A new Children’s hospice will be established within the Children’s Hospital at Westmead to support children and young people with life-limiting illness and their families across the state.
The second of its kind in NSW, the hospice will provide a home-like environment where children can receive respite, symptom management, and end of life care.
The NSW Government will contribute more than $20 million. The Mounties Group, a Profit For Purpose organisation dedicated to improving the lives of its members, will contribute $13 million over 10 years through the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. This marks the largest, single contribution the foundation has received.
To be called “Mounties Care Cottage”, the legacy of Sydney boy, Rio Fowler and his work is the inspiration behind the hospice.
When he was 16-months-old, Rio was diagnosed with arterial vasculopathy disease, a rare and terminal condition which saw him spend time in the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network for end-of-life care before his passing.
Rio’s parents, Ryan and Karen founded Rio’s Legacy, a charity dedicated to support families and children with life-limiting conditions and advocate for services like Bear Cottage in Manly, where Rio spent his time.
Mounties Care College will connect with other paediatric health services across the Children’s Hospital at Westmead campus to allow for comprehensive and supportive care.
Planning and design for the dedicated paediatric hospice is set to commence this year.
Pictured below: Ryan and Karen Fowler at the announcement.
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