Annual Clinical Paediatric Conference Highlights Commitment to the Future of Children’s Health

Over 125 local general practitioners (GPs), GP registrars, practice nurses and allied health professionals gathered in Leura on Saturday, for the highly anticipated 2025 Nepean Blue Mountains Clinical Paediatric Conference.   

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, have been working together since 2013 to bring this important annual Conference on paediatric care to the local region.  

This year’s Conference tackled some of the most common issues in childhood health, with a strong focus on innovative approaches in primary care. Topics included managing adolescent vaping, common paediatric ear, nose and throat concerns, assessing developmental delay in young children, asthma and ‘pre-school wheeze’, paediatric allergies, and addressing childhood obesity.  

One of the key organisers behind the event, Clinical Associate Professor Dr Habib Bhurawala, Head of Paediatrics at Nepean Hospital has, over the years, delivered on his promise to engage the brightest minds in shaping the future of children's healthcare.  

“The shared passion for paediatric care among healthcare professionals, both in the hospital and out in the community, is truly remarkable. The conference has gone from strength to strength each year. From GPs, to registrars, to practice nurses and allied health professionals, I am particularly proud of the diverse range of disciplines represented at this year's event," he said. 

Wentworth Healthcare Board Chair, Mr Gary Smith AM, who opened the event, acknowledged Dr Bhurawala’s dedication and tireless work, which have been instrumental in shaping the event’s success over the past 12 years. 

“We deeply value our relationship with Dr Bhurawala, the paediatric team at Nepean Hospital, and others who have dedicated their time to help organise this event, including Dr Arman Babajanyan, Head of Paediatrics at Blue Mountains Hospital, and Dr Arpita Chauhan, Wentworth Healthcare’s Continuing Professional Development GP Advisor. Their commitment to improving child health outcomes through collaboration and clinical excellence is reflected in every aspect of this year’s Conference,” said Mr Smith. 

Mr Smith emphasised the value of events like this one for health professionals, not only as an opportunity for continued education, but also as a platform for promoting integration across the local health system through connection and knowledge sharing. 

“Together with the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, we are focussed on building a more efficient, equitable, integrated and patient-centred local health system that meets the needs of our growing community,” he said 

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