Medical research is vital to identify new approaches
to preventing, diagnosing and treating childhood diseases and to
promoting the health and wellbeing of children. We are one of
the world's leading academic hospitals and has a long-standing and strong
commitment to research.
The RCH is co-located with campus partners, the Murdoch Children’s
Research Institute and The University of Melbourne. The partnership allows the
sharing of staff, facilities, expertise and knowledge and means that research
findings can be quickly translated into clinical practice. Collaboration
between scientists, researchers and doctors on laboratory, clinical and public
health research projects has resulted in outstanding advances in child
health.
Researchers are supported by funding from the Australian
Government and state governments, corporate sponsors and philanthropic
organisations, as well as from fundraising programs facilitated by The Royal
Children's Hospital Foundation and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
How you can get involved in research
While your child is at the hospital, you and your child may be approached about
your child taking part in research. Your child's contribution could
help to provide better care both for your child and for other children in the
future.
Involvement in research may involve filling in questionnaires or
surveys, trialling a different medication or treatment, or undergoing extra
tests or procedures.
All research projects on the campus undergo an ethical review
before being approved. Before agreeing to allow your child to take part in a
research project, be sure both you and your child understand what is involved
and ask questions about the project.
There is no financial cost to you associated with taking part in
research and there is no obligation for your child to take part in research. If
you decide you'd rather your child didn't take part it won't affect your
relationship with the RCH and your child will continue to receive high quality
care.
If you have any questions or concerns about our research, please
contact the Director, Research Development and Ethics.
Telephone
9345 6924
Email
rch.ethics@rch.org.au