For generations the quintessential summer getaway for Australian families has been enjoyed at the beach.

However, for parents whose children have complex medical needs packing the car and heading to their favourite location is not a simple undertaking. The need to take their child’s medical equipment, and beach shacks not designed for wheelchair accessibility, let alone fitted with disabled bathrooms or lifting equipment, means organising and going on a holiday is a lot of hard work and often not worth the stress.

It is for these reasons the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House was built.

In early January 2020, we welcomed the Knight family to the Beach House. Sue and John’s daughter, Verity, is cared for by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s complex care team.

Sue shared what the stay meant to her family. 

“When it was shared with us that the WCH Foundation designed and created the Beach House for families like ours we were so humbled and honoured to be supported and acknowledged in this way,” Sue Knight said.

The Knight family stayed at the Beach House in early 2020.

“When we arrived at the Beach House, we felt an immediate sense of calm and tranquillity. Every part of the House has been thoughtfully designed and built with love and empathy.

“To have the opportunity to spend time with our boys, Henry and Jonas, and for my mum to have time with Verity has created a unique opportunity to make memories that sustain us on this journey and enable us to feel like a regular family – something I know families like ours don’t take for granted.

“Being in a home not only designed for comfort, recharge and discreetly equipped for a wheelchair (those rounded walls, terrazzo flooring and the landscaping), but which also welcomes extended family and friends is just extraordinary.

“From our family, a most sincere thank you to all who contributed to this magnificent home. Most of all thank you for helping us to give Verity, Henry and Jonas, the best life we can.”

The Beach House is South Australia’s first purpose-built holiday home for families with children with complex medical needs or in palliative care.

Read more about the WCH Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House. 

As a kid you’re told not to draw on the walls – but it’s been the exact opposite for patients, their families and staff in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital as they joined artist Anna Cherkasova to create a mural.

The wall mural ‘Animals went in by A to Z’ features 65 animals, including Australian native animals, which are framed by blooming foliage.

It took Anna a couple of months to draw the animals individually and create the layout. The design was projected at night and it took Anna 30 hours to draw the illustration onto the wall.

Then the real fun begun with patients, their families, staff, and volunteers bringing the mural to life with colour.

The mural is a project organised and funded by our Arts in Health program, which in 2020 is celebrating 10 years.

“The process of making this mural is as important as the final result – beautifying the Hospital,” Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Jane Scotcher said.

“The chance for patients and their families to colour-in the mural provides them with distraction and entertainment, which helps to alleviate some of the stress they may feel and create positive experiences while being in hospital.

Patients and their families have enjoyed being involved in the mural project.

“Offering the Hospital’s staff a five-minute mental health break to contribute to the mural as they walk through the corridor is a great restorative experience.”

Anna said the mural has been one of her most enjoyable art projects.

“I have enjoyed all aspects of the mural project, but especially seeing children, their families and the Hospital community participating in the colouring-in,” Anna said.

“I am always surprised with how people perceive the animals and what colours they use!

“I received such a positive response to the project. During the evening when I was drawing the illustration, night-shift workers loved speaking with me about the mural and seeing its progress.”

Visit the mural on Level 1 of the Hospital near the entrance to the Play Deck!

Find out more about our Arts in Health program.

Artist Anna Cherkasova in front of the mural ‘Animals went in by A-Z’.

“No one knows what NICU is until you need NICU. NICU makes families and without them we wouldn’t have the family we have now,” Nicole and Shannon Fleming said.

In 2018, Nicole and Shannon’s twin daughters Eloise and Isla were cared for in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Heartbreakingly, Isla passed away at four weeks of age following surgery in Melbourne.

The care and support Nicole, Shannon and their daughters received while in NICU inspired the amazing couple to raise funds to support families whose babies require special care.

In June 2019, they held a fundraising dinner ‘Collaboration for a Cause’ where close to $60,000 was raised for NICU thanks to the generosity of the Fleming’s friends, a group of South Australia’s top chefs and food and wine businesses.

“This has been part of our healing journey,” Nicole said.

“We are both so super proud and happy of what we have been able to do,” Shannon said.

“We had our experience in NICU and we have worked really hard to help others going through that journey too. It is nice we are able support families because we understand what they are going through.”

The Fleming family. This photo was taken by a NICU nurse and is a treasured possession for the family.

The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation has worked closely with NICU staff to see the donation fund the unit’s priority needs and wish list.

