Welcome to the website for the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH), part of the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service formed in July 2004 by the joining of the Hospital with Child and Youth Health (CYH). The WCH plays a leading role in improving the health of women and children in Adelaide, South Australia and throughout the world.

NEWS

INFORMATION ON THE INDEPENDENT BREAST CANCER REVIEW

The Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service commissioned an independent expert to conduct a review into the incidence of cancer among staff at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).

The review was commissioned in response to staff concerns, and looked at female staff who were employed at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital campus during the eight year period from 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2007.

The review is being lead by Professor David Roder Head of Research and Information Science at the Cancer Council South Australia.

The Health Service has now received the preliminary findings from this review however more work is needed to verify the data.

Acting Chief Executive Gail Mondy says the preliminary findings show there was no increase in the incidence of breast cancer for women working in the majority of areas in the Hospital. However, an elevation was identified for women working in the Queen Victoria Building.

“There have been nine more cases of breast cancer over the eight year period for women working in the Queen Victoria Building than we would expect to see in a workforce of this size. This equates to around one additional diagnosis each year,” she said. “Among staff working in the same building there have also been eight fewer cancers diagnosed than would be expected for other types.”

“All present indicators are that this unusual cancer pattern has been a random occurrence. There is nothing unusual about the breast cancers in terms of their microscopic characteristics or the ages of the women affected.  They show no link between breast cancer and the length of time someone has worked in the Queen Victoria Building.

Professor Roder is currently seeking the advice of international epidemiology experts to assist in finalising the report.

“Our first concern is for our staff, contract staff and volunteers, and while these results are only preliminary we felt they had a right to know about issues relating to their personal health. The study was anonymous and we don’t know the identities of the affected women.

While Professor Roder is seeking additional advice the Health Service will conduct an independent environmental audit of the Queen Victoria Building which opened in 1995. However at this stage there is nothing in the preliminary findings that shows that the increase is caused by something in the actual building.

“We are taking this matter seriously and are committed to the health and wellbeing of our staff, contract staff and volunteers.

“Today, I have fully briefed our workforce and held a briefing for the Unions to ensure they are kept informed during the review process.

“We will continue to support our staff, contract staff and volunteers by providing counselling services for them and their families throughout this process.”

The Health Service also invites staff, past and present who have information relevant to the review to make contact to share their story. To make contact phone 8161 8276.

For general information regarding breast cancer, contact BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50 or The Cancer Council SA on 13 11 20.

Click here to download further information on the Independent Review and its preliminary findings.

SUPPORT THE WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The WCH Foundation is the charity for the Women's & Children's Hospital. We're here to help the Hospital and everyone in it. We rely on the support of the South Australian community to help us purchase state-of-the-art equipment, improve facilities and fund vital research into children's and women's health.

Visit our website to learn more or to show your support.

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