Health Information
Introduction
The children's health information provided on this site is designed to help parents of sick children understand common conditions and how they are treated.
We would appreciate your comments on the health information available on our site.
Factsheets
The Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, in collaboration with the Children's Hospital at Westmead, has produced reader friendly health and safety information for parents.
These factsheets give clear and practical information to parents. The factsheet review process will ensure that the information being given is consistent with approved medical practice and belief.
Whilst the factsheets are protected by copyright, they have been made available free of charge on our website, http://www.sch.edu.au/health/factsheets/ where they can be printed and then photocopied as appropriate. They are to be used in their entirety (displaying all hospital logos and copyright information).
The Rights of Children in Healthcare
A universally applicable approach to addressing the rights of children in healthcare is to adopt a strong advocacy stand based on human rights principles, most powerfully expressed in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Taskforce on Health Promotion for Children and Adolescents in and by Hospitals and Health Services has undertaken an international project across developed countries to evaluate, enhance and progress the application of the CRC within health services. An initial survey in 114 European paediatric units (22 countries) was followed by the design of a Self Evaluation Model and Tool tested in 17 pilot sites (10 countries). The findings indicated relatively widespread commitment to child protection and access to healthcare, but substantial gaps in communication and engagement, particularly with children and young people directly. A documented "Charter of Children's Rights" that is widely displayed, known and respected was considered vital but rarely achieved. These data will drive further work to promote broader participation and new initiatives in addressing the challenges of inequities in child health and wellbeing.
In Australia and New Zealand this work is being co-ordinated by Children's Hospitals and Paediatric Units Australasia (CHA). After initial piloting by Sydney Children's Hospital, the Self Evaluation Model and Tool is being adopted by a majority of member organisations. A uniform "Charter of Children's Rights in Healthcare" is being developed across facilities in Australia and New Zealand. A workshop is planned for November 2010 as part of the CHA annual conference. The relevant documents are linked below:
- The Self Evaluation Model and Tool - to be used as a guide and information resource.
- The "Local Report" template - to be populated in collating and reporting the findings of the self-evaluation.
- Final Report of the pilot project testing the implementation of the Self Evaluation Model and Tool across 15 hospitals.
- Christchurch, New Zealand developed organisational survey instrument. - as an example of one way organisations can get input from staff.
- Links to other sites at:
For further information please contact Professor Les White.
Health Topics
Visit the NSW Health A - Z Index of Common Health Topics for information on common health topics that may help you to understand the facts about various medical conditions.
A - Z Index of Common Health Topics »
Conditions/Diseases
Visit the Commonwealth Government HealthInsite for information on important health topics.
HealthInsite's Conditions/Diseases »
Health Links
The Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick provides a number of links for your convenience.