Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

A new global Commission is challenging the way obesity is diagnosed, calling for a shift beyond body mass index (BMI) to a more clinically relevant approach. Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and endorsed by 75 medical organisations, the Commission highlights BMI’s limitations as a diagnostic tool and proposes a framework that considers body fat distribution and objective signs of illness. Professor Louise Baur, Consultant Paediatrician in Weight Management Services at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, is among the global commissioners contributing to this report. The Commission introduces two new diagnostic categories: 👉 Clinical obesity - where excess body fat leads to organ dysfunction or illness, requiring targeted treatment.  👉 Pre-clinical obesity - excess body fat without current illness but with an increased long-term health risk, requiring preventative strategies. “This nuanced approach to obesity will enable evidence-based and personalised approaches to prevention, management, and treatment in adults and children living with obesity, allowing them to receive more appropriate care, proportional to their needs," Professor Baur said. With over 1 billion people living with obesity, this framework offers a more accurate and practical way to diagnose and manage obesity. By focusing on health impact rather than weight alone, it reduces stigma, supports better treatment decisions, and enables proactive risk reduction for those at higher risk of obesity-related diseases. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ebPRNAqd

Precision medicine is helping to transform treatment options for children and you only have to look at a story like Nicholas' to see the life-changing impact it is having. Ten-year-old Nicholas was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia when he was six years old. At the time, he had undergone intensive chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and months of isolation to treat the cancer. Initially, it looked like the treatment had worked by three years later, a routine biopsy revealed that Nicholas' cancer had returned. Treatment options were limited but recent developments in precision medicine offered renewed hope. Nicholas underwent a second bone marrow transplant but this time, his chemotherapy was able to be targeted. As part of ongoing clinical research led by Dr Madeleine Powys in the Pharmacokinetics lab at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, our teams were able to measure Nicholas' chemotherapy and adjust doses in real time to effectively treat his cancer, while minimising side effects. For Nicholas, the treatment was successful. He is now cancer-free, back to school and playing soccer with his friends. Read Nicholas' story on our website: https://lnkd.in/gCkWhHGd Research is a vital part of continuing to find new and better treatments for the patients we care for and we are fortunate to have Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) supporting us in these endeavours 💛 #internationalchildhoodcancerday #childhoodcancerawareness

In an Australian-first for children, teams at The Children's Hospital at Westmead have successfully performed diaphragm pacing surgery, helping to wean twelve-year-old Kobe off round-the-clock ventilation. Kobe was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, a rare but serious condition that affects the spinal cord, when he was six years old and has relied on a ventilator ever since. Now, with a diaphragm pacer, teams hope he will eventually be able to wean off ventilation completely, helping to improve his overall quality of life. Professor Karen Waters, Head of Sleep Medicine, first recognised the potential of diaphragm pacing surgery to improve the lives of children requiring long-term ventilation support at a conference in the US and championed its introduction in Australia. Led by Dr Jonathan Karpelowsky, Paediatric Surgeon, the team adopted the proven technique to perform the game-changing surgery for Kobe. "I'm honoured to play a part in this Australian-first for children, and it has been quite a rewarding feeling knowing it has had such a positive impact on Kobe," Dr Karpelowsky said. The device, roughly the size of a mobile phone, sits outside the body and is connected via wires to the diaphragm. Sending electronic signals to help stimulate the patient's breathing, the diaphragm pacer is designed to enable individuals to move around freely and breathe normally for extended periods. Since the surgery, Kobe is now able to spend several hours a day off ventilation, giving him the freedom to get back out on the soccer field and enjoy go-karting with his friends. Following the surgery’s success, Professor Waters and team are now also seeing interest from other centres in Australia in implementing this for children in similar circumstances. “I really believe this experience has given younger specialists valuable insight into treatment options they can use for future patients, encouraging them to seek out the best care for children,” Professor Waters said. This achievement underscores our commitment to advancing medical innovation and improving patient outcomes so all children and young people can live their healthiest lives. Congratulations to Dr Jonathan Karpelowsky, Professor Karen Waters and their teams on this important achievement. Read more on Kobe's story on our website here: https://lnkd.in/g4yvjknS

Today on International Day of Women and Girls in Science we want to celebrate our amazing cohort of women like Dr Megan Frohlich (pictured left) and Dr Alexandra O. (pictured right) working in paediatric health research. “There are so many sides to working in science and research, a career in science means that some days you are a problem solver, sometimes a teacher, and other days even an artist!” said Dr O’Donohue. Dr O’Donohue is a researcher from our Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine lab team at Kids Research, based at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. "Medicine and research need diverse voices and perspectives, and there is so much opportunity to make a real difference. The world of science is evolving, and the more diverse voices we have, the better we can innovate and find solutions that truly make a difference,” said Dr Frohlich. Dr Frohlich is a Respiratory Research Fellow from our Respiratory Research Group at Kids Research, based at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. Both Dr O’Donohue and Dr Frohlich are emerging research leaders at Kids Research, the #research arm of the Network. Their dedication and expertise are leading scientific progress, helping inform how we provide care at our hospitals, transforming the future of #paediatrichealthcare through research.   #WomenInScience #WomenInSTEM #STEM #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience 

REGISTER | Our Complex Adolescent Multidisciplinary Team will be facilitating a training day that focuses on the biopsychosocial approaches in the management of adolescents with chronic illness.   The full-day workshop is ideal for healthcare professionals and mental health specialists (across public, private and education sectors) seeking to deepen their understanding of holistic approaches to the care of complex medical presentations in adolescents.   Join us in person at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead or online on Monday 24 March 2025.   In-person places are limited! See the full program and register now: https://lnkd.in/gt9yBFpM #education #paediatrics #adolescenthealth  