Their impact

We are delighted to announce the Fleming’s donation has enabled a new support program – ‘Baby Talk’, facility upgrades with the refurbishment of the parenting unit and lockers for parents’ personal items, and equipment including a UV mobile device sanitiser, phototherapy units, breast pumps and overhead heaters.

Angela Cavallaro, one of the NICU nurses who cared for Eloise, said the Flemings are a family you remember.

“There are some people you just don’t forget, and the Flemings are such a beautiful family. They have worked so hard in raising the money and what they have been able to achieve is creating Isla’s legacy,” Angela said.

Simon with his daughter Torvi using Baby Talk. They are one of the families the Fleming’s donation will benefit.

Angela said the program, equipment and upgrades will make an impact on all babies and families who come through NICU and the Special Care Baby Unit with a focus on ensuring babies are safe, reducing the chance of infection being brought into the units and families are comfortable and supported.

Baby Talk encapsulates all of this.

Thanks to the Fleming’s donation, iPads were purchased for the initiative which uses video conference technology to allow parents and family members to call into see their baby when they can’t physically be in the Hospital due to illness, visitor restrictions (like we’re experiencing with COVID-19) or being a long distance from the Hospital.

Baby Talk creates many benefits including allowing siblings to start connecting with their baby brother or sister, reducing the stress and anxiety many parents feel while their newborn is receiving special medical care, and decreasing the risk of infection coming into the units if family members are sick.

“I think everything has to have a logo,” Angela laughed. “And for Baby Talk I thought the perfect logo was koalas. The koala became a good luck charm for Nicole, every time she saw one on their way into the Hospital, she would tell me ‘today is going to be an OK day’.”

Thanking their incredible community

“We thank everyone who made Collaboration for a Cause possible,” Shannon said.

“Lot 100 for the venue, and Mismatch Brewing, Hills Cider Company, Adelaide Hills Distillery, Ngeringa Vineywards, BK Wines, Samtas Seafood, Ochota Barrells, Gentle Folk, Vinteloper and Ashton Valley Fresh for donating produce and auction items.

“The staff who donated their time for the night and the chefs – Scott Huggins from Magill Estate, Kane Pollard from Topiary, Oliver Edwards from The Summertown Aristologist and Imogen Czulowski from Africola.

“Thank you to the 140 people who came to the dinner, purchased auction items and donated.”

Nicole and Shannon are hoping to hold another Collaboration for a Cause dinner later this year if COVID-19 restrictions allow.

If you are passionate about giving back to your Hospital, just like the Flemings, contact our Community Fundraising team to chat!

The chefs and set-up at the Collaboration for a Cause dinner held at Lot 100.

This year our Arts in Health program is marking its 10^th year and while COVID-19 has altered the planned celebrations and activities, together with Hospital staff we have worked to ensure play, art and music are still delivered to patients. This is entirely possible thanks to the generosity of WCH Foundation donors.

Here are a few initiatives Arts in Health is proud to have introduced since the beginning of March.

Individual activity and distraction packs

Due to infection prevention measures, toys, arts and crafts supplies have been removed from parts of the Hospital. We have worked closely with the Play Therapists to create almost 400 individual activity and distraction packs for patients filled with colouring-in books, pencils, packs of cards and small games. The packs have kept children entertained and distracted, helping to alleviate the stress and anxiety they feel during Hospital visits.

“Your wonderful ongoing support during COVID-19 has allowed the Play Therapy program to provide suitable activities to the patients in the Hospital”, Marisa Salvati – Play Therapy Coordinator said.

Music Therapy

We have supported the expansion and adaption of Music Therapy services at the Hospital.

A new Music Therapy service to support babies on Rose Ward and their families has begun, and we are working on expanding this service to the neonatal nurseries.

An adapted Music Therapy program utilising telehealth has also been in place during COVID-19 and special resources were created by Music Therapist, Maybelle Swaney, to help both patients and staff. This included music-based strategies for babies and their caregivers, and a staff wellbeing resource on music for self-care.

As a health-oriented resource within the Hospital space, Music Therapy can support the emotional wellbeing of babies, children, and staff.

Music Therapist, Maybelle and Play Therapist, Kim.

Rainbow Connection

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the world have created rainbow artworks with the rainbow becoming a symbol of hope and togetherness as everyone navigates isolation and the uncertain times.

Arts in Health brought the rainbow to our Hospital with patients given an art pack filled with colourful pencils, paints, paper and craft materials to inspire creativity and brighten wards and corridors, connecting the Hospital community with wonderful rainbow artworks.

