Kids Neuro Trials

Kids Neuro Trials

The Kids Neuro Trials team is a clinical trial unit within the Department of Neurology based at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. Our team facilitates the whole research lifecycle for both industry and investigator led research and trials, offering expert and compassionate multidisciplinary care.

"A clinical trial is a lucky dip. It's time-consuming, it's risky and scary. But, for my family it has brought so much more than I initially thought we wanted or needed! Working with the team on an epilepsy clinical trial has opened doors for us in areas we never knew we needed in a positive way. If asked would we do it again - in a heartbeat!" – Jo (mother in a randomised controlled trial)

Objectives

  • Increase the treatment options for children living with neurological, neurogenetic, neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular conditions. 
  • Integrate research into clinical care to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life for the kids, striving to provide a high-quality experience for both patients and their families.

Impact

  • We are the lead Australian recruitment site for several trials including risdiplam for spinal muscular atrophy, treatments for Angelman Syndrome and Epilepsies.
  • We have enabled access to cutting edge treatments for children with a wide range of conditions. These are including but not limited to, Angelman syndrome, motor neuron conditions (including spinal muscular atrophy), stroke, complex epilepsies, and tuberous sclerosis complex.

Our team

We have integrated research into gold-standard care, with a multidisciplinary team that includes specialist neurology nurses and doctors.

Dr Gillan and Dr Kariyawasam

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Medical team

Biography
Dr Sandi Kariyawasam (right) is a Paediatric Neurologist, and Lecturer at UNSW Sydney. Her work has been translational in the domain of paediatric neuromuscular disease. Dr Maeve Gillan (left) is a Paediatric Neurology Fellow. The medical team are responsible for leading clinical trials and integrating research into gold-standard patient care.
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Rosalie Tattersall, Eleanor Farley, Lauren Bradbury and Karlee McCann

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Nursing team

Biography
Rosalie Tattersall specializes in Paediatric Neurology Clinical Trials, focusing on epilepsy. Eleanor Farley supports families with the rare diseases of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Kleefstra, and Angelman Syndrome, integrating research into care. Lauren Bradbury advances paediatric neurology through clinical trials and advocacy. Karlee McCann specialises in paediatric stroke care, minimizing impact and promoting recovery.
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Demren Toker

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Demren Toker

Biography
Trial Coordinator. Demren is dedicated to advancing treatments for children with neurological disorders, ensuring compliance and support innovative therapies He is driven by the chance to make a difference in young lives.
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Karen Herbert

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Karen Herbert

Biography
Research Physiotherapist. Karen has been part of spinal muscular atrophy trials since the first disease modifying treatment, recording the significant changes in function achieved, including publishing articles. Their clinical knowledge and experience enable her to work across neurology patient groups.
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Kaitlyn Griffin

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Kaitlyn Griffin

Biography
Team Manager. With a nursing and research background, Kaitlyn manages neurology clinical trials, striving to increase access to treatments for young patients. She is committed to advancing the understanding paediatric neurological conditions and treatment with compassion.
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Enquiries

Email: SCHN-SCHNeurologyResearch@health.nsw.gov.au