Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service

Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service Western Australia's specialist paediatric hospital and child health service

CAHS treats children from around Western Australia, and is committed to programs that promote lifelong health in children and adolescents. Our health service is made up of Neonatology, Community Health, Mental Health and Perth Children’s Hospital. CAHS employs over 4,000 people and provides services throughout the community within metropolitan Perth; operating the State’s only dedicated tertiary paediatric hospital (Perth Children’s Hospital); providing specialised state wide services; as well as providing support to other hospitals and health services for children and adolescents across Western Australia.

Thank you paediatric oncology nurses 💛Today we celebrate the incredible nurses of Ward 1A and Clinic H at Perth Children...
08/09/2025

Thank you paediatric oncology nurses 💛

Today we celebrate the incredible nurses of Ward 1A and Clinic H at Perth Children’s Hospital, whose expertise and dedication bring care, compassion and strength to children and families facing cancer.

As we mark International Paediatric Oncology Nurses Day, celebrated jointly with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we honour the crucial role our oncology and haematology nurses play in caring for kids across WA.

Thank you for making a difference every single day.

Do you have a close connection to somebody who underwent major surgery in their first month of life? Researchers from Pe...
08/09/2025

Do you have a close connection to somebody who underwent major surgery in their first month of life?

Researchers from Perth Children’s Hospital are looking for people to attend an online workshop.

Whether that newborn was your child, your grandchild – or even you – your insights could help improve care for families and babies such as newborn Luca, pictured above with Mum Sarah and PCH researcher Dr Rebecca Thomas. At just 11 days old, Luca is already preparing for his second lot of surgery.

Consumers with lived experience play a key role in shaping research – ensuring it reflects what matters most to families and the community.

To contribute to this important study, you must be:
• in Australia
• comfortable sharing your experiences in an online discussion
• available Saturday 20 September from 10am–3pm AWST (12pm–5pm AEST).

Find out more or register your interest email: PCHanaestheticresearch@health.wa.gov.au

As a gesture of appreciation, participants will receive $120.

This Father’s Day, we honour all dads – especially those spending the day by their child’s bedside.Whether you're holdin...
06/09/2025

This Father’s Day, we honour all dads – especially those spending the day by their child’s bedside.

Whether you're holding a tiny hand in hospital or supporting from afar, your strength, love, and presence make a world of difference.

To all the fathers, father figures, grandfathers and caregivers in our community – thank you. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re thinking of you today. 💙

Leading with culture, caring with heart! We’re proud to celebrate Anna Moore, Clinical Nurse Specialist, as the recipien...
05/09/2025

Leading with culture, caring with heart!

We’re proud to celebrate Anna Moore, Clinical Nurse Specialist, as the recipient of the Child and Adolescent Health Service Aboriginal Health Award!

Anna’s deep connection to community and commitment to culturally safe care make her a trusted and respected figure in the Peel region. Whether she’s linking families to vital services or mentoring new nurses, Anna’s work is grounded in compassion, knowledge, and advocacy.

Her efforts are helping to ensure Aboriginal children have access to developmental checks, immunisations, and the support they need to thrive.

Thank you, Anna, for your leadership and dedication to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal families across WA.

04/09/2025

A mighty milestone for little Leo 💚

After nearly 3 months living full-time at Perth Children’s Hospital, baby Leo has officially headed home!

Leo is one of just 20 people worldwide diagnosed with a rare tumour which grew rapidly in his jaw.

The 8-month old’s road to recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary, undergoing a 17-hour surgery where his jaw and mouth were reconstructed using tissue from his arm.

His care required round-the-clock attention and the expertise of a wide range of specialists, from ENT and plastics to oncology, complex care, speech pathology, and more.

Leo’s discharge marks a huge moment for his family and for the team at PCH. He’s now home, supported by Hannah's House for ongoing care.

Wishing Leo and his family all the very best as they begin this next chapter.

We’re proud to join in celebrating Wear It Purple Day to shine a light on the strength, diversity and resilience of LGBT...
29/08/2025

We’re proud to join in celebrating Wear It Purple Day to shine a light on the strength, diversity and resilience of LGBTQIA+SB young people.

As Western Australia’s lead health agency for young people, the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) has a responsibility to champion the rights of rainbow young people, because everyone is respected and valued at CAHS.

This year’s theme, “Bold voices, bright futures,” call on all of us to listen deeply, uplift courage, and create spaces where every young person feels safe, valued, and free to be themselves.