Patients have enjoyed receiving rainbow art packs and creating bright artworks.

Ukulele Club

In recent months it has never been more important to stay connected whilst still adhering to social distancing.

Many have embraced technology to help this happen and at the Hospital we have done the same.

Instead of meeting in the Hospital once a week to play ukulele, our Ukulele Club created a Zoom Room to allow staff and volunteers to learn new ukulele skills and keep on jamming.

Led by tutor Chris Carr, the ukulele members have been playing songs online, sharing their enjoyment of music and the benefits it can bring, especially in these tough times.

The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) has appointed Michael Luchich as the new Chair of the charity’s Board.

Michael Luchich has been named the new Chair of the WCH Foundation Board.

Mr Luchich will take over from Nick Begakis AO when he steps down from the role on June 30 2020 after almost 20 years of dedicated service to the WCH Foundation and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital community.

Mr Luchich has over three decades of executive leadership and commercial experience in Australia and New Zealand across corporate, enterprise and government sectors. He is currently the State Director SA & NT of Optus Australia.

“It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation,” Mr Luchich said.

“The WCH Foundation has a very long and significant history of fundraising with philanthropy being a key element in making sure that mums, children and their families have access to the very best medical care, facilities and support services at a time when they need it the most.

“Growing up my mother worked as a midwife and from early on I learnt the commitment required to ensure women, children and their families are looked after in the best possible way. I look forward to contributing to this important work.”

Under Mr Begakis’ leadership key projects the WCH Foundation has delivered include:  

• The inception and implementation of the WCH Foundation’s Arts in Health Program, which in 2020 is celebrating its 10^th year. Over the past decade the program has expanded considerably and now benefits 83,000 patients a year.
• Numerous upgrades across the Hospital including the Sacred Space and Women’s Outpatients, and opening of The Breathing Space.
• The initial investment in South Australian CAR-T research – some of the most promising research in the elimination of paediatric solid cell cancer.
• The opening of the WCH Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House – South Australia’s first purpose-built holiday home for children with complex medical needs.

Mr Begakis praised the WCH Foundation community.

“Nothing can be achieved alone but with the Foundation’s significant community of generous donors, a dedicated management team and staff, and experienced and committed Directors – both past and present, together we have accomplished a lot,” he said.

After almost 20 years, Nick Begakis is retiring as Chair of the WCH Foundation.

“During my term of service, the WCH Foundation has become a widely respected charity, providing significant financial support to the Hospital and investing in ground-breaking maternal and paediatric medical research.

“Michael is an experienced and respected corporate leader. In passing the baton to him, I am confident he will successfully lead the great team of Directors and management at the Foundation.”

WCH Foundation CEO Jane Scotcher thanked Mr Begakis for his dedication and wonderful contributions.

“Nick has shown great integrity and passion for the Foundation and therefore support of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. His work has assisted in our Hospital providing the best healthcare possible for women and children who rely on its services,” she said.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, and WCH Foundation Patron, reflected on Mr Begakis’ tenure as Chair.

“I have known Nick over the last 20 years. He is an outstanding businessman, entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist. Nick is an inspiration to many of us.

“His leadership, passion and dedication to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation has seen it raise significant funds to support many important initiatives for children and their families in our State.

“I know that our community will join me in expressing gratitude for his incredible work.”

In addition to Mr Luchich’s appointment, the WCH Foundation Board has welcomed five new Directors – Christine Molitor, Leonie Boothby, Darren Button, Ben Gulliver, and Caroline Patrick. Their tenures commenced in May 2020.

It is our pleasure to introduce you to Kathryn – the winner of our 2020 Super Mum competition.

Thanks to our wonderful friends at Burnside Village, Kathryn has won a $500 Burnside Village shopping voucher.

Kathryn, who is mum to George, was nominated as a Super Mum by her close friend Brodie. They have been friends for more than 15 years after meeting at high school.

Here is Brodie’s beautiful nomination.

“Kathryn is the definition of a Super Mum. Kathryn is the Super Mum to George who is now just 19 months old.

From the beginning navigating being a first time mum with George’s first year being full of sleepless nights, colic and her husband’s work requiring them to move across states when George was four-weeks-old, there has been nothing that has defeated Kathryn, taking every challenge in her stride.

Her biggest challenge came last year just days before Christmas when George was 14 months old. George was diagnosed with Leukemia whilst on their Christmas holidays in Broken Hill and their lives as they knew them were turned upside down.

