Melbourne’s western suburbs are experiencing rapid growth, especially among young families.
For many years, Werribee Mercy Hospital has been on the front lines, providing essential healthcare services to this booming community. But even as the community grows, the hospital faces significant challenges in paediatric care that require your support.
A/Prof Kathy McMahon
Associate Professor Kathy McMahon, Clinical Director Paediatrics at Werribee Mercy Hospital, shares the joy and rewards of working in this critical field.
“I really enjoy being a paediatrician because kids are great fun. They get better quickly. They’re very innocent, and they tell you things that they probably shouldn’t tell you,” A/Prof McMahon says.
This sentiment rings especially true when considering stories like that of baby Luniva.
Last December, Luniva was born eight weeks premature. Her initial weeks were spent in Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Special Care Nursery.
After almost three weeks, her parents Supriya and Biplov were thrilled to bring their little girl home. However, their joy was short-lived.
Luniva woke up with irregular breathing and pale skin just a few weeks later and had to be rushed to Werribee Mercy Hospital’s busy Emergency Department.
Thankfully, due to the immediate actions of a dedicated team of paediatric doctors and nurses, Luniva received life-saving resuscitation and was stabilised in time for further treatment. This dramatic episode highlights the life-or-death importance of quality paediatric care and its direct impact on families in our community.
The paediatric department in Werribee is live-saving for the local community, with its specialised paediatric emergency department and special care nursery.
“We’ve developed a fantastic paediatric unit and special care nursery in a huge multicultural area,” A/Prof McMahon says.
“We have a fantastic paediatric emergency department, which is a real game changer for local families.”
With over 1,500 babies and children admitted to the paediatric wards and close to 10,000 young patients cared for in emergency situations, the department’s work is crucial.
However, the department needs more than dedication and expertise; it requires financial support to meet the community’s growing needs.
“We’re going to be the size of Tasmania in the next ten years, yet we still have a developing unit here,” A/Prof McMahon explains.
This need is all the more acute due to challenges with low health literacy and advocacy in the local community, making external support vital for continued development.
Luniva with her parents, Supriya and Biplov
This Christmas season presents a special opportunity to contribute. Your gift to Mercy Health Foundation will be instrumental in funding the most urgent priorities in paediatric care.
Your support could mean the world of difference for children like Luniva, and her mother Supriya, who is also a nurse at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
“That was our lucky day. We are so grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Mercy who saved Luniva’s life,” Supriya says.
Your generous support will help ensure that paediatric healthcare continues to meet the challenges faced by those in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Together, we can make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of families, ensuring that more children, like Luniva, get the life-saving care they need.
Please consider donating to Mercy Health Foundation this Christmas to bring joy to the lives of all sick and injured kids, and help fund the most urgent priorities in paediatric healthcare.
Last reviewed December 5, 2023.