The NSW Government will establish the hospice, the second of its kind in the state, to provide a home-like environment where children can receive respite, symptom management, and end of life care.
Located in Western Sydney, the geographical heart of Sydney, and situated within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the new hospice will be called “Mounties Care Cottage” and will support families from across NSW. The hospice is inspired by Sydney boy, Rio Fowler, and the work of Rio’s Legacy.
The Minns Labor Government will contribute more than $20 million. The Mounties Group will contribute $13M over 10 years to the project, through Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. The gift marks the largest, single contribution SCHF has ever received.
Rio was diagnosed with a rare and terminal condition called arterial vasculopathy disease at 16-months-old. Rio and his family spent time at the children’s hospice, Bear Cottage in Manly, part of Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (SCHN), for end-of-life care before he died in 2018.
Following his death, Rio’s parents, Ryan and Karen founded Rio’s Legacy, a charity dedicated to supporting families and children with life-limiting conditions and advocating for services like Bear Cottage.
Mounties Care Cottage will provide spaces for families to connect and relax, including an onsite kitchen and dining area. It will have direct private access to nearby gardens and play areas.
It will also connect with other paediatric health services across The Children’s Hospital at Westmead campus, including oncology, neurology and intensive care, allowing patients access to efficient and patient centred care.
The new hospice will build on the comprehensive and supportive care Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) offers through Bear Cottage and will offer care to families from across NSW.
As an additional service integrated into SCHN, Mounties Care Cottage will offer families an increased choice when facing life-limiting illnesses and navigating difficult healthcare periods for their loved ones.
Minister for Health, Ryan Park said: “This is an incredibly important project for Western Sydney, which will provide a crucial support for children and their families from the local area, and beyond.
“Mounties Care Cottage in western Sydney will be an important part of this service network for children and families, offering increased choice for families across the state during what will be a very difficult time in their lives.”
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said: “Providing this service here in Westmead will enable local families to be closer to extended family and support networks. As with all projects of this nature, local community input will be crucial in ensuring that the new hospice truly meets the needs of the people it is intended to support.”