To every young person in our care and community: your voice matters, your identity matters, and your future is bright. We see and celebrate you exactly as you are.

When Leo was admitted to hospital with a tumour growing in his mouth, his family received a rare and unexpected diagnosi...
27/08/2025

When Leo was admitted to hospital with a tumour growing in his mouth, his family received a rare and unexpected diagnosis: Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumour (PMMTI). As the tumour grew, feeding and communication became incredibly difficult, and Leo required a tracheostomy to breathe safely.

But even when it wasn’t possible to use his voice, Leo found new ways to connect.

With the support of his family and Senior Speech Pathologist Isuri, Leo learned to communicate using touch cues and Key Word Sign – tools that helped him feel understood and empowered during a difficult time.

Following a surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct his oral cavity, Leo is now thriving. He’s using signs, gestures, and his speaking valve to make his voice heard, and his resilience shines through in every interaction.

Leo’s story is a reminder of what Speech Pathology is all about: helping people connect, express themselves, and be truly heard. This Speech Pathology Week we celebrate the incredible work of all speech pathologists across Australia.

Who’s a good boy turning 8!Our beloved support dog Winston had a paw-som birthday party in the atrium today, surrounded ...
26/08/2025

Who’s a good boy turning 8!

Our beloved support dog Winston had a paw-som birthday party in the atrium today, surrounded by children, families and staff, with plenty of pats and belly rubs.

Winston has been giving the best cuddles and doggy smiles since he joined our team of companion volunteers.

A big thank you to neonatal nurse, volunteer (and Winston’s owner!) Emily, for sharing him with us and making today’s celebration possible.

Here’s to many more years of tail wags and treats, Winston!

This is Henry and his journey with speech.Henry was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Thanks to expert care, ...
25/08/2025

This is Henry and his journey with speech.

Henry was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Thanks to expert care, both have been repaired – but like many children with a cleft, Henry faced some unique challenges with his speech.

Instead of the usual speech sounds kids learn as they grow, Henry developed what are called compensatory speech errors - his own way of trying to make himself understood.

With the support of his Speech Pathologist Briony at Perth Children’s Hospital, Henry has been working hard to find his voice – learning how to shape his sounds so that others can hear his message clearly. And he’s doing an incredible job.

As we celebrate Speech Pathology Week, we’re proud to share Henry’s journey – and honour the many children, families, and clinicians who know just how powerful communication can be.

It's Book Week at PCH!From Snow White to Scooby-Doo, teachers from Perth Children's Hospital's The School of Special Edu...
22/08/2025

It's Book Week at PCH!

From Snow White to Scooby-Doo, teachers from Perth Children's Hospital's The School of Special Education Needs: Medical and Mental Health have brought their fave book characters to life. With crafty workshops, costumes and special book giveaways, our classrooms have been buzzing with imagination.

Big thanks to our friends at Starlight Children's Foundation Australia and for helping make this year’s Book Week a story to remember!

Help shape access and inclusion at CAHS.The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is currently reviewing our Disabi...
21/08/2025

Help shape access and inclusion at CAHS.

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is currently reviewing our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) to provide a focused direction for the next 3 years as we aim to eliminate physical, institutional, and attitudinal barriers, and empower people with disability.

Complete this brief survey and share your feedback to ensure that CAHS services and facilities are inclusive and accessible to people with disability: https://redcap.link/yuvxu07a

The survey closes Monday 15 September 2025.

View our current DAIP 2022-2025 at: https://www.cahs.health.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Strategies-and-plans/Disability-Access-and-Inclusion-Plan

Parenting support, when you need it most! From newborns to kindy kids, our free Child and Adolescent Community Health pa...
20/08/2025

Parenting support, when you need it most!

From newborns to kindy kids, our free Child and Adolescent Community Health parenting groups are here to guide you through every stage of your child’s development. Whether you're learning about sleep, starting solids, or building emotional connection, there's a group for you – and a community to share it with.

Topics include:
• Feeding, sleep and settling
• Starting solids
• Sleep strategies
• Emotional development
• Kindy readiness

Parenting groups are available across the Perth metro area.
Run by experienced child health nurses.
Playgroups are another great way to meet other parents and carers.

Find out more: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Child-Health/Parenting-groups

Leading the charge in childhood cancer research!  We’re proud to congratulate Professor Rishi Kotecha as our Child and A...
19/08/2025

Leading the charge in childhood cancer research!

We’re proud to congratulate Professor Rishi Kotecha as our Child and Adolescent Health Service Researcher of the Year at the recent Annual Excellence Awards.

