A new children’s hospice will be built in Western Sydney within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead to support children and young people with life-limiting illness and their families.

The Minns Labor Government will contribute more than $20 million to 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.

“This is an incredibly important project for Western Sydney, offering increased choice for families across the state during what will be a very difficult time in their lives,” Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health, said.

The Mounties Group will also contribute $13 million over 10 years to the project, through Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, marking the largest, single contribution SCHF has ever received.

“Philanthropy plays a vital role in paediatric palliative care, supporting families beyond the clinical and Mounties Group’s $13 million gift show what’s possible when philanthropy, community and government come together,” Kristina Keneally, Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, said. 

Inspired by Sydney boy, Rio Fowler, and the work of Rio’s Legacy, the new hospice will be called “Mounties Care Cottage” and will be situated within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

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.

"As a bereaved father, championing these extraordinary children, their stories, and supporting families facing the unimaginable challenge of living with a child with a life-limiting illness has been the driving force behind our efforts." 

"It’s truly humbling to witness the support of so many people coming together to bring such a place to life," Ryan Fowler, Rio's dad, said.

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.

“It is a privilege to be able to offer a second dedicated paediatric hospice to support children, young people, and their families in their greatest time of need," Cathryn Cox, Chief Executive of Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, said. 

“We are committed to working closely with staff and families to create an environment where patients can enjoy time together with their loved ones while receiving the best possible care.”

The new hospice will build on the comprehensive and supportive care Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network 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.

"Mounties Care Cottage will truly make a difference in these families' lives by providing a peaceful environment where they can stay together as they go through these extremely difficult moments, close to the local creature comforts they love," Dale Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of Mounties Group, said.

Planning and design for the dedicated paediatric hospice is set to commence this year.