Little ones can step into a set of scrubs and become mini medics these school holidays, thanks to a partnership between Werribee Mercy Hospital and Pacific Werribee.
The interactive and educational Werribee Ward event, running until July 9, will transform Pacific Werribee into a neonatal hospital ward, where children aged five to 12 can get hands-on experience caring for life-like newborns.
For a gold coin donation, all are welcome to bring their youngsters along to learn how to feed, swaddle and care for a baby in the play ward.
The City of Wyndham has one of Victoria’s highest birth rates, with almost 100 babies born each week – enough to fill 4 classrooms. The immersive sessions will use STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and maths) to teach the children how to care for the babies using some of the world’s most advanced baby simulators.
While the kids let off steam, parents can get involved through informative workshops. For $5 a session, parents can participate in baby first aid run by Tiny Hearts, baby massage lessons, and a chat with Dr Anneke Engwerda from Mercy Health, who will provide expert advice on introducing solids to little ones.
Parents are encouraged to enjoy a coffee and share parenting challenges, ask questions, and get advice from experts in a safe, inclusive space.
General manager of Pacific Werribee Ryan Ling said “This is a great way for kids from Werribee and beyond to learn and have fun during the holidays.”
He added that all funds raised by the Werribee Ward event will go towards the hospital’s paediatric ward.
Acting general manager of Werribee Mercy Hospital, Bradley Van Ooi, said, “We are so pleased that the funds raised by this fantastic event will be directed to our Paediatric Ward. The hospital provides comprehensive care for the people living in the City of Wyndham, and every bit of help makes a difference.”
In-centre activations and experiences:
Baby Care at Werribee Ward
What: An interactive activity held at the ‘Werribee Ward’ where our future nurses and doctors can
learn the ropes of looking after a newborn.
Where: Pacific Werribee, near Sportsgirl
When: Monday, June 26 until Sunday, July 9 from 10am until 2pm
Cost: Free (Gold coin donation to the Mercy Health Foundation encouraged)
How: No bookings required.
Introducing solids to babies
What: An intimate chat with Dr Engwerda from Mercy Health on introducing solids to babies (this will
include a demonstration of what to do if a child is choking). Babies are most welcome to attend.
Where: Pacific Werribee, near Sportsgirl
When: Friday, June 30 from 9am until 10am
Cost: $5
How: Bookings required
Baby & Child First Aid
What: Parents can learn CPR for infants and how to deal with choking and fever in a one-hour course
designed by emergency paramedics.
Where: Pacific Werribee, near Sportsgirl
When: Wednesday, June 28 and Thursday, July 6
Cost: $5-$10
How: Bookings required
