Sleapy’s Foundation pledges to build PICU at John Hunter

It might have been Peter Sleap’s birthday, but it was his charity which delivered a massive gift to the John Hunter Hospital (JHH) recently.

Sleapy’s Foundation made a fundraising commitment of $536,000 to provide a new courtyard and garden, establishing a tranquil locale for young patients, families and carers, at the New Lambton Heights-based PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit).

The commitment included $92,000 from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to support the fit-out stage of the project, including planter beds, seating and landscaping.

The area will be part of the latest acute services building at JHH, offering a calming outdoor environment to support the emotional wellbeing of critically ill children aged 0 to 16 years.

“When this opportunity presented itself to Robynn and I, we jumped at the chance,” Mr Sleap said.

“Our foundation is all about creating positive experiences for families during challenging times.

“And, even though this project is the largest financial commitment in our history, we’re excited.

“Working alongside Hunter New England Local Health District, Health Infrastructure, Multiplex and other stakeholders has been fantastic.

“We want children and their families to find moments of peace and comfort.

“So, providing a beautiful space like this is a meaningful way to make a positive impact.”

John Hunter Hospital executive general manager Julie Tait was over the moon by the announcement.

“Our vision is that this welcoming and culturally respectful courtyard will be equipped with medical equipment so even the most unwell children in PICU can enjoy the natural environment with the support they need,” she said.

“When Dr Corrine Balit came to me with the idea, and that they had approached the wonderful Sleapy’s organisation, I was left with a sense that our clinicians really cared about their patients… and wanted the best for them.

“On the same token, they’d met a foundation, which was Hunter-based and very much about the community, too.

“I’m really impressed with some of the values they hold and how they relate well to what we do here in health.

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Peter and Robynn and thank them deeply from myself personally, but also from Hunter New England Local Area Health.

“We are so honoured they’re making this dream a reality.

“From what I’ve learned, Sleapy’s Foundation cares about the Newcastle and broader Hunter community as much as we do.”

Director of paediatric intensive care services and senior specialist Dr Corrine Balit was equally delighted.

“You can imagine it’s a high-stress time for patients as well as their families when they’re here,” she said.

“So, there are numerous benefits of the proposed space.

“Access to fresh air, sunlight and time with loved ones close to medical assistance.

“This courtyard will not only have physical, emotional and psychological benefits for our patients, but it will also provide a culturally appropriate space for families to gather with their children during such a critical illness.

“That’s why this partnership is so amazing.

“It’s been an absolute privilege for me to get to know Peter and Robynn over the past few months as we worked together.

“I see their commitment and dedication to building this outdoor courtyard first-hand.”

The planning and delivery of the project will be managed collaboratively between Health Infrastructure and Multiplex, aligning with the timeline of the new acute services building.

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Story Olivia Goeldner