George was flown out by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide that very night and in an instant her life has been put on hold for the next 3-5 years, but a sacrifice she wouldn’t think twice about when it comes to the health of her beautiful little boy.

Kathryn and her adorable son George.

Kathryn is still in Adelaide staying at Ronald McDonald House, 600 kilometres from her home with basically the same clothes she packed with her on holidays five months ago for her family Christmas in Broken Hill.

I can’t think of another mum as super as Kathryn who deserves nothing more than to treat herself with a shopping spree.

No matter what life has thrown at Kathryn in her Super Mum role I’ve never once heard her complain or practice self-pity, every time she gets knocked down she gets back up even stronger and keeps fighting.

No matter what detriment to her own wellbeing, her family always come first. New mums, old mums and mums-to-be can only look up to Kathryn for her braveness, courage, selflessness and her caring and humble nature.

Kathryn is truly inspirational and a Super Mum at the least.”

Kathryn thanked Brodie for the surprise nomination.

“I truly believe that motherhood is one of the greatest gifts, don’t get me wrong it has challenges. However, those challenges push us to grow into more resilient human beings, which allows us to be the role model our little people deserve. I hope you are celebrating Mother’s Day in some way special,” Kathryn said.

George continues to receive treatment in the Michael Rice Ward and Clinic, with his treatment planned to finish in 2023.

For Mother’s Day, Kathryn said she is looking forward to being served a nice cup of hot tea. She will spend the day with George and husband Adrian.

From everyone at the WCH Foundation and Burnside Village we congratulate Kathryn and wish her family all the best throughout George’s treatment.

Kathryn and George at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital with the Burnside Village voucher.

A team of South Australian scientists are joining forces in the fight against COVID-19 to greater inform the local, national and global response efforts, including the creation of a vaccine, thanks to the support of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation).

The group of SA virologists, immunologists and clinicians has been equipped with an initial $75,000 for the WCH Foundation and $150,000 from The Hospital Research Foundation to commence their world-first research.

The findings will help determine if in fact a “super race” does exist – recovered patients who can go back into the community with immunity – and how long the immunity may last.

Senior Virologist Dr Branka Grubor-Bauk from The University of Adelaide and Basil Hetzel Institute* said the team would study the response and recovery of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalised at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).

“South Australia is in a unique position to do this with a first-world health system, excellent research capabilities and, if we can act quickly, the possibility to track the virus and the population from an early point in the infection cycle,” Dr Grubor-Bauk said.

“We will be evaluating the virology and immune responses of hospitalised adult and child patients from symptomology through to recovery and ultimately for a further 12 months.

“This knowledge will inform what part of the virus a vaccine should target and what kind of response is required to be protected. It will be a high impact study of global reach to drive treatment and vaccine design.”

To do this, the team will assess the COVID-19 disease profile in:

• all children and pregnant women presenting at the WCH
• critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the RAH
• moderately ill patients in the RAH Infectious Diseases Ward
• recovered patients that have been released as “COVID-19 free”

Immunologist Professor Simon Barry, who is leading the paediatric and pregnancy arm of the study, from The University of Adelaide and WCH said the study would help determine why there was such a broad range of symptoms experienced from the same virus.

“There’s an awful lot we don’t know about why some people are asymptomatic, why some people get very sick and why some people get moderately sick. We are looking to build up a very high-resolution picture of how people’s immune systems respond to the virus and why,” Prof Barry said.

“For example, what’s different in children? Some reports have suggested that children don’t get as sick. While that’s not always true, if it is occurring in some cases, what is it about a young person’s immune system that’s working differently to an adult’s?

“These sorts of studies are great for understanding the disease response,  but we also want it to have an impact, for example can we use this immunology to help test  if a vaccine works better and lasts longer for all the children, mums and adults of South Australia.”

Join us in the fight against COVID-19 and help support ground-breaking research

Jane Scotcher, CEO of the WCH Foundation, is proud to be part of this collaborative research project.

“As the leading charity for maternal and paediatric health in the state, thanks to our donors we ensure that women and children have access to the very best medical care,” Jane said.

“This research project will play a vital part in enabling positive health outcomes for women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their families and loved ones.

“Everyone is impacted by COVID-19 and we all have an important part to play in the response to the pandemic. Our partnership with The Hospital Research Foundation and the researchers demonstrates this.”

Professor Simon Barry, Dr Branka Grubor-Bauk from The University of Adelaide and Basil Hetzel Institute, and Associate Professor Michael Beard are working together in the collaborative research COVID-19 project.

