Women's and Children's Health Network in North Adelaide, South Australia | Medical and health

Women's and Children's Health Network

Locality: North Adelaide, South Australia

Phone: +61 8 8161 7000

Address: 72 King William Road 5006 North Adelaide, SA, Australia

Website: http://www.wch.sa.gov.au

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25.01.2022 Nine-year old Leo certainly won’t LEGO of this moment for a while! Leo was visited by LEGO Masters, Trent and Jodie of recent TV-fame, who dropped off hundreds of new sets for our wards. The kind donation was made possible by Southern Bricks LEGO User Group and their affiliation with Fairy Bricks, a UK-based LEGO charity. LEGO is not only fun and creative, it is also a valuable tool to assist our patients with their fine motor skills.We’ll certainly be lining up for blocks to... check out the new kits! A big thank you to Trent, Jodie and Southern Bricks!

25.01.2022 Our six genetic counsellors (pictured here) are a crucial part of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. They work in partnership with clinical geneticists to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the implications of a genetic diagnosis or family history of a genetic condition. Genetic counsellors help people make informed decisions about genetic testing, interpret test results and communicate the implications of the result, for the individual and their... family members. Genetic counsellors also consider the implications of a genetic diagnosis on the patient’s immediate and extended family As well as clinical work, they are involved in nationally funded research projects such as The Acute Care Genomics Project and Mackenzie’s Mission. Today is Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day and we would like to thank them for the important work that they do. #GeneticCounsellorAwarenessDay Pictured L-R: Lara Fitzgerald, Jarrad Dearman, Hanna Leslie, Anne Baxendale, Kirsty Stallard and Stephanie Bowden

23.01.2022 OUR COVID CLINIC IS OPEN UNTIL 8PM Location: Kermode Street, North Adelaide 1. Check the SA Health Website before coming to our clinic to see if you require testing. ... 2. Only 1 parent/carer to accompany each child who requires testing. 3. On arrival, please register with staff and advise if you have visited one of the locations listed on the SA Health Contact Tracing website page. 4. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide you with one. 5. Once you have registered you can wait in the shade in Peace Park (on Sir Edwin Smith Drive) where we have set up a number of marquees for extra shelter. Please make sure your mobile phone is charged, as we will call you when we are ready for testing 6. Portable toilet facilities are available. 7. Bottled water will be provided to those who need. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We are working hard to help keep SA safe.

23.01.2022 The Women's and Children's Hospital provides anaesthesia for over 12,000 procedures each year. Dr Todd Maddock is the Unit Head of Children's Anaesthesia and answers some of the most common questions he gets: - Why do kids have to fast before surgery? - Why do we often have to wait a while before going into surgery?

23.01.2022 Today is International Allied Health Professionals Day! Here are some of our wonderful Allied Health professionals at the Women's and Children's Hospital who work to prevent, manage and treat complex and chronic conditions in a range of settings to improve community health and wellbeing. They recently received a large pool of specialised paediatric equipment to support inpatient stay and facilitate early discharge. The team will be upskilling in complex equipment prescription..., and will then work with our nursing and support staff to assist in understanding how the equipment can best be accessed and used. Allied Health staff work across many roles in our Network including: Art Therapy, Audiology, Exercise Physiology, Genetic Counselling, Music Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Psychology, Radiography, Social Work, and Speech Pathology. Thank you to all our wonderful Allied Health staff on this International Allied Health Professionals Day.

22.01.2022 Good news! Selected CaFHS locations have re-opened their self-weigh facilities for babies! Visit here to see the list of locations and times: http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?p=508 The Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) is committed to keeping staff and families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic so please note that on arrival at the CaFHS site, the following COVID safe process must be followed: Sign in to the visitor log at reception before using self-weigh facilitie...s Complete hand hygiene before and after using self-weigh facilities Wipe down all equipment with Clinell wipes provided, before and after weighing baby Sign out of the visitor log at reception after using self-weigh facilities Remain 1.5 metres at all times For more information call CaFHS on 1300 733 606 between the hours of 9.00am4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

22.01.2022 Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data has shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified across the world* The Women’s and Children’s Health Network is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited workplace, which means: We acknowledge violence against women as a serious, prevalent and preventable issue in Australia We are committed to ...a culture of zero tolerance of violence against women We embed our message of commitment in our procedures and training We are proactive in preventing gender-based violence and promoting respectful relationships We are strengthening our stance in relation to anti-bullying legislation We are equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to address issues of violence against women. Hear more about our accreditation and how it has shaped our ‘Ask, Assess and Respond’ program. *United Nations 2020

