’Centre for Robotics and Innovation’ officially open
Left to Right: WCH Health Network CEO Naomi Dwyer, Acting Health Minister Leesa Vlahos and Little Heroes Foundation Chairman Chris McDermott.
Little Heroes Foundation is excited to officially open our brand new Centre for Robotics and Innovation at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital!
As our biggest project so far, this Centre features state-of-the-art robotic rehabilitation equipment including:
- The Lokomat Pro – a machine designed to improve walking pattern and function.
- The Armeo Spring – a machine that assists with developing muscle strength, power and range of movement in the arm.
- The Dynavision – a tool used to assist visual awareness and eye-hand coordination.
This facility is the first of its kind in Australia, and will help children living with serious illness get back on their feet.
August 11 was a very special day for all of our staff and supporters, who have worked tirelessly over the journey to bring this project together! To everyone who has donated, fundraised, volunteered, or supported us in some way, thank you for making this dream become a reality.
Speaking at the official launch, Acting Health Minister Leesa Vlahos believes this new facility will make a significant difference to the lives of children living with serious neurological disorders and injuries.
“The robotic gym will bring a new level of technological sophistication to the rehabilitation treatment delivered to young patients,” she said.
“I would like to thank the Little Heroes Foundation for having the vision and generosity to support this new centre.”
Naomi Dwyer, Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Health Network CEO agreed, citing the long lasting relationship between Little Heroes Foundation and the WCH Health Network as the reason behind the centre’s culmination.
“This is a fantastic addition to the services we offer at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and I would like to thank everyone involved for making it happen.”
Little Heroes Foundation Chairman, Chris McDermott is excited to see the Centre now open for children and adolescents to use.
“After beginning our relationship with the WCH 20 years ago, it is a great feeling to still be here two decades later creating a ‘world-class’ facility.”
“There is a whole new field out there in rehabilitative medicine, and the more we researched, the more excited we became about the possibility of bringing this robotic equipment to South Australia to give seriously ill children the best chance to resume a full life.”
“By providing children with the optimum environment for rehabilitation, we hope it will be the key to a faster and more enjoyable recovery.”
Little Heroes Foundation would like to make special mention of Naomi Dywer of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Leesa Vlahos Member for Taylor, Rosanna Mangiarelli from Today Tonight Adelaide, Dr Ray Russo and our very own Chris McDermott for speaking to our guests today at the official launch!
For more information about the Centre, please watch our original launch video below: