Working Together For Kids: Mercy Beyond the Hospital Walls

Introduction

My name is Kathy McMahon. I am a Paediatrician by training, but the path that led me to my leadership role in Mercy Health Australia’s Working Together for Kids program has been shaped as much by circumstance as by intention. Early in my career, while working across several hospitals in Melbourne, I became increasingly aware of how easily vulnerable children can fall through the cracks of even the best health systems. That awareness ultimately shaped both my clinical focus and my leadership journey.

I sometimes describe myself as an “accidental” Clinical Director. I was invited into my first senior leadership role unexpectedly, and what began as a moment of uncertainty quickly became a turning point. I realised that I was deeply motivated by service development, particularly services that respond to real community need. Alongside my clinical work, including my role as an Associate Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Notre Dame Australia, I found purpose in building models of care that improved access for children who were least likely to receive it.

Werribee Mercy Hospital

That experience stayed with me when I joined Mercy Health at Werribee Mercy Hospital in Melbourne’s multicultural west in April 2019. At the time, there was no dedicated paediatric unit, despite Werribee sitting within one of the fastest growing and most culturally diverse communities in Australia. The need was clear. Families were travelling long distances for care, and many children were missing out altogether. I saw, in Mercy, both an opportunity and a shared sense of mission to do something different.

Thriving Paediatric Service

Today, Werribee Mercy Hospital has a thriving paediatric service with senior medical staff, accredited trainees, junior doctors and interns. We are training the next generation of Paediatricians, and some who began their journeys here are now returning as Consultants. None of this has happened in isolation. I am fortunate to work alongside a remarkably dedicated team of colleagues, including Dr Raffaela Armiento, Dr Sophie Butcher, Dr Sarah Chapman and Dr Mehreen Majeed whose collective clinical excellence, compassion and unwavering commitment to children and families have been central to the growth and success of our service.

Working Together for Kids

Working Together for Kids emerged naturally from this foundation. The initiative delivers paediatric assessment and care directly within primary schools that host Community Hubs. These hubs support families from migrant and refugee backgrounds and offer a trusted point of connection through programs such as English classes, playgroups and parenting support. By providing healthcare in this familiar setting, we remove barriers that so often prevent families from engaging with hospital-based services.

This approach is deeply aligned with the Mercy charism and the enduring spirit of Venerable Catherine McAuley, responding practically and compassionately to unmet need. Rather than asking families to navigate complex systems, Working Together for Kids adapts the system to the community. It is healthcare that meets people where they are.

The success of the program rests on collaboration. Community Hub Leaders are essential, they build trust with families who may be reluctant to engage due to cultural sensitivities, fear of authority, or stigma surrounding developmental or behavioural concerns. Schools, principals, teachers, welfare staff, psychologists and speech pathologists all play a role. At the end of each clinic day, we come together for case conferencing, ensuring that care is coordinated and timely.

Our external partners are equally vital. Other for-purpose organisations such as The Smith Family and Anglicare, along with support from primary healthcare networks and philanthropic funding, have enabled access to further assessments and interventions that would otherwise be out of reach. This collective effort reflects a shared belief that siloed approaches rarely deliver meaningful, lasting change.

Well derserved recognition

Recognition through awards from Children’s Healthcare Australasia and Catholic Health Australia, a peak advocacy body, has been deeply affirming. Not because of accolades, but because it acknowledges a model of care grounded in partnership, trust and equity. It reinforces the idea that innovation in healthcare is often relational, built through listening, collaboration and community connection.

For me, the true impact of Working Together for Kids is seen in the lives of children who are now attending school regularly, families who feel supported rather than judged, and young people whose developmental needs are identified early, giving them the best possible chance to thrive. Education and health are inseparable, and improving engagement with school is one of the most powerful ways we can influence long term outcomes.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, my hope is to expand this program to more schools across Melbourne’s multicultural west and to continue growing care beyond the hospital setting, including via Hospital in the Home models. Taking healthcare outside the four walls of the hospital is not only practical, but also consistent with Mercy Health’s enduring mission.

Both personally and professionally, this work captures why I chose paediatrics. It is about the dignity of all, opportunity and ensuring all children are afforded the opportunity to flourish.

Kathy McMahon

Editor’s Note: What a wonderfully life-affirming story to be able to feature. Thanks to Kathy for taking the time to share this.

**You can also watch a video on Working Together for Kids **here.

Photos used with permission.