Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service

30/07/2026

We're turning waiting time into play time!

Our new Play and Wait Activity Trolley is bringing fun, creative and engaging activities directly to children and families in waiting areas across Perth Children's Hospital.

Supported by Perth Children's Hospital Foundation and designed by our occupational therapists and Play, Leisure and Engagement (PLAE) team, the trolley brings therapist-designed, interactive play to children while they wait for appointments.

From arts and crafts to sensory activities, each experience is designed to help reduce stress and anxiety, support emotional wellbeing, and make hospital visits a little easier for children and their families.

Families are already seeing the benefits:

"This was our first time to hospital. My daughter was super nervous and stressed. The activity helped her mind and made it easier to wait."

"It changes our experience of the hospital."

"This helped my child stay calm."

The Play and Wait Activity Trolley is helping create more positive experiences by bringing the power of play directly to children and families.

29/07/2026

Rachael Burns is the advocate she once needed, turning lived experience into action as a CAHS Community Ambassador and champion for youth voice.

Having navigated mental health challenges and disability as a young q***r person, Rachael knows firsthand what it means to feel unheard in systems not built for you. Today, she’s changing that.

Through her advocacy work, founding Integrity Initiative and roles across advisory groups, Rachael is helping shape mental health conversations to centre dignity, autonomy and human rights.

Driven by a belief that no one should feel ‘broken’, she’s passionate about ensuring young people are included in decisions about their own care.

As a Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Community Ambassador, Rachael is proud to help create a future where lived experience is recognised as expertise and every voice matters.

Read more about Rachael’s story and the CAHS Community Ambassador program: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/News/2026/07/29/CAHS-Ambassador-supports-a-more-inclusive-future-for-young-people

28/07/2026

We’re riding into DonateLife Week at Perth Children’s Hospital!

This week, patients, families and staff hopped on the Blender Bike, turning pedal power into delicious fruit smoothies while raising awareness of organ and tissue donation.

Borrowed from North Metropolitan Health Service, the Blender Bike is an exercise bike connected to a blender powered entirely by the rider. The interactive activity provided a fun way to bring our hospital community together and start important conversations about the life-changing impact organ and tissue donation can have for recipients and their families.

Thousands of Australians, including children and young people, are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. DonateLife Week is a reminder to register your decision and have a conversation with your loved ones about organ and tissue donation.

It only takes one minute to register at donatelife.gov.au/register or through Medicare, and don’t forget to tell your family.

Every registration is a step towards giving someone the precious gift of life.

DonateLife

24/07/2026

A welcoming symbol of culture, connection and healing.

Our Midland Community Hub has been enhanced with new Aboriginal artwork that creates a vibrant and welcoming space for children, young people and families.

Created by Noongar and Saibai Islander artist Tyrown Waigana, the artwork reflects themes of journey, community and holistic healing.

Visitors can also experience an Acknowledgement of Country displayed in English and accompanied by a QR code allowing them to hear the words spoken in Noongar language.

Within the Hub, artwork by Noongar artist Jarni McGuire features the pelican, a bird of deep spiritual significance in Noongar culture.

Together, these installations help foster belonging, respect and wellbeing, reinforcing our commitment to culturally safe and responsive care for Aboriginal children and families across WA.

Read more: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/News/2026/07/24/A-welcoming-symbol-of-culture-connection-and-healing

23/07/2026

There’s still time to get your free flu vaccine at a clinic near you.

Free flu vaccines are available for children at Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) clinics until 31 July.

• Nasal spray vaccine available for children and young people aged 2–17 years
• Free flu vaccines for children and their families at extended hour clinics
• Bookings encouraged – register online via the link in our bio or call 1300 749 869 (weekdays, 8:30am–5:00pm)
• Walk-ins welcome

To make it easier for families, the following clinics are open on Saturday 25 July:
📍 Armadale – 8:30am–3:30pm
📍 Hilton – 8:30am–3:30pm
📍 Bayswater Waves, Embleton – 9am–2:45pm
📍 Mike Barnett Sports Complex, Rockingham – 9:30am–2:15pm
📍 Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre – 9am–2:45pm

This week:
📍 West Perth – Tuesday 3pm – 7pm
📍 Mirrabooka – Wednesday 3pm – 7pm
📍 Murdoch Hub – Thursday 9am – 3pm

You can also get your flu vaccine at Perth Children’s Hospital, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and participating pharmacies across WA.

Register for a CACH community clinic appointment online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

17/07/2026

Only two weeks left to access free flu vaccines for children and families across WA!

