Nepean Hospital paediatric leader drives national discussion on child health guidelines
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District clinicians are continuing to help shape the future of paediatric care, contributing to research and professional conversations at both local and national levels.
Nepean Hospital Head of Paediatrics, Clinical Associate Professor Dr Habib Bhurawala
An editorial co-authored by Nepean Hospital’s Head of Paediatrics, Clinical Associate Professor Dr Habib Bhurawala, is now contributing to national discussion about how clinical guidelines for children can better reflect the needs of families and communities.
Published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, the editorial comments on the recently updated Australasian Bronchiolitis Guidelines 2025. The guidelines provide recommendations for the care of infants with bronchiolitis, one of the most common reasons young children are admitted to the hospital.
The editorial acknowledges the strong evidence behind the updated guidelines, while also highlighting the importance of ensuring guidance reflects the realities faced by families from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
“Guidelines must reflect the realities of the communities we serve,” says Habib.
“At Nepean Hospital, many of our patients come from socioeconomically and culturally diverse backgrounds. For care to be truly effective, national recommendations need to take those lived experiences into account.”
Habib says considering equity when developing clinical guidance is directly relevant to patient care across Nepean Hospital and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
“Evidence-based care is essential, but it must also be practical and responsive to the needs of the families we see every day,” says Habib.
The editorial, On the Methodological and Justice Considerations in the Australasian Bronchiolitis Guidelines 2025, is available online in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.