This International Nurses Day, we celebrate inspiring nurses like Janine Emsley, whose unwavering commitment continues to make a meaningful difference.

Starting her nursing career in 1962 at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), Janine’s story is one of heartfelt dedication to patients and a legacy that continues to touch lives through her support of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society.  

For Janine, pursuing a career in nursing was a dream nurtured from childhood. “Ever since I was a little girl… I said I was going to be a nurse,” she shared. During her training, Janine earned accolades for her exceptional performance, all while navigating challenging yet impactful moments that shaped her career and transformed her approach to patient care.

Reflecting on one standout experience, she fondly recalled a patient named Peter, a quadriplegic she cared for early in her training. “One day he actually moved a toe, so exciting, and we just developed a lovely rapport,” she said. Their bond grew strong, with Peter even expressing disappointment when Janine had to move to another ward, telling his doctor, “My nurse is moving, and I want to go with her.” 

During her time at the WCH, Janine found deep fulfillment working in wards like Susanne (gastroenterology) and Duncan (burns). “I loved working in Duncan… you could see things happening with this burnt skin every day, improving and getting better,” she recalled.

Janine working in the WCH Angas Theatre in 1965.

Janine’s commitment to care extended beyond her active nursing career. Now a proud member of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society, she has chosen to leave a gift in her Will to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation as a way of giving back to a place that means so much to her.

“I just loved working there, being with the kids, and thought this was something I could do to repay the Hospital for all that they gave me.”

Being part of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society has also been a source of joy and reflection for Janine. Though hesitant at first, she now attends events and appreciates the community it fosters. ‘Recalling a recent visit to the Foundation’s ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House, partly funded through bequests, she shared, ‘

“I get a lot out of it, like that visit to Laklinyeri, that was just amazing.”

Janine (second from the right) at a Golden Hearts Bequest event.

Janine’s story is a testament to the lasting impact a life devoted to others can have. Her nursing career touched countless lives, and through her ongoing generosity, she continues to make a difference today.  

To find out more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequests page. 

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a truly special event for our Golden Hearts Bequest Society members at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House, located within the picturesque Encounter Lakes in Victor Harbor.

The Laklinyeri Beach House, partly funded through bequests, serves as a place of solace for families with children who have complex medical needs, are in palliative care, or families who are recently bereaved. Purpose-built for comfort and care, The Beach House is designed with the unique needs of each family in mind.

For many members of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society, the visit was an emotional and inspiring experience, shedding light on the true impact their support has on these families.

The morning started with a guided tour of the Beach House, followed by meaningful conversations over lunch.

A highlight of the day was the panel presentation lead by Dr. Chelsea Mauch, Head of Programs and Impact at the WCH Foundation. Chelsea was joined by Dimi Patrinos, Psychosocial Clinical Lead for Paediatric Palliative Care Services at the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN), and Carolyn Groocock, Senior Art Therapist and grief and loss program facilitator. Their insights into the critical support and services provided to families was truly moving and gave our members a deeper understanding of how families are positively impacted through their support of the WCH Foundation.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our Golden Hearts Bequest Society members for their continued support.

To find out more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequest page.

Thanks to a new radiant overhead heater acquired for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital delivery suite, newborns are now receiving the care and comfort they need from their very first moments.

For newborns, maintaining stable body temperature in the first few hours of life is crucial. Hypothermia in neonates can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, result in unnecessary admissions to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), separating babies from their mothers in those critical early bonding moments.

Midwife Jamie Logan explains the importance of the infant warmer, sharing that “neonates who are growth restricted, small for gestational age, or born to diabetic mothers are at a higher risk of becoming hypothermic during the postnatal period.” Having this specialised equipment in the delivery suite means these babies can be continuously monitored during skin-to-skin contact with their parents while also receiving radiant heat if necessary.

Already, they’re seeing results, with a 78% success rate for at-risk newborns who use the warmer avoiding SCBU admission.

“We anticipate that this technology will be invaluable in promoting family-centred care,” says Jamie.

Keeping mothers and babies together from the very beginning supports their bond, reduces stress, and improves outcomes for everyone involved.

A heartfelt thank you to Shannon Fleming, LOT.100, and special guest chefs whose efforts with Collab for a Cause raised almost $70,000, helping make this vital project a reality. Together, we are helping South Australian babies, children and their families thrive from the very beginning.

Two brave buddies found themselves on the same unexpected adventure, landing them both in Newland Ward at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Spending time in the hospital can be daunting. But for Sunny (left) and Clarry (right), their time on Newland Ward turned into an unexpected experience that showcased the incredible power of friendship during challenging times.

Two separate bike accidents at their local bike trail, saw the boys both treated at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH). Sunny suffered a ruptured spleen, followed just days later by Clarry who arrived with a serious liver injury from the very same bike jump.

Separated by circumstance but united by friendship, the two boys were soon sharing not only recovery journeys but a hospital room, too. Recovering from serious injuries as a child isn’t just about physical treatment; it’s often just as much about emotional wellbeing. The staff at WCH’s Newland Ward understood this and went above and beyond to ensure that Sunny and Clarry could go through their recovery side by side.

Their families couldn’t be more grateful for the thoughtful care provided not just for the boys’ injuries but for their overall wellbeing.