Free flu vaccines are available at Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) clinics across WA until 31 July.

• Nasal spray vaccine available for children and young people aged 2–17 years
• Bookings encouraged – register online via the link in our bio or call 1300 749 869 (weekdays, 8:30am–5:00pm)
• Walk-ins welcome

To make it easier for families, the following clinics are open:

Tomorrow, Saturday 18 July:
📍 Swan Active Beechboro – 9am–2:30pm
📍 Armadale – 8:30am–3:30pm
📍 Hilton – 8:30am–3:30pm

This week:
📍 West Perth – Tuesday 3pm–7pm
📍 Mirrabooka – Wednesday 3pm–7pm
📍 Hilton – Thursday 3pm–7pm
📍 Murdoch Hub – Thursday 9am–3pm

You can also get your flu vaccine at Perth Children’s Hospital, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and participating pharmacies across WA.

Register for a CACH community clinic appointment online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

15/07/2026

When you get your flu vaccination, you're helping protect the vulnerable children and young people who visit our Emergency Department every day – especially those with compromised immune systems.

Free flu vaccines are available across WA until the end of July and you don’t need a Medicare card to access.

For children aged 2–17, a needle free nasal spray is available.

Get vaccinated at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, pharmacy, or community health clinic – and if you’re at Perth Children’s Hospital:
• drop into the Atrium flu clinic
• or visit the Stan Perron Immunisation Centre (Level 1).

Child and Adolescent Community Health clinics are also offering vaccinations.

Book via the following link: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

10/07/2026

As NAIDOC Week draws to a close, we would like to thank everyone who joined us in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and communities across the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS).

Throughout the week, staff, children, young people, families and visitors came together to take part in a range of meaningful activities, including a Welcome to Country and Water Ceremony, cultural performances, Noongar language lessons, storytelling sessions and hands-on activities for children and young people.

These events provided an opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate the rich cultural knowledge and traditions that continue to strengthen our communities.

We are grateful to the presenters, performers, community partners and CAHS teams who generously shared their time, stories and expertise. Your contributions helped create a memorable week of reflection, learning and celebration.

As we mark this year's NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years Deadly, we acknowledge five decades of celebrating and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remain committed to supporting culturally safe and inclusive care for all children, young people and families.

09/07/2026

Free flu vaccines for children and families – with extended clinic hours!

Flu season isn’t over yet. Protect yourself and your loved ones with a free flu vaccine, available at Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) clinics across WA until the end of July.

• Nasal spray vaccine available for children and young people aged 2–17 years
• Bookings encouraged – register online via the link in our bio or call 1300 749 869 (weekdays, 8:30am–5:00pm)
• Walk-ins welcome

To make it easier for families, extended hours clinics are available at:
📍 Saturday clinics:
• Armadale – 8:30am–3:30pm
• Hilton – 8:30am–3:30pm

📍 Evening clinics:
• Tuesday – West Perth, 3pm–7pm
• Wednesday – Mirrabooka, 3pm–7pm

📍 Murdoch Hub:
• Thursday – 9am–3pm

You can also get your flu vaccine at Perth Children’s Hospital, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and participating pharmacies across WA.

Register for a CACH community clinic appointment online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

08/07/2026

A simple flu vaccination can make a big difference, helping protect vulnerable children and young people who visit our Emergency Department every day, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

Free flu vaccines are available across WA until the end of July and you don’t need a Medicare card to access.

For children aged 2–17, a needle free nasal spray is available.

Get vaccinated at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, pharmacy or community health clinic – and if you’re at Perth Children’s Hospital:
• drop into the Atrium flu clinic
• or visit the Stan Perron Immunisation Centre (Level 1).

Child and Adolescent Community Health clinics are also offering vaccinations. Book online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

02/07/2026

Free flu vaccines for children and families this Saturday in Maylands, Armadale and Hilton.
• Nasal spray available for children and young people aged 2–17.
• Bookings encouraged – register online or call 1300 749 869 (8:30am–5:00pm, weekdays).
• Walk ins welcome.

Clinic locations and hours:
📍 The Rise in Maylands: 9:00am–2:45pm
📍 Armadale and Hilton: 8:30am–3:30pm

You can also get your flu vaccine at Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) immunisation clinics, Perth Children’s Hospital, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, and pharmacies across WA until the end of July.

Register for a CACH community clinic appointment online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

01/07/2026

Great news for WA families this winter.

