New research centre opens at PCH

The Perth Children's Hospital Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute have committed $10 million in fundraising over five years to support a new respiratory research centre.

The Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, which opened at PCH today, is a partnership between the hospital and Telethon, and involves a team of clinicians and scientists who will work towards preventing respiratory illness in children.

The centre’s full name, Wal-yan Warlang-up, means ‘Place of Healthy Lungs’ in Noongar language.

Health Minister Roger Cook said the Wal-yan centre would strengthen Western Australia’s reputation as a world leader in respiratory research.

“Respiratory illness affects so many kids, and with one-fifth of Aboriginal children living with acute respiratory illness and being 10 times more likely to die from their disease, a focus on respiratory research and improved outcomes is vital,” Mr Cook said.

“I am confident the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre will have profound benefits for future generations of WA children and their families.”

The centre will also work towards reducing the Indigenous health gap related to respiratory disease and providing respiratory health information to the community.

PCH Foundation chief executive Carrick Robinson said Wal-yan was one of the most important research centres in children’s health.

“As a co-founder of the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, we are confident that such a significant focus on childhood respiratory disease will not only have a profound impact on WA sick kids now but will continue to benefit kids with respiratory disease worldwide for future generations to come,” he said.

Telethon director Jonathan Carapetis said the centre was unique in that it focused on long-life approach to respiratory health.

Around one million children are living with respiratory diseases in Australia including 110,000 in WA.