CONGRATULATIONS | Five outstanding allied health professionals from across our Network have been announced as state finalists in the NSW Health 2025 Excellence in Allied Health Awards! 🎉 Spanning from early career professionals to experienced leaders, our finalists have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to clinical care, education, research and leadership and the impact they have had on patients and families. Congratulations to: • Susan Khanna, PICU Social Worker at CHW - finalist for Allied Health Professional of the Year • Megan Escott, Head of Social Work at SCH - finalist for Allied Health Educator of the Year • Nadia Vigna, Head of Occupational Therapy at CHW - finalist for Allied Health Leader of the Year • Dr Kirsty Stewart, Occupational Therapist at CHW - finalist for Allied Health Researcher of the Year • Vesna Stojanovic, Allied Health Assistant at SCH - finalist for Allied Health Assistant/Technician/Support Person of the Year These prestigious annual awards celebrate the passion, dedication, and exceptional care provided by allied health professionals and support staff right across the state, and highlight the vital role allied health plays in providing patient-centred care. The awards ceremony will be held on 27 March 2025. Good luck to our finalists.

Rare Diseases Matter! 1 in 12 people live with an individually rare disease. Imagine More: How You Can Shape the Future of Rare Disease   Join us for a special FREE clinical education day to celebrate international Rare Disease Day.   Researchers, clinicians and service providers at the cutting edge of rare disease care will share their insights. You will also hear directly from people living with a rare disease about their experiences and priorities.  Finally, award-winning photographer Rick Guidotti, founder of Positive Exposure will speak about his work celebrating the richness of human diversity, and how we can change attitudes towards individuals living with genetic, physical, behavioural or intellectual difference. We will also be an event on Saturday 1 March for people living with a rare disease and their families.   Register now: https://lnkd.in/g36CGpFh  Date: Friday 28 February   Time: 12pm – 4pm (beginning with lunch)  Location:  Sydney Children's Hospital Lecture Theatre, Randwick   This event is a collaboration between Rare Diseases NSW, UNSW, Genetic Alliance Australia and the 22q Foundation Australia & New Zealand. For more information, contact RareDiseasesNSW@unsw.edu.au UNSW Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) Genetic Alliance Australia Rare Voices Australia Garvan Institute of Medical Research Jodie Ingles Maria Kamper Human Genetics Society of Australasia - HGSA

Our Network and John Hunter Children's Hospital have partnered with NSW Ambulance to develop a state-wide Referral Pathway to virtualKIDS. An Australian-first, The Referral Pathway to virtualKIDS connects ambulance clinicians with specialist paediatricians and registered nurses across our hospitals to provide assessment and care in the patient's home. “Working with NSW Ambulance paramedics and the Virtual Clinical Care Centre helps us get the best results for families. It also prevents the need for hospital visits, which can be stressful for children or too far for families in remote and regional areas” Amie Donnelly, Nurse Unit Manager, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, said. Since launching in August, virtualKIDS has received 77 referrals from NSW Ambulance clinicians, with the collaboration resulting in a non-ambulance transfer rate of 88% of children. The virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service can assess and manage a range of conditions such as mild respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and fevers. It enables families to access care faster through video consultations in their homes, determining the best care pathway and care provider based on the individual's needs. Our Network is committed to providing the best care and service possible for families, meeting them where they are, at the right time, anywhere and everywhere. 

Nine-year-old Daisy was diagnosed with #Rettsyndrome when she was two years old. The incurable condition affects her movement, her ability to speak and means she will need lifelong care. Until recently, there have been limited options to help manage the symptoms of Rett syndrome but an Australian-first #clinicaltrial at The Children's Hospital at Westmead is offering new promise for patients like Daisy through the use of a novel full-spectrum cannabinoid drug therapy. Clinical Geneticist, Associate Professor Carolyn Ellaway, led the NTIRTT1 study, testing the therapy in a cohort of fourteen young girls with classical Rett syndrome. Within weeks, girls like Daisy showed significant clinical improvements, including increased communication skills, mental alertness, eye contact, sleep quality and reduced anxiety. The trial now hopes to expand to other sites nationally and internationally. Read more➡️https://lnkd.in/gaGYX_8B

Across our Network, we are committed to making sure everyone who passes through the doors feels welcome, included and respected. As part of this commitment, our Trans and Gender Diverse Service recently rolled out a pilot training program focused on LGBTIQ+ inclusive healthcare, with a particular emphasis on supporting trans and gender diverse young people. The program was developed in partnership with ACON and Twenty10 NSW to: • Promote safety, respect, and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ children, young people, and families within healthcare settings. • Equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to address the unique health needs and challenges faced by trans and gender diverse youth, including issues of stigma, marginalisation, and exclusion. •Enhance staff awareness of implicit biases that contribute to unsafe environments for LGBTIQ+ individuals. • Improve confidence among SCHN staff in providing inclusive care, focusing on access, equity, and the well-being of LGBTIQ+ children and young people, with an emphasis on trans and gender diverse youth who have been identified as facing specific healthcare challenges. The team held sessions at both The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, with staff attending from a range of different specialities. The training program was well received by all who attended and was an important step towards further expanding knowledge of LGBTIQ+ inclusive healthcare.