Child swallows cross

A church pastor’s daughter, Jayde Saliba, needed urgent medical help when she inhaled a cross pendant almost two years ago. The cross was lodged in her throat which doctors removed under general anaesthetic. Now aged 4, Jayde was one of 282 children under five admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital since 2005 after inhaling or ingesting … Continued

Siblings share rare blood disease

Brother and sister Jacob and Alexandra Khodr both have sickle cell anaemia – a rare, life-threatening blood disease. They visit The Royal Children’s Hospital every month for blood transfusions to keep the condition under control. Read their story at Herald Sun Online here: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/caring-for-each-other-in-blood-disease-battle/story-e6frf7kx-1225899744415 You can help children like Jacob and Alexandra by donating blood … Continued

RCH patients farewell their cranes

After more than two years of constructing the new Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) piece-by-piece, the last of the nine cranes – each named after an RCH patient – is now being dismantled. But while the cranes may no longer feature on the construction site landscape, the patients’ efforts in helping creating our new hospital will … Continued

Vaccine for newborns to help combat deadly rotavirus

Australian researchers have begun clinical trials of a new vaccine to protect newborn infants against rotavirus, a life-threatening diarrhoeal disease that kills half a million children worldwide each year. The RV3 vaccine, developed by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI), was launched today and is the first in the world specifically developed for newborns. Babies … Continued

Twins’ surgical team receives ANZAC of the Year award

The team of Royal Children’s Hospital surgeons who separated conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna last year have today been bestowed an incredible honour-an RSL ANZAC of the Year award. The award recognises the achievements of Australians who have given service to their fellow Australians and to the community in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner. … Continued

Ward grandparents drive

Monday July 5 – 774 ABC Drive program with Libbi Gorr Judy Christy is The Royal Children’s Hospital’s last remaining Ward Grandparent. Three days a week she hops onto a tram in rain, hail or shine, to spend up to four hours a day with patients whose parents cannot be by their bedside. Judy is a retired teacher and … Continued

Boy tests limits of surgery

Earlier this year 13-year-old Matt suffered sudden heart failure after contracting a virus. What followed next was daunting: a near death experience, two hospitals and two surgical teams in two states. Matt was flown from his home in Hervey Bay in Queensland to the Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. While there he suffered two heart … Continued

Burns warning

A spate of burns among children has prompted a warning to parents to be more vigilant. An 18-month-old girl is recovering in the Royal Children’s Hospital after being scalded with a hot cup of tea. Elle reached up to a kitchen bench to grab her dad’s cup and now has first, second and third degree burns to seven … Continued

RCH teams up with cancer facility

Children being treated at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) will have seamless access to the benefits of a world-leading cancer care and research facility. During a tour of the new RCH site today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced the RCH is forming a partnership with the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre. “This means those treated at our … Continued

RCH volunteers are award winners

It takes thousands of dedicated people, from nurses and doctors to clerical and support staff, to run The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). But yesterday the unsung heroes – the RCH volunteers – were recognised for their contribution to the hospital at the 2010 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards. In a special presentation at Parliament House … Continued