21.01.2022 Our Home Equipment Centre has moved! From today the centre has been relocated from the Paediatric Outpatients Department to a new shopfront, with street access via Brougham Place (see map). Opening hours remain the same: Monday Friday, 9am 12.30pm and 1pm 4pm (Closed on weekends and public holidays)... Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the entrance to the new site will remain locked. There is an intercom system which will allow consumers to advise staff when they have arrived. Only consumers of the Home Equipment Centre will be allowed to enter through this entrance. All consumers will be asked the COVID screening questions prior to being allowed to enter to collect equipment and consumables. If you have any questions, please call the Home Equipment Centre on 81616233 A big thank you to the WCH Foundation for making this refurbishment possible!

21.01.2022 What is a fever? What is considered a high temperature in a baby? Professor Amy Keir is a specialist in young babies at the Women's and Children's Hospital and explains fevers, high temperatures and when you should seek medical advice.

19.01.2022 COVID CLINIC - EXTENDED HOURS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 8AM - 9PM Location: Kermode Street, North Adelaide 1. Check the SA Health Website before coming to our clinic to see if you require testing.... 2. Only 1 parent/carer to accompany each child who requires testing. 3. On arrival, please register with staff and advise if you have visited one of the locations listed on the SA Health Contact Tracing website page. 4. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide you with one. 5. Once you have registered you can wait in the shade in Peace Park (on Sir Edwin Smith Drive) where we have set up a number of marquees for extra shelter. Please make sure your mobile phone is charged, as we will call you when we are ready for testing 6. Portable toilet facilities are available. 7. Bottled water will be provided to those who need. Thank you to everyone who has been tested so far, and to our amazing staff, like Louise and Carly, working hard to help keep SA safe.

18.01.2022 "We are very aware that when your children are unwell and need to come to hospital, that's a very stressful scenario for both your kids and the entire family" Paedeatric Anaesthetist Dr Todd Maddock explains what the role of anaesthestist is and why he loves his job at the Women's and Children's Hospital.

17.01.2022 Baby Kenzie just had her rotavirus vaccination which, thanks to new research shows she will be 90% less likely to require hospitalisation should she contract gastroenteritis. Michelle Clarke (pictured behind) is a Senior Medical Scientist at the Women's and Children's Health Network and said a recent study examined the national rotavirus vaccine program’s impact on the rate and severity of the illness and found it has dramatically reduced severe gastroenteritis symptoms in yo...ung children. Our research found the vaccine program has been incredibly effective at reducing the rate of hospital admissions to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) which has meant more families have been able to avoid an unwanted trip to the hospital. Michelle said. The research was supported in part by a research grant from the Investigator Initiated Studies Program of MSD.

17.01.2022 CHRISTMAS GIFTS We are immensely grateful for the generosity shown by the South Australian public each Christmas to bring joy to children spending the festive season in hospital. This year to ensure the safety of everyone we ask that you please follow our new donation guidelines: 1. Check which gifts we are able to accept here: https://www.wch.sa.gov.au/supp/donations/donated_items.html and please don't wrap them 2. Book in a delivery time prior to arriving to the Hospital.... Donations are not able to be dropped off via the main entrances. 3. Deliveries can be booked between 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday, from Thursday 3rd December to Friday 18th December. 4. To book, please contact Julian, our Marketing and Partnerships Coordinator on (08) 8161 8348 or email [email protected] - he will advise of the delivery location. If you would prefer to donate from the safety of your home, please see here for details on how you can donate to either The Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation or The Friends of the Women’s and Children's Hospital: https://www.wch.sa.gov.au/support/donations/index.html

16.01.2022 Antimicrobial Awareness Week encourages everyone to be MedicineWise. This means understanding your or your child’s medicines which will help you make better decisions and ensure that you or your child gets the most benefit from them, safely. For example, antibiotics are a type of medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria - most colds and flu’s are caused by viruses and antibiotics will not help fight a virus. See here for more information: https://www.wch.sa.gov.au//pha/medication_safety_week.html

15.01.2022 After 47 years of nursing Leanne is hanging up her fob watch and retiring. Leanne has spent 23 of those years at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital starting in 1997. Since then she has worked in midwifery, infection control, the immunisation clinic, GP clinic, diabetes nurse education and spent her last day today in the Paediatric Emergency department. We wish Leanne all the very best as she embarks on her new chapter, thank you for providing such wonderful care to our families. Happy retirement!

