Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare – Past Present and Future
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Presenter: Associate Professor Alison Hutton1
1Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare – AWCH, Gladesville, Australia
Date of presentation: 27th October 2016
Abstract:
Aim
To share the journey of AWCH over 43 years in advocating for the wellbeing of children, young people and their families in healthcare across Australia.
Method
AWCH was established in 1973 predominately to advocate for parental presence in hospital.
In the past 43 years AWCH has played a pivotal role in changing policy and practice with parental presence in hospital and at the induction of anaesthesia now being standard practice across the healthcare system.
Results
AWCH has over 43 years curated one of the most comprehensive libraries in Australia that focuses on child and youth wellbeing in healthcare. Their award winning Ward Grandparent Scheme has been operating for over 30 years and continues to grow and thrive. Hospital and procedural preparation continues to be a focus as is advocating strongly for the rights of children and young people in healthcare.
Conclusions
AWCH has achieved extensively in advocating for and achieving greater wellbeing for children and young people in healthcare. There remains however many issues which still require support and action, for example; co-location of children with adults, poor access to developmentally appropriate programs, spaces and equipment for children and young people in healthcare environments, as well as a whole range of issues to better support families with children and young people utilising healthcare. Perhaps the greatest challenge which at the core of what AWCH was established for and remains an issue to this day, is advocating for the rights of children and young people and their families in healthcare.
We look forward to sharing the journey of AWCH over the last 43 years and most importantly what AWCH can do to work with AACYPN members in the future to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people in healthcare across Australia.