extremely proud of the in-home care Hannah’s House delivers, Martin and I always dreamed of having the house to ourselves for short periods while Hannah was comprehensively looked after out of home, but in a place that wasn’t a hospital.
“We know many families like ours feel the same, so it’s wonderful this hospice will finally provide that option for those who need it during extraordinarily challenging times.”
Sandcastles, which has been designed to be warm and welcoming, will have seven home-like guest bedrooms, a bereavement suite, three family suites, therapeutic rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and family spaces.
It will also provide outreach and family support services for families across WA, and through engaging with and listening to the families and providers like Hannah’s House, will be able to design additional services that suit the needs of the little ones and their families.