A dedicated Consultant in Oncology and Haematology, Professor Kotecha has made a global impact through his leadership in clinical trials for childhood leukaemia, delivering life-changing outcomes for babies with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

As a founding member of the National Blood Cancer Taskforce, his work continues to shape the future of blood cancer diagnosis and treatment, while expanding access to cutting-edge therapies for children across WA.

Thank you, Professor Kotecha, for your tireless commitment to research and innovation.

We did it! 🧬In partnership with The Kids Research Institute Australia and all our friends across PCH, we built the world...
15/08/2025

We did it! 🧬

In partnership with The Kids Research Institute Australia and all our friends across PCH, we built the world’s longest DNA model to celebrate National Science Week – spanning an EPIC 260m!

Thank you to everyone who took part 🫶

12/08/2025

This National Science Week we are attempting something BIG!

The Kids Research Institute Australia is partnering with Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service and other friends to build the world’s longest DNA model – and we need your help!

If you are at the hospital or nearby this week, drop into our Discovery Centre to help build a section of our pipe cleaner model, which will be assembled and officially measured on Friday.

Come and help us make history during National Science Week.

More info: https://www.thekids.org.au/events/national-science-week-2025

Did you know that if you took all the DNA from your body and stretched it out, it would reach the sun and back more than...
08/08/2025

Did you know that if you took all the DNA from your body and stretched it out, it would reach the sun and back more than 60 times?!

This National Science Week, we’re planning something BIG here at The Kids Research Institute Australia.

🥁 Drumroll please… Can you help us attempt an unofficial world record?

🧬Along with Perth Children’s Hospital and some of our other good friends, we’re attempting to build the world’s longest DNA model.

If you’re at the Hospital or nearby next week, drop into our Discovery Centre to build a section of our giant DNA double helix model - and hopefully help make a world record!

📅 Monday 11 – Friday 15 August 2025
⏰ 9am to 3pm
📍 The Kids Research Institute Australia Discovery Centre
💲Free

More info: https://www.thekids.org.au/events/national-science-week-2025

Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service | Perth Children's Hospital Foundation | Starlight Children's Foundation Australia | Clown Doctors | Ronald McDonald House Charities Western Australia | Radio Lollipop Australia | National Science Week

07/08/2025

408 Supertees packed – what a day!

Recently our amazing team at Perth Children’s Hospital came together to pack 408 Supertee medical garments for kids in hospital.

The Supertee, a specially designed medical garment, brings comfort and dignity to children facing serious illness, and thanks to the efforts of our staff and volunteers – and generous funding from Telethon – hundreds more families will benefit from this thoughtful innovation.

All participants wore masks and gloves during the packing process to ensure the garments are safe and ready for hospital use.

Child and Adolescent Health Service Chief Executive, Valerie Buić, joined the packing crew made up of CAHS staff and volunteers.

💬 “The Supertee is a wonderful example of the positive impact we can make when we consider the unique needs of children and families in hospital. It was inspiring to see so many staff members come together for such a worthy cause. Knowing our efforts will directly help children and families made it all the more rewarding.” Valerie shared.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to support this inspiring event.

05/08/2025

Perth Children’s Hospital has opened a dedicated clinic to support children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear.

Thanks to research funded through Telethon7 Perth, a simple blood test can now detect early markers of the condition – giving families time to prepare, but also leaving them with many questions.

This new clinic – the first of its kind in Australia – was co-designed with WA families and developed through a unique collaboration between the Diabetes Department at Perth Children’s Hospital, the Rio Tinto Children's Diabetes Centre, and The Kids Research Institute Australia.

It offers expert care, guidance and emotional support for children like 6-year-old Emily, who knows she’ll live with type 1 diabetes one day – just like her big sister Olivia.

With over 1,200 children in WA currently living with type 1 diabetes, and 150 more diagnosed each year, this clinic is a vital step forward in helping families navigate the journey with confidence and care.

Influenza (‘the flu’) can seriously affect even healthy children. A flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce th...
01/08/2025

Influenza (‘the flu’) can seriously affect even healthy children. A flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the impact of the virus – and assist in protecting your whole family this winter.