Dr Benjamin Reddi, Clinical Lead at the RAH ICU, said the team’s findings would be critical to current patient treatments as well as local, national and global efforts to develop a vaccine.

“COVID-19 is thought to be up to 30 times more deadly than influenza with no effective cure available. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that most people recover after developing only mild symptoms,” Dr Reddi said.

“We can learn from those who recover what their new immunity looks like, so in the future we can work out how to promote widespread protective immunity against COVID-19.”

This project has only been made possible thanks to a unique state-wide collaboration between virologists, immunologists, clinicians, health networks and South Australian charities which have come together in just a matter of weeks to provide their support to the lifesaving work.

The collaborations include:

• Dr Branka Grubor-Bauk who is leading the adult COVID-19 project, working with Dr Benjamin Reddi and Dr Chuan Kok Lim at the RAH ICU and Dr David Shaw at the RAH Infectious Diseases Ward
• Professor Simon Barry who is leading the paediatric and pregnancy arm of the study at the WCH
• Associate Professor Michael Beard from The University of Adelaide who is leading the virological aspects of the project
• Professor Guy Maddern and Jessica Reid who are leading the clinical trial coordination at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• The Research Office of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Human Research Ethics Committee of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Network which are overseeing governance

LEARN MORE about how the WCH Foundation is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

The WCH Foundation’s Arts in Health program is proud to present pop-up exhibition ‘Tide’ by Kate Fitton.

‘Last Summer’ and ‘White Heron’ by Kate Fitton.

Artist: Kate Fitton

Gallery Location: Level 1, Zone F – just past the Queen Victoria Lecture Theatre

Exhibition Dates: Due to COVID-19 this exhibition has been removed from the Hospital. However, please enjoy the images we have shared online and view the brochure below.

Kate Fitton is an emerging artist working with the medium of ‘shibori’ – a resist dyeing technique to create pattern on fabric.

In this exhibition ‘Tide’, Kate’s work is inspired by the sky, the phases of the moon, the sea and waterways. In the movement of wind and water, she sees patterns as beauty in their own right, as well as a metaphor for the transience of thought and emotion, sometimes stormy, sometimes calm.

For more information about the exhibition, download the brochure.

To learn more about Kate visit her website and Instagram page.

This year the WCH Foundation is thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of our Arts in Health program.

Over the past decade the program has continually grown and now impacts over 83,000 patients each year and delivers a range of activities from visual art exhibitions, to literature and music programs, to assisted therapy using play, art and animals.

Our Arts in Health program alleviates anxiety, provides psychological support and offers creative outlets for self-expression to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and their families. Arts in Health is recognised in helping to reduce the length of hospital stays and lowering patients’ reliance on pain relief medication.

To learn more about our Arts in Health program click here

Key Arts in Health achievements since 2010:

Expansion of Play Therapy

We have expanded the Hospital’s Play Therapy team with 11 Play Therapists now employed and working with hundreds of children every week. Play Therapists are health professionals who through play, art and craft minimize a child’s anxiety, stress and trauma associated with being in hospital.

Delivering art throughout the Hospital

The Arts in Health program has presented 179 exhibitions featuring over 1500 artworks by 420 artists across five gallery spaces plus pop-up displays of art created by young patients. These galleries provide a space away from the stresses of treatment to distract, entertain and inspire, creating a positive hospital environment.

Over the decade the program has expanded to include artist workshops with Hospital School students, Play Therapists and educators, and in 2019 we delivered our first artist in residency program.

Introducing Animal Assisted Therapy for rehabilitation

The Arts in Health program coordinates and funds the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) at the Hospital in partnership with the Paediatric Rehabilitation Department. The AAT program sees highly trained handlers and dogs, from The Delta Society , work alongside rehabilitation staff to support patients with their recovery.  This program has been proven to enhance the motivation of patients to achieve therapy goals and provide psychological support and companionship.

“It brightens her spirit and is something she looks forward to days leading up to and will speak about for days afterwards,” said Lilia Santiago, mum of Sienna. Sienna is pictured with AAT dog Harper, who helped her to walk again and eased her anxiety.

Engaging programs that also educate

Working in partnership with Hospital School, Arts in Health has developed the Book Buddies program. Qualified book readers visit the wards daily, engaging children with the many adventures that can be had through reading books. Book Buddies encourages reading, improves literacy skills and provides distraction. In term 4 of 2019, 470 patients were visited by Book Buddies and 136 books were given away.

