department of
health and community services

media release

Improving child health outcomes

Wednesday, 30 April 2008

Hundreds of Child and Paediatric health professionals from around the world converged on Darwin today for the 10th International Paediatric and Child Health Nursing Conference.

The event, supported by the Department of Health and Community Services, is entitled “Crossing Barriers” and will be held at the Darwin Entertainment Centre and Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin from April 30 to May 2.

A record 400 professionals from 18 countries will attend the conference to share their experiences and interests in paediatrics and child health nursing.

The conference aims to improve health outcomes for children and young people by crossing the geographical, cultural and professional barriers that Paediatric and Child Health nurses face in their line of work.

Discussions will promote excellence of child health care and allow the professionals to share their experiences and accumulated knowledge.

DHCS CEO Dr David Ashbridge opened the conference and said the forum was a great way to stimulate debate and encourage greater cooperation between professionals in the fields of paediatrics and child health.

“This conference is an avenue to promote the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving the health of children right around the world.

“We have a record number of participants at this years conference here in Darwin and the Department of Health and Community Services is proud to be supporting it.

For more information on the conference visit www.ipchnconference.com.au

Media Contact: Lorraine Hook, 0401 116 203