Localising efforts to improve care for children in a global world, to reach those in greatest need

Globally, we face many common challenges. Yet how do we address these in different health contexts to ensure that the right care reaches those who need it the most, in the right way? Decentralisation, localisation, “glocalisation”…many labels been applied to approaches, and debate ensues about which approach is “right”. Yet the aim is common – best care, best outcomes, everywhere. 

You could make this place beautiful – Narrative Medicine in a children’s hospital

In 2023, Dr Mariam Tokhi and Dr Fiona Reilly launched Australia’s first Narrative Medicine course at the University of Melbourne, teaching medical students. In this Grand Round, they will share the vision they have for integrating Narrative Medicine skills into the worlds of university education as well as community and hospital medicine. 

Aboriginal child health and Out of Home Care in Victoria

The Royal Children’s Hospital had over 7000 interactions with Aboriginal children and families last year.  Wadja Aboriginal Family Place Case Managers provide culturally sensitive support and care coordination to Aboriginal and Torres Strait families attending the hospital, either as inpatients or outpatients. 

The Centre for Adolescent Health: Supporting the healthy development of young people

Spanning the three campus partners, the Centre for the Adolescent Health has driven actions for adolescent health over more than 3 decades, with the aim of understanding and promoting the healthy development of young people, locally and globally. Newly appointed as a Professor of Adolescent Health, Professor Peter Azzopardi will share his personal journey in adolescent health, and in doing so will celebrate the legacy of the late Professor George Patton. 

Difficult vaccine targets – RSV and Dengue

Both RSV and Dengue have proved to be difficult vaccine targets.  In both cases vaccine development has taken a very long time, and in both cases some vaccine candidates have led to more severe disease in some individuals. We are currently in the middle of an era of remarkable progress in both fields, but problems remain. 

Lessons learned from the review of child deaths in Victoria in 2021

The independent Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM) reviews cases of maternal, perinatal, and paediatric mortality and morbidity. Child deaths have been reviewed since 1985. The child and adolescent subcommittee of CCOPMM reviews deaths and develops recommendations and good practice points for practitioners and health systems.  

Equity research in Paediatric care: Challenges and opportunities

Unconscious bias can play a role in both clinical care and patient experiences.  Determining the presence and magnitude of inequity can be methodologically challenging in children’s research.  This presentation will frame opportunities to investigate and address inequities through the lens of improvement science using patient safety as a model.

NAIDOC Week – For Our Elders: celebrating the valuable contribution of Elders in the work of the Melbourne Children’s Campus

This year’s NAIDOC Week Theme, ‘For Our Elders’ celebrates the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in all areas of Australia. Please join Melbourne Children’s Campus leaders in Aboriginal and Torres Islander healthcare in a panel discussion about the crucial role that Elders play in our services, programs, care and research. The panel aims to acknowledge and celebrate the often hidden guidance, influence and advocacy of Elders in health.