why a children's hospice?

Hospices for children differ in many ways from hospices for adults. In a children's hospice the illnesses are different, the period of terminal care is often much longer, the number of people affected by the patient's illness is larger and respite care for the whole family is essential.

other children's hospices

Bear Cottage is the only children's hospice in NSW and the first children's hospice in the world to be attached to a paediatric hospital. As a result, we are able to provide high quality medical care for many complex illnesses in a home-like atmosphere.

There is one other children's hospice in Australia, Very Special Kids in Melbourne and Zoe's Place is being established in Queensland. There are also several overseas children's hospices, in particular in the UK where this type of care originated.

how is bear cottage different to ronald mcdonald houses?

Ronald McDonald Houses provide home-like accommodation for families while their children are receiving treatment at hospital, but do not provide nursing care or professional support for the children and families staying there.