15.01.2022 Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day. Meet Andrew, one of our wonderful patients with Cerebral Palsy who has been visiting the Women's and Children's Hospital for all of his 17 years! Andrew has a great sense of humour and loves to have a laugh. He loves singing and dancing to the Mamma Mia movies, drawing, ten pin bowling, watching The Wiggles and old school Bob the Builder! Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture and is one of the most common... physical disabilities in childhood. 34,000 people are living with Cerebral Palsy in Australia and approximately 2 in every 1,000 children born in South Australia have cerebral palsy, which equates to approximately 37 newly diagnosed children on average each year*. This year's theme is Make Your Mark which celebrates people with Cerebral Palsy who have mastered dealing with change, breaking down barriers, and coming up with creative solutions their whole lives, just like Andrew. #WorldCPDay *South Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Annual Report 2019

15.01.2022 Our volunteer guides are back! This means when you arrive through our main entrance you'll be greeted by lovely smiling faces like Grace and Bernie, who can assist you and your family with finding where you need to go. Both Grace and Bernie agree that the best part of their job is the face-to-face interaction and hearing feedback when their help has been appreciated. Welcome back, we've missed you!

14.01.2022 Mental Health Week is a good time to remind ourselves that it’s not just adults who feel stress, it’s children too. We asked Dr Mohammed Usman what signs to look out for and what to do about seeking help. More information on mental health and wellbeing can be found at www.wch.sa.gov.au.

13.01.2022 This is your chance to hear about the world-class research coming out of the Royal Adelaide Hospital that will positively impact the health of our communities. Over the next two days via Facebook Online they will be covering the topics of Trauma & Emergencies, COVID-19 and Treating Inflammatory Disorders. If you are interested register now at https://buff.ly/3iSnjZR. #RAHsearch | 12-14 October

12.01.2022 COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE Please read below for the latest information relating to our hospital processes and restrictions. These are expected to remain in place until 1 December, or until the State Directions are lifted. How many visitors can attend the hospital with a patient? One visitor is allowed per patient per day. This includes maternity wards, our emergency services and outpatient appointments....Continue reading

12.01.2022 Top 5 Tips To Keep Your Home Infection-Free It is #InfectionPreventionWeek so who better to ask for tips on staying infection free at home than Georgie Kakoulis - the Advanced Nurse Consultant on the Infection Prevention & Control Team at the Women's and Children's Hospital: 1. Wash or sanitise your hands 2. Don’t share personal items... 3. Use safe cooking practices 4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces 5. Stay home if you are sick Georgie has worked at the Women's and Children's Hospital for 36 years and her current role is responsible for ensuring strategies are implemented to prevent avoidable healthcare associated infections at all levels of the organisation and that systems are in place to ensure the best outcomes are achieved.

12.01.2022 Two-year old Ruby had a routine heel prick test when she was first born. It was this test that detected a rare congenital thyroid disorder that would have stunted her growth and learning without treatment. In an Australian first, these crucial newborn screening results will soon be available electronically through SA Pathology. Head of the Metabolic Clinic at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Dr Drago Bratkovic (pictured right) said 24/7 access to the results would greatl...y help in diagnosis of newborns who were severely unwell in the first few weeks of life. It will also help to avoid potentially unnecessary investigations and interventions. Ruby’s mum, Penny was so grateful for the early diagnosis that she wrote a book An Unexpected Outcome: The Heel Prick Test which features Dr Drago Bratkovic in the story. Writing this book has helped me work through Ruby’s diagnosis and I hope it can provide some reassurance to other parents going through the same thing, Ms Walter said. One dollar from every book sold is donated to the Women's and Children's Hospital Metabolic Unit - thank you Penny and Ruby!

11.01.2022 It is NAIDOC Week! Today we introduce you to Rhianon, a graduate of the Aboriginal Health Scholarship Program and a registered nurse and midwife in the Emergency Department at Women's and Children's Hospital. During NAIDOC Week and every week, we appreciate the contribution of our amazing Aboriginal nurses and midwives to the health and wellbeing of South Australians. I love that my job is different every day, the fast pace and chaos of the department and building a therape...utic relationship with patients and their families. says Rhianon. The Department for Health and Wellbeing offers an Aboriginal Health Scholarship Program in partnership with Australian Rotary Health. The program aims to increase the number of professionally qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in the South Australian health sector. For more information visit here: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//aboriginal+health+scholars #YONM2020 #NAIDOC2020 #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

10.01.2022 Today at the Women's and Children's Hospital, we paused at 11am to remember all of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to acknowledge the work they continue to do for our country. Lest we forget. Pictured here are Flight Lieutenant Tristan Hull, Georgieah, Alexis, and Leading Aircraftwoman Olivia Stitt, who participated in a paper plane flying competition during a good will visit to the Starlight Room in 2018.... #Remembranceday Photo thanks to the Department of Defence