The Child and Adolescent Community Health Immunisation team is running Saturday flu vaccine clinics for babies, children up to year 6, pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age. This is a free service, available at:

Mirrabooka Community Health
• 4/14 Chesterfield Road, Mirrabooka
• Saturday: 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August 2025
• Bookings: 9345 7100

Weekday flu vaccinations for children and babies are also available through our Metropolitan Immunisation Clinics, including Joondalup, South Perth, Victoria Park, and others. See the schedule here:https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/HSPs/CAHS/Documents/Community-Health/Child-Health/Metro_imm_clinics.pdf

Please note: our weekday clinics are only for children. Adults can receive their flu vaccine at participating GPs, community pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

See https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Flu-Influenza-vaccine for more information.

We’re proud to support DonateLife Week, a time to honour the incredible gift of organ and tissue donation and raise awar...
31/07/2025

We’re proud to support DonateLife Week, a time to honour the incredible gift of organ and tissue donation and raise awareness about its life-changing impact.

Throughout the week our amazing volunteers have been proudly wearing their DonateLife shirts, and The Fizz is glowing pink all week long!

Have you registered? It only takes a minute to make a lifetime of difference. Visit https://www.donatelife.gov.au/ to learn more and sign up today.

30/07/2025

Many bugs, including colds, the flu and COVID, spread in winter simply because we’re all spending a lot more time indoors, closer together.

With similar initial symptoms – runny nose, cough, fever and fatigue – it can be hard to tell these viruses apart.

Dr Anita, Infectious Diseases Consultant, answers some common questions about these illnesses, and how to keep your family well.

The best protection is vaccinating your family.

Flu vaccines are free for all Western Australians over the age of 6 months until the end of July (that’s tomorrow!).

Vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of serious illness.

For colds, there are no vaccines but practicing good hygiene and keeping your child home from school or daycare when they are sick will help prevent the spread of germs.

When your child catches a winter respiratory bug, help them feel more comfortable by treating the symptoms.

💧 Keep fluids up to avoid dehydration
😴 Get lots of rest and sleep
🍏 If your child can eat, provide healthy, nutritious foods
🌡️ Treat fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen if your child is uncomfortable

Trust your instincts. If your child does not appear to be getting better or is really not themselves, seek advice from your local GP or medical professional.

Please note all information provided is general in nature and not intended to replace advice from a medical professional.

29/07/2025

Ahead of their clash with Perth Glory this Thursday, AC Milan made a very special stop at Perth Children’s Hospital, sharing unforgettable memories with some of their youngest fans, including Royce, Matthew, and Tyler.

Thank you, AC Milan, for lifting spirits and sharing the love of the game with kids at PCH!

Telethon7 Perth Starlight Children's Foundation Australia

Last call for free flu vaccinations!Immunisation is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community ...
23/07/2025

Last call for free flu vaccinations!

Immunisation is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community from serious illness caused by seasonal influenza.

Children are at higher risk of complications caused by the flu, even in healthy children.

Protect your family from flu. Find a provider and learn more at https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Campaign-influenza-immunisation-2025

Free vaccinations are available until the end of July.

Mealtimes just got a makeover!Perth Children’s Hospital has officially launched the Plateful of Personality project with...
22/07/2025

Mealtimes just got a makeover!

Perth Children’s Hospital has officially launched the Plateful of Personality project with a special visit from WA Health Minister Hon Meredith Hammat MLA.

This colourful initiative brings brand-new plates and bowls to our hospital, designed by WA artists Annie Aiton and Ian Mutch and chosen by kids themselves, including Maddison and Hailey.

Each design is full of fun characters and hidden surprises that reveal themselves as kids eat – helping make mealtimes more enjoyable, encouraging better nutrition, and offering a moment of joy in what can be a challenging time.

The new serving ware will start rolling out across PCH this week, supporting our commitment to compassionate, innovative, and patient-centred care.

We’re beyond proud to celebrate Kerrie Graham, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology, and the heart behind our paediatri...
16/07/2025

We’re beyond proud to celebrate Kerrie Graham, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology, and the heart behind our paediatric survivorship care.

Kerrie has recently been named the Consumer Experience Award winner at the inaugural CAHS Annual Excellence Awards – and it’s easy to see why!

With her deep expertise and genuine compassion, Kerrie walks alongside children and families navigating life after cancer, making sure every voice is heard and every journey is supported.

💬 “She genuinely cares and has given her heart and soul to make sure survivors and their families feel less burdened by the reality of living post childhood cancer diagnosis”
💬 “Her dedication is beyond exceptional.”
💬 “We cannot possibly thank her enough.”

Kerrie, your impact is immeasurable – thank you for everything you do!

See Kerrie’s nomination and our other winners here: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Annual-Excellence-Awards

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15 Hospital Avenue
Nedlands, WA
6009

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