The needle-free FluMist influenza vaccine is now available free for children and teenagers aged 2 to 17, expanding access to include young people aged 12 to 17 for the first time.

FluMist is a quick and simple nasal spray, making it an easy option for kids and teens, especially those who are not comfortable with needles. Increasing vaccination in this age group helps reduce the spread of flu at home, at school and across the community.

To make things even easier, the free flu vaccination program has also been extended until the end of July. Families can visit a local pharmacy, GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, community immunisation clinic or Perth Children’s Hospital, where children and teens can receive FluMist and adults can get their flu vaccine in the same visit.

Influenza is a highly contagious illness that can be serious and lead to complications or hospitalisation. Vaccinating your children helps protect them, as well as more vulnerable loved ones, including infants and grandparents.

Be wise and immunise this winter. Find a vaccination provider near you and lock it in before the end of July.

Register for a community immunisation clinic appointment online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

29/06/2026

Obang Girma Othow was born in Ethiopia and came to Australia in October 2016 from a refugee camp in Kenya.

On arrival, he was amazed by the quality of the services and healthcare available for his children and family.

As a father of twins who were born preterm, he has firsthand experience of the health service as a parent.

These experiences motivated Obang to become a CAHS Community Ambassador.
“I have a deep desire to give back to the community,” he said.

Obang is eager to ensure more people in his community are aware of the high quality care available, and know how to access help when they need it.

“I want to be a bridge between the system and CAHS,” he said.

“I will be proactively sharing essential information with the communities I represent, making sure families are informed about their healthcare options.”

Click the link to learn more about the CAHS Community Ambassador program: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/For-families-and-carers/Consumer-engagement/Community-Ambassador-Project/My-Why

29/06/2026

Join our community forum to hear about the exciting updates in Type 1 diabetes care and early-stage prevention, along with all the latest in the technology advancements:

Just two weeks to go until our Community Forum: A New Era in Type 1 Diabetes at the The Kids Research Institute Australia and Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service.

Join us to hear about the exciting updates in diabetes care and early-stage prevention, along with all the latest in the technology advancements for .

Bring the family, there will be activities for children.
Register here👉 https://www.trybooking.com/DNBBS

26/06/2026

Baby Charlie was born at just 27 weeks’ gestation and has spent the first months of his life in hospital, receiving specialised care to help him grow.

Following a complex birth, Charlie’s mum Courtney was unable to produce enough breastmilk to meet his needs. For premature babies like Charlie, donor breastmilk plays an essential role in supporting early development when other feeding options are not suitable.

Donated milk provided essential nutrition during Charlie’s most vulnerable weeks and has supported his amazing progress – from just over 1kg at birth to nearly 3kg today.

At present, donor milk supplies are at their lowest level in 3 years, with a significant decline in active donors across Western Australia.

Eligible women who are breastfeeding or expressing milk are encouraged to consider donation, helping ensure a continued supply for premature or medically fragile babies.

All donated milk undergoes rigorous screening and pasteurisation processes to ensure it is safe for use in vulnerable newborns.

Find out more about becoming a donor: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Neonatology/The-Perron-Rotary-Express-Milk-Bank/Information-for-potential-donors

25/06/2026

One stop for the whole family – free flu vaccines this Saturday in Morley, Armadale, Hilton and Mirrabooka.

• Needle free flu nasal spray available for children aged 2–11.
• Bookings encouraged – register online or call 1300 749 869 (8:30am–5:00pm, weekdays).
• Walk ins welcome.

Clinic locations and hours:
📍 Morley Sport and Recreation Centre: 9:00am–2:45pm
📍 Armadale, Hilton and Mirrabooka: 8:30am–3:30pm

You can also get your flu vaccine at Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) immunisation clinics, Perth Children’s Hospital, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, and pharmacies across WA.

Register for a CACH community clinic appointment online: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment

23/06/2026

Flu vaccination is an important way to help protect patients in our Emergency Department – especially those who are most vulnerable.

Hospitals care for babies, children and young people with serious illnesses, and vaccination helps reduce the spread of influenza in these high‑risk settings.

It’s easy to access a free flu vaccine across WA this June, even if you don’t have a Medicare card.

For children aged 2–11, a needle‑free nasal spray is available.

Visit your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or pharmacy – or if you’re at Perth Children’s Hospital:
• drop into the Atrium flu clinic
• or visit the Stan Perron Immunisation Centre (Level 1).

Child and Adolescent Community Health clinics are also offering vaccinations.

Book via the following link: https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Community-Health/Immunisation/Register-for-an-appointment