Women's and Children's Health Network, 72 King William Road, Adelaide (2025)

13/11/2025

💛 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝟯 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 💛

Alby recently visited the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) Paradise Clinic with his mum and big sister for his 3 year old child health and development check.

At CaFHS, our specialised staff, including child health nurses, provide free support to all families in South Australia with children from birth to 5 years of age.

Health and development checks into toddlerhood are just as important for your child as they are in the baby stages. The first 5 years are critical for your child’s growth, brain development, and lifelong wellbeing.

At the 3 year old health check, the nurse will focus on:

✔ Physical check of your child, including weighing and measuring
✔ Developmental assessment that helps us track how your child is progressing and identify any concerns early
✔ The importance of play and development including safe ways to explore the world around them
✔ You and your family’s emotional health, along with your child’s wellbeing
✔ Dental health, bedtime routines, immunisations, getting ready for kindy – and much more!

📞 To book your child’s health and development check at your local CaFHS, call 1300 733 606.

For more information, visit www.cafhs.sa.gov.au

11/11/2025

🌱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺! 🌱

Blake (Data and Innovation), Nelly (Consultant), Chai-Lin (Consultant), Tabby (Practitioner), Jessica (Manager), and Millie (Consultant) (pictured L-R) are part of the dedicated team behind the SPRING Program, helping young people find hope and support during tough times.

The SPRING Program is a 6 week therapeutic intervention program supporting young people aged 11 to 18 experiencing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or acute psychological distress.

Developed through collaboration by Centacare and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), SPRING offers flexible support via phone, text, or face to face sessions through community visits, or wherever the young person feels most comfortable.

One participant from the program shared: "𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥… 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺.”

Since July 2024, SPRING has:
• responded to 259 enquiries
• supported 138 young people
• 25 young people currently engaged in the service
• avoided 85% hospitalisation

Referrals are accepted from a variety of pathways, including:
🏥 Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH)
🧠 CAMHS Acute Care Services
💻 Virtual Urgent Care
📞 CAMHS Connect
🌐 CAMHS Community Services

For more information about SPRING and how to access this service, visit https://tinyurl.com/3t3w3nvj

10/11/2025

After being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July 2024, 11 year old Anika (pictured middle) was forced to pause regular schooling. Thanks to the Haematology Oncology School Team (HOST) Program at Hospital School SA (HSSA) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), she’s been able to keep up with her learning.

The HOST Program, coordinated by both clinical and non-clinical staff, supports school-aged children undergoing treatment for cancer or haematological conditions – just like Takuto, HSSA Teacher, Tash, Michael Rice Centre for Haematology Oncology (MRCHO) Nurse, and Matthew, HSSA Principal (pictured L-R).

Anika’s dad, Adam (pictured right) shares, “Anika has always been an academic and interested person, so we were worried about the impact this diagnosis would have on her education going forward.”

“We were so blessed with the HOST Program. We’ve had weekly visits to the hospital and this program has been great at making use of all the in-between moments and just making sure Anika was engaged and happy.”

Anika was able to work on the same projects as her peers at her original school, just completed from HSSA instead.

Anika says, “I did Hospital School online, and it really helped me because it made me feel like I wasn’t falling behind.”

“I feel really ready for high school because Hospital School has made me feel like I’ve achieved academically."

Now, after 18 months of treatment, her prognosis is looking very good and is back at her own school and happy.

A huge thank you to Anika and her family for sharing her story, and to the HOST Program team for making education accessible and enjoyable for every child. 💛

For more information on HSSA at WCH, visit https://tinyurl.com/3s3znvj4

08/11/2025

The Pageant Royal Family made an extra special stop on their National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant travels today when they visited patients at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).

Children like 8 year old Isobel, 2 year old Dash plus our Cassia Ward staff were treated to a sprinkle of Christmas magic as the characters visited some of the wards and shared their festive cheer.

We hope all the pageant goers had a fun morning watching all the floats and seeing Santa arrive. It's officially Christmas season and there's only 47 days to go! 🎄🔔

06/11/2025

And what about it?

