07 December 2005

125 years caring for kids - Children's Hospital Westmead

NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos today celebrated The Children's Hospital at Westmead's 125th anniversary by launching 125 Years of Care, an illustrated history of the hospital.

The Minister was joined by Member for Parramatta Tanya Gadiel, Member for Wentworthville Pam Allen and Hospital chief executive Professor Kim Oates to congratulate current and former staff and patients.

Mr Hatzistergos said this year was a double anniversary for the hospital marking 125 years since its inception and 10 years since the NSW Government moved the hospital from Camperdown to Westmead to meet the needs of the growing population in western Sydney.

"The Children's Hospital at Westmead is now a world leader in providing the best possible care for 50,000 sick children and their families every year," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"The Children's Hospital places great emphasis on family-focussed care, not only caring for the sick child but also supporting parents and siblings, arranging accommodation for families and education for parents and carers, involving them in any ongoing care," he said.

"I commend all the staff who, over the years, have cared for many hundreds of thousands of young lives in a hospital that has witnessed many wonderful miracles.

"The book 125 Years of Care is based on archives and oral histories from current and previous staff members, and recounts some wonderful and heart wrenching patient stories providing a rich history of saving the lives of Sydney's children," he said.

125 Years of Care recounts the story of three year old Billy from rural NSW, admitted to the Hospital in 1935 with tuberculosis of the spine. His family were only able to make two hospital visits over five years because of the difficulty and expense of transport, accommodation and arranging care for the farm and other children. Billy barely recognised them when discharged. The hospital had become his home away from home.

"125 Years of Care from 1880 to 2005 will touch a chord with anyone who has ever been associated with The Children's Hospital or who feels a passion for history or the health and welfare of children.

It is available exclusively through The Children's Hospital at Westmead on (02) 9845 3585 or email kidsh@chw.edu.au or through Focus Publishing on (02) 8383 3000 or www.focus.com.au/westmead

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au