10.01.2022 Play Therapy Week "Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts and souls meet" - Virginia Axeline This week our Play Therapists are celebrating by giving out 300 activity bags to patients donated by the WCH Foundation. Brianna (right) was one of the lucky recipients, pictured here colouring in with Play Therapist, Amanda. Our team of Play Therapists at the Women's and Children's Hospital (pictured below) are essential in helping to min...imise anxiety, stress and trauma associated with being unwell and in hospital. They provide a positive and happy environment for our young patients and go above and beyond to make each patient have fun during their stay. Thank you to all of our Play Therapists!

08.01.2022 We are incredibly lucky to have ongoing support from our wonderful donors who send us beautiful items to pass on to babies and children in our care. Pictured here is little Mahlia, with a matching elephant and blanket set, which were generously donated to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. ... Thank you to all our donors!

08.01.2022 Beautiful made-to-order gift baskets for all ages, delivered free to our wards are just a phone call away. Perfect for family members living interstate or in rural areas who aren't able to visit the hospital. Simply call Vic's Coffee Shop on (08) 8161 7525 and choose from their wide array of gifts. The shop is run by The Friends of the Women's & Children's Hospital volunteers, and all funds raised support the purchase of medical equipment for the hospital.

08.01.2022 Play Therapy Week "Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts and souls meet" - Virginia Axeline This week our Play Therapists are celebrating by giving out 300 activity bags to patients donated by the WCH Foundation. Brianna (right) was one of the lucky recipients, pictured here colouring in with Play Therapist, Amanda. Our team of Play Therapists at the Women's and Children's Hospital (pictured below) are essential in helping to min...imise anxiety, stress and trauma associated with being unwell and in hospital. They provide a positive and happy environment for our young patients and go above and beyond to make each patient have fun during their stay. Thank you to all of our Play Therapists!

07.01.2022 Today we hit a ground-breaking milestone in our journey towards a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A large drill rig has begun extracting soil structure samples up to 50 metres down into the earth at the western end of the biomedical precinct, the site identified for our new hospital. The sampling activity is standard practice for this type of project, and will help inform engineering as part of the master planning process. For more information, visit wch.sa.gov.au/newWCH

06.01.2022 Summer starts in five days, but the heat is already here with temperatures reaching 40 degrees this weekend! Its important to remember that everyone is at risk of heat-related illness during hot weather and heatwaves, but also some groups of people such as babies and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have chronic health conditions are more at risk than others. Now is a good time to remind yourselves of the dangers of heat and stay #HealthyInTheHeat For more information: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//enviro/healthy+in+the+heat

05.01.2022 Get yourself moving with SA’s Billion Steps Challenge - it starts today! Sign up at openyourworld.sa.gov.au/billionsteps Log your steps and minutes of physical activity Spread the word to family, friends and workmates Reap the benefits of increased physical activity on your health and wellbeing... Help South Australia reach 1 billion steps! #SABillionSteps #OpenYourWorld #10000Steps See more

05.01.2022 12 year old James recently had spine straightening surgery at the Women's and Children's Hospital, assisted by 3D printing technology. James's spinal muscular atrophy caused his spine to curve, so CT scans were sent to the US where 3D printers created a perfect replica of his spine to assist with his surgery. They also created a device to help direct, to the millimetre, exactly where the screws and rods needed to go. Associate Professor Peter Cundy, Orthopaedic Surgeon at the... Women's and Children's Hospital said the surgery was absolutely trouble free. James has made a remarkable recovery and said I really want to thank them because they did such a good job. Watch his story on Channel Seven’s page here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1633759850130767

05.01.2022 International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day "Whenever a butterfly is crossing your way, I’m sending a message that I am ok. I know that you miss me and I miss you too. It’s a little reminder that I’ll always love you - Mel Graham, Midwife at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Today is International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day, where we remember all of the little lives lost during pregnancy and infancy. The loss of your pregnancy at any stage can have a big impact on you, ...your partner and families. Midwives from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Angie Wilson and Mel Graham helped start the 'Gift a Butterfly' project. After doing some work around grief and miscarriage, I thought it would assist women if we offered them a keepsake to remember their lost pregnancy and help them to move forward. The butterfly is the universal symbol of pregnancy loss, Angie Wilson, Antenatal and Gynaecology Ward Midwifery Unit Manager, said. When a woman has a miscarriage at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, they are offered a beautifully wrapped pack with a butterfly keepsake, flower seeds to plant in their garden to attract butterflies, and a poem. Learn more here: https://wchfoundation.org.au/butterfly-project/ It can also be a big help for parents to find someone to talk to who will listen and understand. You may benefit from contacting a support group and talking to other parents who have had a similar experience. We recommend SANDS and Bears of Hope: SANDS 24hr Support: 1300 072 637 Bears of Hope 1300 11 HOPE