05/11/2025

Meet Anton, a Registered Nurse at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) SA Pathology Collection Centre who helps little ones feel calm and cared for during their tests with the help of child-friendly devices, 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 and 𝗕𝗨𝗭𝗭𝗬. 💙

SA Pathology’s experienced staff know how to make visits positive for even our littlest patients. The Smileyscope VR headset (ages 4+) uses immersive worlds and music therapy to distract from procedures, while BUZZY uses gentle vibration and cooling to reduce pain and anxiety, suitable for all ages.

The WCH SA Pathology Collection Centre is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30am to 11.30am and is committed to providing a positive experience.

They accept any type of collection form and there is no need to book, just arrive and take a number!

A big thank you to our incredible pathology staff for the care you provide to infants and young children, and for making difficult moments easier for our youngest patients.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3e3daf7a

30/10/2025

“𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙮, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝, 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬.” – Annabel (pictured with her family), mum of Miles.

At 21 weeks pregnant, Annabel was admitted to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) under the care of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Service (MFMS), after doctors detected Miles had a major brain abnormality.

Annabel shared, “After many tests, it was clear that our baby had suffered a brain haemorrhage in utero, which had caused extensive damage to developing brain matter.”

“When it was time for Miles to be born, the midwives were incredible. The care they gave during such a harrowing and heartbreaking time is something I will never forget and will forever be grateful for.”

“Witnessing grief as raw as that of a bereaved parent is confronting, and we felt understood and supported at every moment.”

Miles was stillborn in December 2018.

“We were able to hold Miles, have photographs with him and soak up the precious time we had before leaving the hospital. It is the worst feeling in the world to put your baby down and leave them, knowing you’ll never see or hold them again. But knowing we were leaving Miles in the care of the WCH midwives made this impossible step that little bit easier.”

“My advice to parents who face similar heartache is simple – grieve how you need to grieve. The loss of a much-loved and wanted baby at any stage of pregnancy or infancy is a unique grief that only those who have experienced it can truly understand.”

“Seek professional help as soon as you think you need it, and don’t be ashamed to tell someone how you’re really feeling.”

“I’m incredibly proud to still be involved with the WCH as an advisor and guest for healthcare professionals in this space. By sharing my story, I hope I can give other families hope whilst helping those providing care feel more supported in their roles.”

A heartfelt thank you to Annabel for sharing your story. Remembering Miles 🤍

For more information on our Grief Resources, visit https://tinyurl.com/2mtcwy7a

If you know someone grieving the loss of a loved one, support is available through the Red Tree Foundation by calling 8332 1066 or https://tinyurl.com/2wbtnmjy

29/10/2025

“𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 ‘𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐’𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’ 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵.” – Sally, Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) volunteer

This month, we’re proud to celebrate Sally as our Volunteer of the Month, recognising her kindness, warmth and the meaningful impact she brings to families at Helen Mayo House (HMH) - an inpatient service that provides care to parents who have significant mental health problems in the postnatal period.

Sally joined WCHN wanting to make a difference in people’s lives through care, kindness and human connection. Whether she’s offering a listening ear or giving a parent a short moment to rest, her presence brings comfort and positivity to those around her.

Sally shared, “Each time I attend HMH, it’s a completely different experience. The conversations and connections I have each week remind me how much good is being done here.”

Thank you, Sally, for your generosity and the care you bring to every interaction – you are a valued part of our volunteer family, and we are so grateful to have you. 💜

If you’ve ever thought about giving back or connecting with your community, why not become a volunteer like Sally?

Learn more at wchn.sa.gov.au/volunteers.

For more information on HMH, visit https://tinyurl.com/9z5m45ak

28/10/2025

Meet 13 year old Ed, who uses robotic therapy to help improve his walking pattern and find much needed relief from constant pain and discomfort.

Ed was born with an unidentifiable condition that affects his ability to walk, causing him to tire easily and making everyday life difficult. Despite extensive rounds of testing, Ed and his family have unfortunately not been able to find a diagnosis.

It wasn’t until Ed was introduced to the Lokomat – a robot at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) Centre for Robotics and Innovation offering robotic therapy – that he found his pain eased and his mood lifted.

