Over 150 local GPs, GP registrars, practice nurses and allied health professionals gathered in Leura on Saturday, together with clinicians from the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, for the highly anticipated 2024 Nepean Blue Mountains Clinical Paediatric Conference.
This year's Conference focused on innovative approaches to addressing common childhood health issues, including colic, constipation and cow's milk allergies in babies, syncope in children, developmental dysplasia of the hips in infants, management of eczema, bowel and bladder continence issues and recognising child abuse and neglect.
Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Habib Bhurawala, Head of Paediatrics at Nepean Hospital and the driving force behind the conference since 2013, expressed pride in the event's continual growth and success.
"The Paediatric Conference has become a cornerstone for healthcare professionals in the region. Year after year, we see remarkable growth, and 2024 is no exception, with over 150 participants eager to connect, learn, and contribute to the future of paediatric care."
The growth is attributed to the strong collaboration between Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN), the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD), and the paediatric units at Nepean and Blue Mountains hospitals.
"By bringing together such a diverse group of dedicated healthcare professionals, we are creating a space where innovation and collaboration can thrive, ensuring that the children in our care receive the highest standard of healthcare possible," said Dr. Bhurawala.
Executive Manager, Primary Care Development for Wentworth Healthcare, Kate Tye, highlighted the benefits of events like the Clinical Paediatric Conference for health professionals, not just for continued education but also for health integration by encouraging connections and information sharing.
"This conference not only provides the latest updates on paediatric health, but also provides an opportunity for collaboration among the region's health professionals, with a commitment to improving the health of children in our community," said Ms Tye.
"We are passionate about cultivating a 'one health system' mindset for patients as they journey from one part of the health system to another. We have been working with our friends at NBMLHD for many years to bring our local health system together and this wonderful Conference is just one example of our collective effort," she said.
Chief Executive for NBMLHD, Lee Gregory said the region thrives when both health organisations come together to integrate care and ensure the future prosperity of the people it cares for.
"Our strong reputation in clinical education is no different for our littlest patients. Bringing together the top minds from the paediatric space to ensure evidenced based research and learnings can be shared is vital for improving clinical outcomes amongst children in our care," said Mr Gregory.
"A new paediatric inpatient unit is a centrepiece in the Stage 2 Redevelopment. When complete, it will include 24 new beds with a focus on single and double-bedded rooms, a new Adolescent Unit and plenty of outdoor space, complementing our strong children's wards at Lithgow and Blue Mountains hospitals."
The Nepean Blue Mountains Clinical Paediatric Conference continues to be a key event for paediatric education and collaboration, driving forward the standard of care for children across the region.