05.01.2022 A big congratulations to these SA Health Awards finalists from within the Women's and Children's Health Network! Award - Premier’s Award for Excellence in Health Finalist - Video Conferencing Outpatient Appointments Implementation, Corporate Services, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, WCHN... Award - Excellence and Innovation in Aboriginal Health Finalist - Kidstuff Indigenous Young Parents Program, Metropolitan Youth Health, WCHN Award - Improving Safety and Quality Finalist - The Preventing Neurological Injury in Preterm Infants (PINI) Program, Women’s and Babies Division, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, WCHN The SA Health Awards ceremony will be held on Friday 20 November 2020 at the Adelaide Town Hall.

03.01.2022 It's Children's Week! The theme is about the importance of kids connecting with friends and communities. This is 6 year old Noah and his favourite friend 'Bluey' who is keeping him company while he stays with us. Noah brings a new teddy friend each time he visits us and makes sure they get a hospital wristband too. So far, Noah says he has ten hundred teddies on his top bunk at home. When he visits the Women's and Children's Hospital, Noah’s favourite thing to do is play t...he Paw Patrol memory game and he always beats Mum and Play Therapist, Mary. We wish a happy Children's Week to all our children and their favourite friends! #ChildrensWeek

03.01.2022 TO OUR COMMUNITY Please bear with us as our teams work through the recent circuit breaker changes. Stay tuned to this page for further updates. For anyone who has an appointment next week, our staff will be in contact if they need to be rescheduled. ... In the meantime, our Emergency Department and COVID-19 Clinic are here for you. For the latest COVID-19 information visit http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covid-19

03.01.2022 LGBTQI+ SURVEY The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) wants South Australia’s queer community to spill the tea! Have your say on how CAMHS delivers services to the LGBTQI+ community by completing our survey. For details visit https://bit.ly/33b5jUH

02.01.2022 ‘Always was. Always will be’.The Women's and Children's Hospital Network recognises Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live. This NAIDOC Week we asked some of our Aboriginal staff what the week means to them. Happy NAIDOC Week! #alwayswasalwayswillbe #NAIDOCWeek2020

02.01.2022 Be assured we are continuing to support families throughout the pandemic via our Network's community services: The Parent Helpline is still available 7 days a week on 1300 364 100.... The Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) is still providing services to families, mainly via phone and video link Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - appointments are available via telehealth during this time. Call CAMHS Connect on 1300 222 647 if you need support Our Emergency Mental Health Service and all Mental Health Inpatient Units for WCHN remain open

02.01.2022 The detection of Cerebral Palsy is being fast-tracked from an average of 18 months of age, to as early as 4 months thanks to the new world-class early detection clinic at The Women's and Children's Hospital.

02.01.2022 WIN a CAR or CASH! The WCH Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of its car lottery. Buy your tickets here: https://wchfoundation.org.au/ When you purchase a ticket in the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation Lottery, you help to brighten the lives of South Australia’s sickest children and their families.

01.01.2022 Grace is one of our talented Hospital School SA students. This is her hand painted artwork that was recently unveiled as the artistic centrepiece of the Culture in Culture initiative. Her artwork represents Hospital School SA and will be displayed at our Women’s and Children’s Campus. Aspects from this new piece will also be reflected in branding across all Hospital School campuses - Congratulations Grace!

01.01.2022 If you are due to give birth soon at the Women's and Children's Hospital, we are sure you have lots of questions. Angie Wilson, Midwifery Unit Manager, is here to answer them and assure you that your safety is our priority. Here are some extra questions you may have: - Can a support person attend my appointments? One support person can accompany a woman during labour and to antenatal appointments. - Will my upcoming appointment proceed?... Prenatal appointments will continue and you will be contacted if there are any changes to your appointment time or access (ie via telehealth/phone) Please be patient if you haven’t heard from us yet. - I'm booked in for a c-section/induction - will this still happen? Elective c-sections and induction of labour will continue, you will be contacted directly if there is any change to these appointments - What happens if I go into labour and I have other children at home? You can arrange for a family member to come to your house to look after any other children in your home while you attend hospital. See more