Since opening its doors in 2014, the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burn Centre at Queensland Children’s Hospital has revolutionised the treatment and care of more than 10,000 young burns patients.
Through innovative technology and cutting-edge research, the Centre has become a pillar of hope and healing for children and their families.
Leading the way in burns treatment
Over the past decade, the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burn Centre has made significant advancements in burns treatment – greatly improving outcomes for young patients.
One groundbreaking development is the CO2 fractional laser and micro-needling service. These minimally invasive procedures reduce the need for complex surgeries – offering children a better quality of life.
Another is the Lumenis Ultra Pulse laser, funded by the Children’s Hospital Foundation. This laser uses heat to melt away old scars and promote skin growth – helping more than 130 Queensland children each year by improving scarring and mobility.
A story of transformation
At just four years old, Johanna suffered burns to 15% of her body from a hot pasta packet fresh out of the microwave. Her recovery journey has been long and challenging – involving a two-week-long hospital stay away from her home in Dalby, numerous scar reconstruction surgeries, and ongoing laser therapy.
Now sixteen, Johanna is a testament to the life saving treatments provided by the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burn Centre at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Johanna continues to benefit from CO2 fractional laser treatments and is an active participant in Camp Oz – a three-day outdoor adventure camp for young burns survivors, funded by the Foundation.
Pioneering research and improved outcomes
Under the leadership of Professor Roy Kimble, the Queensland Children’s Hospital’s burns team has developed new treatment protocols for the first 24 hours after a burn injury.
These advancements have reduced graft rates, hospital stays, and the need for extensive scar management.
Current research initiatives, such as the NHMRC multi-centre trial on using negative pressure wound therapy in acute paediatric burns, continue to push the boundaries of burns treatment.
Johanna’s story is not just one of personal triumph – she has become an advocate for advancements in burns care.
This year, she supported the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Bike4Burns charity ride – raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Funds raised have been instrumental in funding key programs like the CO2 fractional laser, Camp Oz, and vital research into pain-reducing burns dressings.
Legends in burns care
In 2017, the Centre was renamed to honour Professor Stuart Pegg and Associate Professor Fred Leditschke, two internationally renowned burns surgeons from Brisbane.
Their legacy lives on in the groundbreaking work they carried out at the Centre – ensuring that young burns patients receive the best possible care.
As we reflect on 10 years of care at the Queensland Children’s Hospital this November, we remain committed to the future and to being the difference kids with burns injuries deserve.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
