Final concrete poured at Perth Children’s Hospital

A traditional topping-out ceremony was held today at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) to celebrate completion of the building’s structure, with the $1.2billion project on time and on budget.

A commemorative tuart tree was lowered by crane on to the spot where the final concrete was poured to recognise the construction milestone.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the ceremony signified an important step towards the opening of the State’s new dedicated paediatric hospital expected in late 2015.

“It’s exciting to see Perth Children’s Hospital taking shape with the structure now complete and the building reaching its full height,” Dr Hames said.

“We’ll now see the completion of the external facade and the start of the internal fit-out, which is what will turn this building into one of the best paediatric hospitals in the world, combining leading-edge technology and medical equipment with family-friendly design.”

PCH will be supported by six other public hospitals – Fiona Stanley Hospital, Midland Public Hospital, Joondalup Health Campus, Peel Health Campus, Armadale Kelmscott Memorial Hospital and Rockingham General Hospital – all with dedicated paediatric beds.

“PCH is part of the bigger picture for health and the State Government’s plan to deliver accessible, high-quality health care for children and adolescents in the suburbs closer to where patients live. It will be the central hub for tertiary paediatric care, with Fiona Stanley Hospital the southern mini-hub and Joondalup Health Campus the northern mini-hub,” the Minister said.

“The State Government’s investment in paediatric beds will increase the total number of paediatric beds from 339 to 406 by 2016, and more than 90 per cent of these beds will be new beds in new hospitals.”

The ceremonial tree will be planted in the neighbouring Kings Park Synergy playground area, forging another strong link between the children’s hospital and the much-loved parkland.