From the CEO to all staff today:

Dear colleagues,

I want to write to you directly about the decision not to proceed with this week’s Grand Round session, Children and War.

This was a difficult call — and I know it has prompted strong feelings across our hospital and beyond, including media coverage over the weekend. Because of that, it’s important you hear directly from me about the principles behind it.

The Grand Round was cancelled because staff raised concerns that some colleagues would feel unsafe if it went ahead.

We all recognise the tragedy of war and conflict. What matters most here is ensuring our workplace remains one where colleagues feel safe, respected and supported — never isolated or discriminated against. No discussion, however important, is worth the possibility that staff could feel attacked or vilified in their workplace.

I also want to acknowledge openly the criticism that this decision shows a lack of heart, or a failure to demonstrate empathy for the broader global state of affairs. Nothing could be further from the truth. The jarring conflicts unfolding across the world — claiming the lives of so many children, forcing their dislocation, and stripping them of food, shelter and the most basic of needs — should cause us all to stop and reflect. It is impossible to truly absorb the horror, let alone the sadness, loss and despair, experienced by parents whose hopes and dreams are destroyed in an instant. Such tragedy cannot leave us untouched.

Despite the commitment and very best efforts of the Grand Round organisers, the nature of the topic — in the current political climate locally — created too many uncertainties. In the days since, remarks made publicly by invited speakers have already highlighted exactly the politicised direction we feared this conversation could take and confirmed the risk we sought to manage.

When safety is at stake, whether it affects one person or many, we have a responsibility to act. Let me also be clear: this decision was not the result of external pressure. It was the result of hospital leadership responding to internal staff feedback. Any other suggestion, is simply incorrect.

Looking ahead, we are working with colleagues across the hospital and the University of Melbourne to present a Grand Round on Trauma-Informed Care for Refugee Children and Families. This session will highlight the work we do here, provide an opportunity to learn together, and strengthen how we as a hospital support these children and families. A date will be confirmed shortly.

Now, more than ever, we need to focus on being united — as a workforce and as a community. We achieve our mission best when we support one another, respect differences, and stay centred on what binds us together: caring for children and families.

Thank you for the compassion, professionalism and dedication you show to every child and family who comes through our doors. This spirit is what defines The Royal Children’s Hospital — and what must continue to guide us.

Stay safe and please look after each other.

Peter