Royal Children's Hospital

The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), colloquially referred to as the Royal Children’s, is a major children's hospital in Parkville, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Regarded as one of the great children’s hospitals globally, the hospital and its facilities are internationally recognised as a “leading centre for paediatrics”.^[3] The hospital serves the entire states of Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as southern New South Wales and parts of South Australia.

As a major specialist

The hospital was established in 1870

The Royal Children's Hospital was founded by Doctors John Singleton and William Smith, in response to their serious concerns about infant mortality in the fledgling city of Melbourne. The original "Free Hospital for Sick Children" was set up in a small house at 39 Stephen Street (now 49 Exhibition Street) and treated more than 1,000 children in its first year of operation.^[6]

In 2005, the

After the move to new facility, demolition of the old site was completed by December 2012. Much of the old site was turned back into parkland, creating a new gateway to Royal Park.^[10] Landscaping of the park was complete by 2015.

Good Friday Appeal

The Good Friday Appeal is held annually to raise money for the hospital. It has been broadcast on the Seven TV network for 52 years. The goal of the Appeal is to ensure that children with life-threatening illnesses receive the best possible medical and clinical care.^[11]

The 2009 Appeal raised $13,862,734.^[12] The 2010 Appeal raised $14,462,000.^[13] The 2011 Appeal raised $15,156,000. The 2012 Appeal raised $15,820,640. The 2013 appeal raised $16,405,534.65.^[14] The 2016 Appeal, raised $17,445,624.^[15] The 2017 Appeal, raised $17,605,662.^[16]

A new record was set in 2018, with the appeal raising $18,043,251.^[17]

Centre for Adolescent Health, Gender Service

The RCH Centre for Adolescent Health, Gender Service provides a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment, care and treatment of gender dysphoria^[18] for children aged 3 to 17 years.^[19][20] In 2003 it received 1 referral,^[21] increasing to 7 referrals in 2007. In 2015 it was expected that there would be more than 150 referrals, with a one-year waiting list. The Andrews government said it will spend an extra $6 million over four years to reduce waiting times.^[22][23] During 2016 the gender clinic is expecting to receive at least 250 referrals.^[24]

RCH awards

Elizabeth Turner medal

Each year since 2002, the Elizabeth Turner Medal has been awarded to senior medical or dental practitioners at the RCH who have consistently shown excellence in clinical care over an extended period of time. It is the highest honour of peer recognition at the hospital.^[25]

The medal was named in honour of

On the 150th anniversary of the hospital the medical staff association established the Barnes-Hutson medal to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the fabric of the hospital.[25]

The medal is named in honour of Graeme Barnes (Gastroenterology) and John Hutson (General Surgery and Urology) in acknowledgment of their all-round contribution to clinical practice, research, education, and mentorship.^[25]

The inaugural award was presented to Gastroenterologist Winita Hardikar in 2021, Community paediatrician Jill Sewell received the award in 2022, and Gastroenterologist Prof Julie Bines received the award in 2023.^[25]

Arms

Coat of arms of Royal Children's Hospital

Notes Granted 5 May 1966 Crest On a wreath Argent Gules and Azure on water barry wavy Argent and Azure an Australian Pelican naiant Proper. Escutcheon Per chevron Argent and Azure in chief two Rods of Aesculapius erect Proper the serpents respectant Vert in base a representation of the Constellation of the Southern Cross with five mullets Argent on a chief Gules a lion passant Or. Supporters On the dexter side a boy Proper vested in a short tunic Argent edged at the neck and sleeves and pendent from a cincture a purse Or shoes Vert and on the sinister side a girl Proper vested in a long sleeveless dress edged at the neck and hem and cinctured Or shoes Vert. Motto Fide Scientia Et Amore[26]

See also

• List of hospitals in Australia
• Healthcare in Australia

References