We've had another wonderful year at AWCH and I am pleased
to present this newsletter and tell you all about the Children's
Health Conference that was held in November.
But
first and foremost I would like you to take some time to
watch our Office Bearers bring you some Christmas cheer.....
AWCH
Conference
The Health Care for Kids Conference which was held at Manly
Pacific on 17 - 19 November 2008 was a huge success. There
were almost 300 delegates and the feedback has been very
positive.
The
conference was co-convened by Children's Hospitals Australasia
(CHA) and the Association for the Wellbeing of Children
in Healthcare (AWCH) and revolved on three major themes:
The People, The Map and The Measure which brought a wonderful
variety of speakers and presenters, from policy makers,
service providers, parents and young people. The many amazing
keynote addresses and presentations will be available shortly
on the AWCH and CHA websites - we'll keep you posted as
we gradually upload them.
It was
a wonderful collaboration between two organisations and
thanks goes to everyone who assisted in the organisation
and running of the conference. Special mention goes to our
conference organisers, Sharyn Low and Associates, whose
outstanding service is top of the range. Our appreciation
also goes to everyone who attended because the success of
the conference would not have been possible without your
presence.
Parent
Participation Program
At the first AWCH parent participation evening, parents
discussed the powerful impact of personal stories and how
their stories would raise key issues about the healthcare
system. Those issues were then used to plan a workshop for
the Children's Healthcare Conference.
The
4 parents, ably assisted by Jan Hatch, Executive Solutions,
presented their stories and challenged participants to think
about some key issues: think before you speak; support for
the whole family; recognise the role of the father; help
the young person to self manage.
AWCH
would like to congratulate Stacey, Jennie, Anthony and Robin
for their dedication, enthusiasm, courage and commitment
which were displayed in abundance throughout the preparation
for and during the workshop at the conference. AWCH would
also like to acknowledge the wonderful work undertaken by
Jan who facilitated the parent participation program throughout
the planning and implementation of the workshop.
National
Standards for the Care of Children and Adolescents in Health
Services
The National Standards for the Care of Children and Adolescents
in Health Services were officially launched during the Conference.
There
has been tremendous interest since the media release announcing
the launch and Professor David Bennett has been very busy
with television, radio and newspaper interviews during and
after the conference. You can hear David discuss the Standards
with ABC Lifematters at: www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2008/2421496.htm
Thank
you...
I would like to thank David Bennett, all the board members
and Rowena Sebastian for their dedication, commitment, enthusiasm
and support throughout the year. A special mention too for
the long standing commitment by Ron Berney who helps AWCH
with matters financial. We say goodbye to Nathan, Harry,
Kellie, Moroni and Ngia and thank you for your contribution
to child health. We welcome Janine, Alison and Robin and
look forward to working with you in 2009.
Big
thanks go to all the Ward Grandparent volunteers and the
healthcare staff who coordinate the programs in hospitals
in NSW, Canberra and Tasmania. And many thanks to all AWCH
members whose support is so important and enriches the work
of AWCH; and a special mention to those who have contributed
to enquiries and consultations - the AWCH network is such
a wonderful resource!
So with
another jam packed year, culminating in a fantastic conference
which has inspired us all, comes to a close, I would like
to wish you a
