Write-up by Sanaz Memari, AHDC Committee Member. 

The site visit opened with an overview of the five-year redevelopment journey, highlighting the strong collaboration between clinicians, architects, builders, researchers, and the local Aboriginal community. 

The project team emphasised how early and sustained involvement from partners such as John Holland, BLP Architects, Health Infrastructure, consumer groups, and La Perouse community representatives shaped every design decision—from the building façade to the clinical model of care. This collaborative culture enabled difficult conversations, rigorous testing of ideas, and persistent advocacy for patient-centred priorities such as single rooms, improved visibility for nurses, integrated research spaces, and child- and family-friendly environments. The result is a purpose-built paediatric hospital that reflects the voices of children, families, and staff, delivered on time and on budget despite the complexity of the broader precinct and parallel projects.

The tour began in the newly designed single-patient rooms, all standardised to feel more like home than a hospital. Key features included neutral décor for personalisation, parent zones with movable furniture, integrated entertainment and food-ordering systems, disability-friendly layouts, and ensuite bathrooms. 

From there, the group moved through therapy and recreation areas: a flexible multipurpose therapy room, a dedicated adolescent rec room with gaming and lounge spaces, and a balcony enclosed with mesh for safety—an important design decision that ultimately encouraged frequent family use. 

The visit continued into the intensive care unit, where every child now has a private room, including negative-pressure rooms, with improved privacy, space for families to stay overnight, and sliding-door configurations that support different care models.

The tour then shifted to operational and clinical support spaces, including a simulation-capable patient room, medication rooms, and automated dispensing cabinets that streamline access to paediatric-specific medications and support safer, more efficient workflows. 

The final stop was the outdoor playground—an intentionally bold departure from traditional “sensory garden” designs. Created after strong advocacy from staff and families, the playground provides a joyful, stress-relieving environment for patients, siblings, and staff, and has become one of the most valued features of the new facility.

Special thanks to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and Health Infrastructure for supporting the Australian Health Design Council in organising this exclusive site visit for our members. 

We also extend our sincere thanks to our generous hosts and contributors: Cathy Lovell (Sydney Children’s Hospital), Elise Miller (Health Infrastructure NSW), Tara Veldman (BLP Architects), Michael Wylie (John Holland), and Karen Height (AHDC Events Subcommittee rep on the day); along with the many others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this site visit such a success.