Completion date for paediatrics ward looms

One of the main attractions of its recreation room – a sizeable aquarium – was lifted by crane into the $15 million building on Tuesday.

The ward will also include 3D interactive technology for children undergoing painful procedures, a rooftop play area and touch-sensitive play floors in the rec space.

It will have 13 more beds than the current paediatrics unit. A sample patient room will be fitted out next month.

The hospital treated more than 23,000 children last year, with the number of patients aged under 16 having grown at an average of 10 per cent a year since 2007-08.

Chief executive Kempton Cowan labelled the 37-bed unit “world-class”.

“Being in hospital can be overwhelming for children so we are designing the ward to ensure our sick kids are both entertained and distracted during their stay,” he said.

WA Health Minister Kim Hames, who was particularly impressed with the “giant fish tank” when he toured the work site on Tuesday, discussed the importance of bettering the capabilities of suburban hospitals.

“By improving paediatric services in suburban centres, parents are given more choice in treatment options and medical attention for their child, without having to drive to Princess Margaret Hospital,” he said.