PCHF and WAITTA (the Western Australian Innovation, Technology & Talent Alliance) have partnered to launch Tech4SickKids, a new strategic initiative bringing together WA’s technology, data, AI and innovation sectors.
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “Together we can keep Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) at the forefront of healthcare innovation, ensuring WA’s sick kids have access to cutting-edge technology and breakthrough research, closer to home.”
Tech4SickKids will harness the power of technology to support advanced medical technology, digital innovation and breakthrough research at PCH.
“It’s really important that we tap into WA’s capital, its expertise, its knowledge, skills and abilities to bring together what technology, AI and data can change and impact in terms of interventions for children and young people,” WAITTA Board Director, Adj Prof Anita Ghose said.
The initiative was launched on Wednesday 12 August at NAB’s Perth headquarters with Science and Innovation Minister, the Hon Stephen Dawson MLA, delivering the keynote address.
"Tech4SickKids is bringing together Western Australia's strengths in technology, medical research and healthcare to help drive better outcomes for children and their families,” Mr Dawson said.
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting medical research and innovation that improves lives, strengthens our health system and helps position our State as a leader in emerging health technologies.”
Tech4SickKids builds on the legacy of WAITTA’s Putt for Dough charity golf day – which has raised close to $1 million dollars for PCHF over 17 years – and marks an exciting new chapter that aims to extend the impact further.
WA children are already seeing the impact of PCHF-funded technology.
Advanced surgical imaging equipment is helping clinicians perform highly complex procedures with greater precision, while the ZeroG 3D – a first-of-its-kind robotic rehabilitation system – is proving a game-changer for children rebuilding mobility, confidence and independence after injury, illness or surgery.
PCH is the first paediatric hospital in Australia to install the ZeroG system which allows children to practice walking, balancing and everyday movements while suspended in a harness attached to a ceiling-mounted robotic track.
By reducing the effects of gravity, children can safely attempt movements that would otherwise be too difficult, dangerous or exhausting much earlier and more intensely in their rehab journey.
For 10-year-old Bruce Tran, who lives with cerebral palsy, just four sessions with the ZeroG helped him find his feet after corrective surgery to straighten his leg.
“I like being in it because I can feel stressed sometimes, and it makes me feel safe and helps me walk by myself faster,” said Bruce.
Practicing movement in a supportive environment helped Bruce build both strength and confidence, one step at a time.
“It’s really important and helpful for kids like me and future kids like me.”
Technology and innovation have the power to improve outcomes for other young patients, speeding up diagnoses and accelerating recoveries.
“We already know the commitment of our technology community in WA to fundraise for sick kids – and we’re excited to inspire and ignite around this great next direction that we’re taking,” Adj Prof Anita Ghose said.
With WA’s brightest technical minds uniting for the cause, Tech4SickKids is poised to make a tangible difference to WA’s sickest kids, turning innovation into high-quality care and brighter futures for the children who need it most.
To be a part of the tech revolution changing young lives visit Perth Childrens Hospital Foundation | PCHF and Tech4SickKids | Fundraising for WA's sickest kids