The Lokomat helps patients develop the ideal walking pattern, teaching their muscles what to do through targeted repetition and motivation using TV screens.

After just 8 sessions, Ed has gained greater mobility and endurance, his pain has eased, and his sleep and mood have improved.

Tammi, Ed’s mum says, “After Ed has used the robot, we’ve found he’s able to walk a lot better with his heels first and has much more endurance and stamina.”

“It’s like playing video games with your legs, rather than your hands and he loves playing video games.”

Thank you to Ed and Tammi for sharing your story and we hope the Lokomat continues to positively support your journey. 💙

For more information on the Centre for Robotics and Innovation, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr227ndm

27/10/2025

“𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻.” – Helen, State Coordinator of Heartfelt

Heartfelt provides free professional photography for families who experience stillbirth, have critically premature or ill babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), or have children up to around 16 years of age living with serious or terminal illness.

Before joining Heartfelt, Helen spent 26 years as a Paediatric Intensive Care Nurse at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), which inspired her passion for creating lasting memories.

“It was always such a privilege to care for children and their families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I felt that in some small way, I could make a difference – much like the work we do with Heartfelt.”

“Over the years, I learned how to hold space for families whose children were dying – to simply be present without fear, without needing to fix what couldn’t be fixed.”

“Many of the children I cared for stay with me still, in a quiet and spiritual way. I often feel their presence behind me, giving me courage for the work I do now.”

“I eventually stepped away from nursing about 13 years ago. But I soon found a way to bring all those parts of myself together through Heartfelt.”

“Now, as the photographer and State Coordinator at Heartfelt, I feel I’ve come full circle – still walking beside people through love, loss, and meaning, just in a different way.”

“Our volunteer photographers travel across Australia and New Zealand, coming to hospitals, hospices, homes, or any special place chosen by the family, whenever the time feels right.”

Families can contact Heartfelt directly, or healthcare workers, friends, or funeral directors can make a referral on their behalf with consent. Every session is offered with compassion, sensitivity, and care, and there is never any charge for the service.

We sincerely thank Helen for her selfless work over the years, and for creating meaningful memories for families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

For more information on Heartfelt, visit https://heartfelt.org.au/

Thank you to the families for generously allowing us to share their images.

24/10/2025

Five year old cheeky monkey Lily lives with spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly – but she’s dancing away all odds.

At just 1 week old, Lily underwent surgery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) to repair her lipomyelomeningocele, a type of spina bifida where a fatty mass attaches to the spinal cord.

Since then, she’s had annual MRIs, multiple hospital stays, and further surgery at age 2 to detether her spinal cord.

Renée, Lily’s mum says, “Lily has received incredible care from the WCH since birth. Lily has had involvement with the Neurosurgery team, Paediatric Rehabilitation, Orthotics, Orthopaedics, Urology and many more. The coordinated care at WCH has made a huge difference in helping Lily live a full and active life.”

“Lily uses a wheelchair for anything outside the house or classroom and has worn bilateral ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs) since she was 1 years old to support her mobility. She started walking at 2 and a half, which was such a sweet surprise to us.”

“My advice is simple – children with spina bifida can live such full, fun and joyful lives. When Lily was diagnosed, we didn’t know what her future would hold. Looking back, I wish we hadn’t spent so much time focused on the ‘what-if’s’.”

“Your child will amaze you. Let them be involved in wherever their passion lies. Lily does calisthenics and does solos twice a year in the inclusion section. She shines on stage and dances her little heart out.”

“She has a huge personality and a very quick wit. She’s already decided that when she grows up, she wants to be a comedian. But in her words – ‘A sit down comedian, not a stand up one - because I have a wheelchair’.”

“Your child deserves the same opportunities as everyone else and when given the chance, they’ll show you how much they’re capable of. They’ll have plenty of people assuming they can’t do something - so believe in them. Support their passions and celebrate every win, big or small.”

A big thank you to Renée and Lily for sharing your inspiring story this . 💛

Women's and Children's Health Network

13/11/2025

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

08/11/2025

06/11/2025

05/11/2025

30/10/2025

29/10/2025

28/10/2025

27/10/2025

24/10/2025

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