The NSW Government will invest $500,000 to establish a statewide institute focused on improving the treatment, research and prevention of serious injuries among children.
The NSW Institute for Paediatric Trauma will be based at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and is expected to begin operating within the next six months.
The institute will bring together clinicians, researchers and trauma specialists to provide specialised training and simulation exercises to hospitals and health services across NSW.
The Government said the move follows several major paediatric trauma events in recent years, which have highlighted the need for specialised systems and expertise when treating seriously injured children.
The institute will work with hospitals, retrieval services and emergency response partners to help clinical teams prepare for complex paediatric trauma cases. The aim is to strengthen the response across the state so children can access appropriate care regardless of where an injury occurs.
Its work will cover the full pathway of paediatric trauma care, from emergency treatment through to rehabilitation and recovery. It will also undertake research into trauma treatment, outcomes and prevention, while developing clinical guidance and supporting quality improvement across NSW Health.
Injury prevention initiatives will be informed by research, trauma data and the experiences of clinicians working with injured children.
The institute will build on expertise within the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, including specialists at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service.
It will also complement the work of the Agency for Clinical Innovation’s Institute of Trauma and Injury Management, which coordinates and supports the broader NSW Trauma System.
Health Minister Ryan Park said major incidents, including the Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction attacks, had highlighted the importance of having specialist paediatric trauma capabilities available across the health system.
“We know we won’t always be able to prevent trauma events, but we can make sure we are ready to respond when children and families need us most,” Mr Park said.
The Government said the institute would focus on sharing specialist knowledge with health services around NSW, rather than concentrating expertise in one location.
Guy Henry, Co-Director of Trauma Services at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, said treating seriously injured children required specialised knowledge because their injuries and clinical needs can differ from those of adults.
“Children aren’t small adults,” Dr Henry said. “Their bodies, injuries and clinical needs are different, and caring for a seriously injured child can be very different from caring for an injured adult.”
He said the institute would bring together clinical expertise, research and data to improve care and provide opportunities for health professionals to train together for complex trauma situations.
The institute will receive additional support through philanthropy from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
Foundation chief executive officer Kristina Keneally said families facing serious childhood injuries needed access to highly skilled teams prepared to manage complex cases.
“This new Institute is an investment in better outcomes for children across NSW,” Ms Keneally said.
Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill said the institute would add to the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct and help build paediatric trauma capability across NSW.
The NSW Government expects the NSW Institute for Paediatric Trauma to be operational within six months.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
