A welcome message from the Director

John Hunter Children's Hospital, the third children's hospital in NSW, supports a vision of health care excellence for all children and young people. We do this by choosing to use a seamless integrated model of care that links services, shares information and networks across both acute, community and regional settings.

As a health service we are constantly changing, improving, evaluating and reviewing what we do and how we can better support the health needs of the children and their families in Northern New South Wales. Our vision is to provide specialist paediatric services for now and for the future as close to home as possible.

If we were asked to describe in one word our approach to care it would be holistic. We believe family involvement plays such an integral part in the well being of the children and young people as they journey through our health system.

A snapshot of our range of services includes: providing intensive care for premature babies and newborns; treating complex medical conditions, through to performing complicated surgical and trauma procedures as well as day stay surgery and conducting outpatient clinics. Today we have 40 staff specialists treating chronic and complex health conditions. These specialists work together with multidisciplinary teams to expertly care for children with life limiting conditions such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, juvenile arthritis and eating disorders. We also provide pain management and palliative care services.

We recognise the value of creative therapy programs - music, art and play - and the special role these specialists play in helping patients understand their treatment or adjust to their hospitalisation experience. We encourage patients to take time for fun and distraction - whether it's visiting the Book Nook, doing activities with Captain Starlight, a visit from the Clown Doctors or one of the visiting Pets-as-Therapy dogs - we do our best to brighten a child's stay.

Our number one priority is the health and well being of the children, young people and their families. Our dedicated team of health professionals is committed to providing the highest quality care in a warm, compassionate and supportive environment.

Ms Pat Marks
John Hunter Children's Hospital Director