At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, making a difference starts with our people. We’re proud to launch our new Meet the Difference Makers series – a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible people working to improve the lives of sick kids.
First up is Nick Van Dyke, our Director of Impact here at Children’s Hospital Foundation.
For Nick and his team, “impact” goes beyond research and medical advancements – it’s about creating comfort, hope and meaningful connections for children and their families when it’s needed most.
As the only paediatric hospital foundation in Australia with a dedicated hospital team, our Impact Team provides direct and immediate support – improving the experience and bringing joy to countless patients and their families during their toughest times.
“Impact to me means making a difference. It means creating positive change,” says Nick.
Nick leads a team that operates where it’s needed most – at the heart of the hospital experience.
Whether it is delivering play sessions at child’s bedside, offering a place for fun and distraction in Kidzone or providing services and programs available to reassure a worried parent, the Impact Team is the difference that distracts, comforts and supports families at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Over 50% of the families we support are admitted to hospital for five days or more – far longer than the 2.7-day average. Our programs provide a vital “secret ingredient” that helps ease anxiety, foster connection and promote better health outcomes.
Nick’s story is just the beginning.
Over the next few months, you’ll meet the incredible people behind the Children’s Hospital Foundation – a unifying force here for the health and well-being of every kid in Queensland.
Want to be a part of a team that’s changing the outcomes possible for kids in hospital? Learn more about career opportunities at childrens.org.au/careers
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.