Our Arts in Health program would not be possible without the amazing support from our community.

The WCH Foundation looks forward to celebrating the year with an exciting calendar planned to spring us into a new decade and further expand the Arts in Health program, including:

• Continuing our support of the Play Therapy service at the WCH.
• Presenting 19 exhibitions, which include workshops and Artists in Residence
• Expanding the Animal Assisted Therapy program to provide support to young patients with mental health issues in the Boylan Ward.
• Providing more live music experiences and exploring Music Therapy services as a part of the clinical teams to support in-patients at WCH.

WCH Play Therapists in front of the banner recognising 10 years of Arts in Health.

When Doris Henderson (née Findlay) was training to be a nurse at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital in 1968 there was no university course, most of the trainees were 16 years old and they were required to live in quarters adjacent to the Hospital.

Doris Henderson (née Findlay) in her nurse trainee uniform.

“A lot has changed since then,” Doris exclaims!

In the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, the WCH Foundation caught up with Doris to hear her tales of working as a nurse and why she is a passionate supporter of our Foundation.

“I was 16 when I arrived in Australia in 1964 and wanted to start nursing straight away, but my parents urged me to get an office job and start earning money. After experiencing work in an office my desire to be a nurse grew even more and I made an application to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and commenced my training on 8 October 1968.

“I was the oldest of our training class at 20 and at our 30^th reunion one of the girls let me know they had looked on me as being the ‘granny of the group’ and very wise! I arranged our 50^th reunion in 2018 and it was a very special event.

“The course was three years and comprised of study blocks and placements on the wards. It was hands-on learning when working alongside senior nurses on the wards.

“My favourite wards were Walker, which was surgical, and Rose – newborn babies. I could have spent all my time on Rose Ward – I just loved it!

“One experience on Walker leaves a great memory in my mind. A three-year-old patient needed to go to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) for a brain scan – in those days they didn’t have that technology at the Children’s. We managed to get him on the bed, but he wouldn’t lie down and was upset, so I asked if I could have five minutes alone with him. I sang to him and he dozed off to sleep, meaning the scan could be done.

“The next day the nursing director asked to see me immediately. On her desk were two gifts and two cards from the boy’s grandfather and parents to thank me for the way I cared for him. I thought that was lovely.”

Just over a year into her nursing course, Doris was engaged and planned to be married early in 1970. As student nurses had to live in the nurses’ quarters Doris had to give up her course. However, her training to date, having passed her first year examination, meant she had achieved an enrolled nurse qualification. After having her first son, she couldn’t return to nursing as there were no Hospital shifts suitable for mums, so Doris sold Tupperware for eight years and also worked for her husband’s business when needed.

“In 1986 the State Government put out a campaign about attracting former enrolled nurses back into Hospitals,” Doris explained.

“They announced an information session to be held at the Modbury Hospital to enable us to register our interest in undertaking a nine-week refresher course. We had to sit an exam and if we were successful, we then had an interview. From 140 people who attended the first session, there were eight nursing roles available and I was fortunate to be offered one of them.

“I contacted Sister Zetta Karay whom I knew from my trainee days and who was still working at the Children’s. I told her I was doing the refresher course and would like to resume working at the Hospital on completion of it and with her assistance I gained a position and was placed on Brookman Ward – the oncology/renal/cardiac ward. I had requested three night shifts a week. It was very rewarding, and I felt very privileged to be there. In those days enrolled nurses were able to assist with drug administration and I was regularly assigned to patients receiving treatment for Leukaemia for my full shift.

“My time as a nurse at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has ingrained it in my heart as a place I want to support, and having seen evidence of the amazing work of the Foundation,  I am very happy to assist this group of dedicated workers.

Peter Stobie and Doris Henderson at a Golden Hearts event.

“Through my passion as a musician and singer, I have a very special interest in the Arts in Health program the Foundation funds, including the Animal Assisted Therapy program.

“Having attended a session where I was able to meet the handlers and hear about the benefits of pets being brought on to the wards and also being used to encourage some patients ‘reluctant’ to do prescribed exercises by  going across to the parklands and playing  ‘games’ with the pets – this is one of the best programs I have seen. I want to contribute to programs like this.

“I also recently visited the Beach House at Victor Harbor on a Golden Hearts event – the house is amazing.”

Would you like to find out more about the Golden Hearts Bequest Society or how to leave a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation?

Click here for more information