Sydney Children's Hospital Stage 1 and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre

As a parent of a patient in the existing oncology ward at Randwick, an on reviewing the architectural plans on exhibition, I feel that there is inadequate external space for long stay patients, parents and families in the new ward. The plans should show external access to L06 external terrace.
The Vision for the SCH1/ CCCC Project states there are number of project objectives were also developed during the Masterplanning Phase as follows: ̛ Promoting family togetherness and ensuring children’s and families’ wellbeing; ̛ Leading clinical services and innovative models of care ̛ Integrating research; education and partnerships through collaboration; ̛ Attracting global talent and promoting a future-ready workforce; ̛ Achieving sustainable, effective and future-focused outcomes.
While the design meets most objectives specifically improves the size of the facility and the integration of research, (I commend the CCI, UNSW, Hospital, HINSW and government for its investment) the project currently looks to be falling short of world class “Promoting family togetherness and ensuring children’s and families’ Wellbeing" as there is no access to southern external balconies shown on the plans. The sole external space for the oncology ward is smaller on a per patient ratio, perhaps smaller overall, than the existing.
The Project principles also include “4. Wellbeing Achieve an environment which is safe for all and which promotes healing and contributes to improved health outcomes. Ensure the wellbeing of all children, families, staff and visitors particularly through excellent access to green space, fresh air and daylight.”
There is nothing more helpful than having space to build connections in a ward where the other patients and families understand what you are going through. Privacy helps these discussions.
This is a ward that which at full capacity will have over 14,000 patient and parent nights accommodation, very often patients spend over a month in the ward.
The Architectural Design statement says, “This will create a ‘greened’ surround to this focal centre of the entire built form. It will also allow internal users at each level visual access to visual and physical green as the move up and through the building." However to support the principle of the building, Wellbeing, improved or additional external access to external spaces should be considered to allow for respite of more patients, parents and families. The current balcony for Oncology L06, is small for a 40 bed/family oncology ward.
External space for patients, parents and families who spend months and months in the hospital, particularly the oncology ward, is limited to a small balcony off the ward.
The description of the Landscape on Outdoor terraces in the architectural design report says, access will be provided however there are no doors shown to access this.
Feedback in the documents on exhibition from Session 3 Third Review - HI SDRP SESSION #01- 10.02.21 says “Provide details on the location, access and amenity of outdoor spaces to the upper levels of the building. No floor plans to the upper levels were provided”; the Answer is in meeting 3 “More detail regarding outdoor spaces to upper floors will be presented at the next SDRP session. Refer to the Architectural drawing package for all floor plans, including outdoor terraces." And in meeting 4, “The SDRP# 4 session related to issues specifically looking at the architecture and associated facade design. The advice letter reflected these discussions. Issues outside of this ‘architecture and façade’ review were included from the previous session as they were considered still relevant. Refer to the responses provided as part of Session 3 Third Review - SDRP#01 - 10.02.21, Section Master Plan/ Landscaping”, which is confusing and appears to be a circular reference.
The plans supporting do not yet detail access to L06 balcony to support the principle of wellness to patients, parents and families who's children are being treated for cancer in the L06 oncology ward.
As a parent of a child who has been treated for cancer, who has spent 320 nights in the hospital, we would like to see the oncology ward social spaces meet the projects aspiration of being world class in Wellness for all.

Please see attached TfSNW response.

A copy of the TfNSW response letter is attached.

Letter with comments uploaded

Please see letter attached

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Please note this is a draft submission and may be subject to changes following the Council meeting on Tuesday 29 June 2021. Council will provide a final submission following this meeting.

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Updated No Comment letter submitted.