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Monthly Archives: January 2012

Another Successful ChIPS Camp

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The Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) Program held its annual camp from 18th – 20th
January at Cave Hill Creek near Beaufort.  A highlight on the ChIPS calendar, 41 members attended this year, along with ChIPS staff, volunteers and a healthcare team.  Over the three days, teams competed for points in activities such as archery, canoeing and bouldering wall (amongst other things).

The theme for this year’s camp was Disney and a highlight of the camp was the costume party on the second night. The costumes varied from Captain Hook to Cars McQueen and everything in between!

The CampCommittee (a youth led committee that worked on the camp for a year prior)assisted by ChIPS staff kept things on track and created a relaxed vibe.  The ChIPS members were a diverse group of young people of differing ages and conditions who helped create a fantastic three days of inclusiveness, respect, challenge and fun – exactly what ChIPS Camp is all about!

For more information on the ChIPS Program please contact Jarnia Cameron
on jarnia.cameron@rch.org.au or 03 9345 6616.

Sunday Age picks up work CAH Eating Disorders Program

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Eating Disorders Program team

The outstanding results of The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Adolescent Health eating disorders program has been highlighted in the Sunday Age (22/1/12)http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/family-ties-helping-teenagers-rise-above-anorexia-20120121-1qbcy.html

Two families talked about their path to recovery by undertaking an intensive
in-home treatment known as Family Based Treatment. This form of therapy was
developed by the Maudsley Hospital, London and implemented by the Centre for
Adolescent Health in 2008.

To read the words, “Before, we were not really focused on cure because we saw it so infrequently for those who were very unwell. Cure is now expected,” in response to a complex health issue such as anorexia, gives families hope for the future.

The RCH eating disorders team won 2 prestigious awards in 2011 in recognition of the significance of this program – http://rch.org.au/blogs/cah/2011/11/23/eating-disorders-program-wins-2nd-award-in-two-days/

Further information about the Eating Disorders Program can be found in the link below:

http://www.rch.org.au/cah/services.cfm?doc_id=13464

Youth Health Nurse Study Day

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Nurses who are working with and caring for young people are invited to this one-day introduction into the role and scope of the youth health nurse.

Date: Thursday 23 February 2012
Time: 9am – 4.30pm
Venue: The Royal Children’s Hospital, West Building, Level 1, Health Education and Learning Precinct, Vernon Collins Room (via the yellow lifts)

Program overview

  • Adolescents and engaging them in their own health care
  • HEADDS and psychosocial screening tools
  • Drugs and alcohol in the adolescent context
  • Acute and chronic mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Supervision and reflective practice

This study day is equal to seven Continuing Professional Development hours.

For more info and registration details please see the Forums page.