The Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) is a hospital dedicated to the care of women and children in Adelaide, South Australia. It was established in March 1989, when the Queen Victoria Hospital and Adelaide Children's Hospital were amalgamated, initially named Adelaide Medical Centre for Women and Children, being renamed to its present name in 1995.
In September 2022 plans were announced by the Government of South Australia to build a new facility in Park 27, on the site of the Thebarton Police Barracks.
The hospital is part of the Women's and Children's Health Network.
History
Adelaide Children's Hospital (1876–1989)
The Adelaide Children's Hospital (ACH) was founded in 1876 and officially opened in 1879. Initially funded by a number of wealthy patrons, subscriptions, fund-raising, and government grants, it was first intended only for poor and destitute children.
The hospital became an incorporated institution in 1880. and it purchased Estcourt House at Tennyson, relinquishing it in 1978. Occasionally children were sent from the hospital to Seaforth Convalescent Home. It was located at 160 Fullarton Road, Rose Park.
The site, which includes a tower overlooking Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi as well as a heritage-listed building next door, was purchased by the Burnside War Memorial Hospital in late 1996 from Healthscope Ltd, for around million. In 1998 it was sold to private developers Harwood Investments, who had developed plans to convert it into luxury apartments and about 15 courtyard homes. The apartments are known as the Queen Victoria Apartments.
Amalgamation (1989)
On 15 March 1989 the Queen Victoria Hospital and the Adelaide Children's Hospital were amalgamated, forming an institution initially named the Adelaide Medical Centre for Women and Children. In 1995 it was renamed as the Women's and Children's Hospital (abbreviated as WCH).); Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS; includes Torrens House); Metropolitan Youth Health; Encompass (which works with NDIS); Cedar Health (dealing with family violence); and Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service.
The Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation is the primary charity for the hospital, and exists to raise money and invest initiatives that support the care and future health of South Australia's women, babies and children.
Wards
the children's wards include:
- Adolescent Ward (Children's)
- Blood Disorders and Cancer
- Campbell Ward
- Cassia Ward
- Day of Surgery Admissions (DOSA)
- Day Surgery Unit
- Kate Hill Ward
- Mallee Ward (Children's)
- Medical Short Stay Ward
- Newland Ward
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- PED Emergency Extended Care Unit
- Rose Ward
the women's wards include:
- Antenatal and Gynaecology Ward
- Delivery Suite
- Queen Victoria Operating Suite (mostly day surgery)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Postnatal Unit
- Special Care Baby Unit
Emergency
The WCH Paediatric Emergency Department is open 24 hours, 7 day a week and is located on the ground floor, with access from Kermode Street, Sir Edwin Smith Avenue and Brougham Place.
In September 2022 plans were announced by the Government of South Australia to build the new WCH in Park 27, on the site of the Thebarton Police Barracks. The barracks comprise 10 buildings which are state heritage-listed, which would be demolished in order to allow construction ofths hospital, planned for opening around 2030–31. The site covers . The South Australian Heritage Council, the Australian Institute of Architects, and many others have voiced their concerns about the loss of the historic building. The new WCH (or NWCH) would be 25 per cent larger than the present one.
See also
- List of hospitals in Australia
- List of children's hospitals