Paediatric Appeal - Grants

With the following partners we have been able to start the Paediatric Research now.

James & Diana Ramsay Foundation - Research Assistant Funding

The NRF is pleased to announce that the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation will be funding a Paediatric Research Assistant for three years. The research assistant will work under the supervision of Dr Amal Abou-Hamden. The first priority will be to set up a database for all paediatric neurosurgery patients managed at the WCH. This includes children with the following neurosurgical conditions: neuro-trauma (head and spinal injuries), brain and spinal tumours, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformations, epilepsy, neurovascular and craniofacial diseases. The collection of this data will enable Amal to carry out clinical research projects to improve our understanding of paediatric neurosurgical conditions, minimise treatment complications, improve quality of life and potentially identify the cure for a number of paediatric neurosurgery conditions. Ultimately this will lead the team to undertake clinical research projects and participate in international and multicentre clinical trials in paediatric neurosurgery. In this way we will improve knowledge, treatment outcomes and potentially cure neurosurgical conditions for children in South Australia and worldwide.

Variety - Equipment Funding 

Variety is funding an ultrasound machine for use by the neurosurgical team at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital. This machine will benefit over 200 children a year who need life-saving surgical procedures for hydrocephalus, brain and spinal tumour removal and relieving intracranial pressure for patients with traumatic head injuries. This lifesaving equipment will be used in both research and clinical applications.

Muriel Gunn Medical Research Trust Fund - Equipment Funding

Many thanks to Mr. David Gunn, Trustee of the Muriel Gunn Medical Research Trust Fund, for a grant for computer and research equipment.

1/ Computer equipment will be purchased to establish the paediatric database.

2/ The surgical equipment funded will include Ojemann Cortical Stimulators which are used for brain and spinal tumour and epilepsy surgery in children and adults. The stimulator maps out the position of important brain areas and so minimises any possible damage; this is a critical instrument to ensure a successful outcome for patients.

3/ Micro Instruments will be bought which are needed for adult and child stroke patients. The instruments are used to increase blood supply to the brain to prevent a stroke, they are critical to ensure life saving outcomes for patients. Operating microscopes will be fitted with a "mouthpiece" or "neuropilot" to prevent the need for the surgeon to move their hands away from the operating field in order to adjust the microscope.

Australian Executor Trustees - Research Grant

Australian Executor Trustees allocated a $5,000 Grant to the Paediatric Appeal from their discretionary charitable trusts. Australians are known for their generous spirit of giving and support of worthwhile causes.  Australian Executor Trustees has been helping people give back to the community for over 130 years.