The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Playground
The George Gregan Foundation opened its first interactive outdoor playground at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead on 5th October 2006. With major partners Mirvac and Backyard Blitz, the playground was completed in three weeks and was officially opened by the Foundation’s very special Ambassador, Katie Power.
The project was based on Australian and international research and close consultation with The Children's Hospital at Westmead to design an accessible and equitable play environment for children with and without disabilities.
This playground has an aquatic theme and is filled with surprise water elements including sculptures of tortoises, crabs, fish, seal, walrus and an enormous octopus rising from the (fibre optic) river bed. The major focus of the playground is a giant pirate ship complete with sound effects on the gangway, which was very generously donated by Cure Our Kids.
To maintain the playground the Foundation has built two beautiful curved donor's walls. We would especially love to thank donors who have already supported the Foundation by buying a donor tile on these walls. There are still lots of spaces to fill on the new donor wall and we welcome any donation to this project. Twice a year we will add new engraved stainless steel tiles to the donor wall which is closely guarded by a magnificent sculpture of 'Sweetheart' the 5m salt water crocodile. Donations to the Foundation will ensure the long term maintenance, upkeep, new play items and many more surprises are constantly added to the playground to entertain the kids and their families while visiting the hospital.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the George Gregan Foundation has recently installed additional shade structure over the playground and across the adjacent grass area and amphitheatre. The playground will now be accessible in warmer months and the shade has created additional play areas for the kids. This upgrade and extension was made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors.
Playroom
The Foundation has recently funded the refurbishment of a playroom in the neurology ward at The Children’s Hospital in Westmead. The refurbishment of the Commercial Travellers’ Ward playroom is nearing completion. The structural work (which involved removing an internal wall and closing in a verandah) has been achieved and the playroom is now a big sunny room with a great outlook over the George Gregan Foundation Playground.
The George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowship
Since 2006 the Foundation has funded a Fellowship in Neurology at Westmead Children's Hospital. The George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowship provides clinical experience in the assessment, investigation and management of children with new onset and refractory seizure disorders. This is seen as a great investment in improving the treatment and results for children and their families.
The 2007/2008 Fellow is Dr Chris Troedson. Below is a report which outlines his experience as the George Gregan Epilepsy Fellow.
Thank you to The George Gregan Foundation for supporting me with The George Gregan Epilepsy Fellowship in 2007/8.
My name is Chris Troedson, and I am a second year Neurology Trainee. I am a local graduate from the University of Sydney and have had 7 years training in General Paediatrics - including 2 years in Darwin, predominantly involved with Indigenous Child Health - before deciding to train in Paediatric Neurology.
In my position, as the George Gregan Epilepsy Fellow, I have been extensively involved in the management of the refractory Epilepsy patients at Westmead, as well as the medical assessment of patients that are potentially suitable for Epilepsy Surgery. I have also been able to improve and hone my skills in EEG interpretation. I also provide 35% of the on-call Neurology service at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.
My specific interest in Neurology is Neuro-critical Care. This involves the neurological assessment and management of children with acute neurological problems in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. This includes children with Status Epilepticus; a situation where a child may have a fit that goes for a long time, and is not controlled by conventional measures, sometimes requiring anaesthetic agents.
The skills that I have been able to acquire while working as the George Gregan Epilepsy Fellow, will be especially useful as I continue to pursue my training in Paediatric Neurology, especially in the EEG monitoring of Critically Ill patients who are especially at risk from seizures and long term neurological problems.
Sincerely,
Chris Troedson.
George Gregan Epilepsy Fellow. |
Click here for a complete list of all equipment and donors who generously donated.
Click the image on the right for a larger view, or click here for a more detailed version
