The new children's hospital building at Randwick has reached full height, with the milestone celebrated with a special rooftop event. 

The Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre (SCH1/MCCCC) will combine enhanced clinical, research and educational facilities, including a new neurosciences centre to support patients like Austin.  

In September 2022, Austin suffered a spontaneous spinal cord stroke while running, causing a rapid onset of paraplegia.

"I was at an athletics carnival and just finished my race. I was having a warm down, and I had a sudden pain," said Austin.

"It was really scary, and it was quite unexpected."  

"You've got to stay positive. There's always someone worse off than you; it's all you can do," Austin added.  

The now 15-year-old underwent almost two months of medical treatment and occupational and physical therapy, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which helped him reach an incredible milestone—being able to walk again.  

Ever thankful for Austin's treatment, the family said the enhanced facilities would greatly benefit families like theirs.   

"You end up living out of the hospital, so any added facilities, space, somewhere for the parents to shower, for your family to have a meal together, and outside green space would help with recovery," said Austin's mum Nerida.  

"We are lucky to have world-class healthcare practitioners, but when you give them world-class facilities, the level of healthcare delivery and research just goes to the next level," added Austin's dad, Craig.  

 

The neurosciences centre will give patients better access to evidence-based, research-driven care in a setting where clinicians, researchers and allied health teams collaborate.  

The 12-storey building is on track for completion in late 2025 and will include:  

• A new and enhanced children's intensive care unit  
• A new and larger children's emergency department  
• A new medical short-stay unit  
• A new virtual care centre and hospital command centre - KidsHQ  
• Inpatient units for medical, surgical and sleep studies  
• A day oncology centre and inpatient units, along with a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit  
• Co-located laboratories to support the Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre's research, education and training  
• A new children's hospital pharmacy  
• Improved parent amenities, including an Aboriginal Gathering Space and overnight and oncology bereavement rooms  
• Education and training spaces.  

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler joined NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park and other dignitaries for the traditional construction ceremony marking the building reaching full height.  

"This is about significantly improving health outcomes for kids and their families by offering them the highest level of care," said Mr Park.  

"There has been extensive consultation to develop this new building, with over 1,000 people involved, to ensure we deliver a space that feels like home to families facing their toughest times."  

 

The $658 million project has seen the Federal and NSW Governments partner with Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, including the Kids Cancer Centre, and UNSW Sydney. 

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, and Children's Cancer Institute have also made significant philanthropic contributions.