News & Events: Media Releases

Telethon shining star visits Joondalup Health Campus paediatric ward

14 October 2011

The children of Joondalup Health Campus received a surprise visit today as 2011 Little Telethon Star Savanna Addis paid a visit to the paediatric ward, new neonatal nursery and paediatric emergency department to  kick off the Telethon weekend.

Based in Kununurra, Savanna has Alagille syndrome, which has affected her liver lungs and heart. She also recently underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a serious head injury from a fall.

She credits her recovery from the head injury to the long list of family members, friends and doctors who helped her. But those who know the 10-year-old have witnessed the magnitude of her own strength and optimism.

JHC Paediatric Head of Department Acting Professor Dr Desiree Silva has known Savanna since she was born and has been closely involved with Savanna and her family throughout her life.

“Savanna remains a positive and inspiring person who always looks on the brighter side of life. Her visit to the Campus is a great opportunity for her and her family to see first-hand the positive impact the recent upgrade of the special care nursery has had on the community,” said Dr Silva.

The $3m facility is four times the size of the previous department and has 16 neonatal cots, twice as many as before.

“The Paediatric unit has also improved training for all staff in neonatology. The special care nursery provides 24-hour medical cover and a team of specialist nurses, two neonatologists, six paediatric consultants, paediatric registrars and medical officers who are fully equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies, babies born with complications and premature infants,” said Dr Silva.

Joondalup Health Campus Chief Executive Officer Kempton Cowan said that the facility has been funded by the State Government through savings from the wider redevelopment.

“The facility was not part of the original works program but with the increase in population growth and high-risk deliveries, Joondalup Health Campus has responded to the needs of the local community and has invested in neonatal care which is a vital part of paediatric and maternity services at the hospital,” Mr Cowan said.

Savanna said while she is looking forward to meeting the other Telethon stars on the weekend, she was most excited about visiting sick children in hospital.

“When I was sick, I promised I would visit sick children in hospital when I got better,” she said. “It touched my heart to be able to give presents to some of children who are in Joondalup Health Campus.”

With the help of her parents Helen and Ralph and sister Jamilah, Savanna has already raised more than $12,500 which was donated between the Royal Flying Doctor Service, St John Ambulance Service, Variety Club. She will also donate to Telethon.

“I want to thank everybody for supporting me because a lot of people did and I couldn’t do it without mum or the community,” Savanna said.

Joondalup Health Campus also presented a cheque today for $5,000 to Savannah, which will go towards raising money for Telethon.