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

A reunion to tug at the heart strings

Young cardiac patients whose lives were saved thanks to world class technology gathered at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) today to share their experiences. Eight children and their families reunited with cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, nurses and allied health staff to say thank you and pay homage to the special artificial heart, known as a ventricular … Continued

Good Friday – Riley Harris

Riley Harris was born with a very small jaw which meant his tongue sat back further than normal, blocking his airpassage. Riley was only getting one breath out of every four into his lungs. Within hours of being born, Riley was rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital where doctors put a breathing tube down his … Continued

Good Friday – Talia Zougaib

Talia Zougaib contracted a brain infection before she was even born. Doctors suspect her mum became infected with listeria bacteria after eating watermelon. The listeria caused meningitis and from there Talia developed fluid on the brain. She’s had several operations to put shunts in to drain the fluid from her brain, and more operations to … Continued

Good Friday – Rupert de Wolff

Rupert de Wolff’s parents brought him to the hospital suspecting he just had a nasty cold. However, X-rays revealed that Rupert not only had a chest infection, but also an enlarged heart. His condition was life threatening. His parents are grateful the condition was detected and say the chest infection was a blessing in disguise. Read … Continued

Another record-breaking Good Friday Appeal cheque presentation

Isaac Jones, the face of the 2010 Good Friday Appeal, will perform a final official duty tonight when he presents a record breaking cheque for $14,462,000 to Professor Christine Kilpatrick, CEO, The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). Donors from all round Victoria contributed this amazing amount to support clinical care, research and family services at the … Continued