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    Find a Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician in Perth

    Some kids catch a cold and bounce back in a few days. Others seem to be sick more often than not. You can hear them wheeze from across the room, or their snoring is so loud you can hear it through a closed door.

    You’ve probably already tried the obvious things. A different pillow. Cutting out dairy. Ringing the GP again. And you’re still lying awake wondering if what you’re seeing is normal, or if it’s something more.

    This is where a respiratory and sleep paediatrician can help.

    Dr David Hancock

    Paediatric Respiratory Physician

    Asthma, chronic coughs or wheezing?  Dr David Hancock can help.

    He will provide timely specialist assessment and management of childhood respiratory conditions, supporting urgent care needs and complementing ongoing GP care. There is currently no waitlist and Kinkaya is taking bookings now.

    Dr Hancock is Head of the Advancing Innovation in Respiratory (AIR) Health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia and a Paediatric Respiratory Physician at Perth Children’s Hospital.

    Dr Hancock is a lead investigator on major WA respiratory cohorts (MAVRIC, RHINO, AERIAL, BANK CF) and is Clinical Lead of the Respiratory Clinical Trials Group at The Kids Research Institute Australia with investigator experience across 23 Phase I–IV respiratory trials.

    Referrals are required to see Dr Hancock. You can get a referral from your Kinkaya GP or Kinkaya Urgent Care visit, as well as your regular GP or specialist. If you have an existing referral already – simply send it to us at referrals@kinkaya.com.au  or call us on 0489 078 000 to request an appointment.

    Dr Hancock is an independent paediatric respiratory physician who consults from Kinkaya.

    Dr David Hancock

    Dr Veena Judge

    Sleep and Respiratory Paediatrician

    Veena is a Sleep and Respiratory Paediatrician with over 25 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all aspects of Sleep and Respiratory issues in childhood. She works as a consultant at the Sleep Disorders Unit at Perth Children’s Hospital. Sleep studies can be arranged both publicly and privately for children requiring them.

    Veena completed her medical and paediatric training in Perth, gaining further paediatric experience and commencing her PhD in Oxford, UK. She completed her PhD on returning to Perth. Veena is the mother of two boys who enjoys hiking, gardening and travelling with her family.

    Dr Veena Judge

    Dr Annie O'Donnell

    Sleep and Respiratory Paediatrician

    Annie is a Sleep and Respiratory Paediatrician with a PhD in Asthma Genetics, who has extensive experience in managing the full range of sleep and respiratory issues in children of all ages. Annie works as a consultant at the Sleep Disorders Unit at Perth Children’s Hospital and is currently the Medical Lead of the Unit. Sleep studies can be arranged both publicly and privately for children requiring them.

    Annie completed medical and paediatric training in Brisbane, respiratory and sleep training and a PhD in Perth and then spent two years gaining additional experience in paediatric sleep and respiratory medicine in Philadelphia, USA and Calgary, Canada before returning to Perth in 2004 to establish private practice, as well as work at PMH then PCH. Annie is mum of three teenage children and enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

    Dr Annie O'Donnell

    What is a Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician?

    A respiratory and sleep paediatrician is a specialist doctor who focuses on how children breathe, day and night. That includes asthma and chronic cough, snoring and sleep apnoea, and how tonsils, adenoids and nasal airways affect breathing and sleep.

    They look at the whole picture, not just one symptom, because breathing problems and sleep problems are often connected. A child who can’t breathe well at night often can’t sleep well either. And a child who isn’t sleeping well can look a lot like a child with attention or behavioural difficulties at school.

    Signs it might be time to see one

    None of these signs mean something is seriously wrong on their own. But if a few of them sound familiar, it’s worth getting a proper look from someone who specialises in how kids breathe and sleep.

    Asthma and chronic cough

    • A cough that hangs around for weeks, especially at night
    • Wheezing, or a whistling sound when your child breathes
    • Getting out of breath more easily than other kids their age
    • Frequent chest infections, or hospital visits for breathing issues

    Snoring and sleep apnoea

    • Loud, regular snoring, not just the occasional stuffy nose
    • Pauses in breathing, gasping or choking sounds during sleep
    • Restless, sweaty or unsettled sleep
    • Waking up still tired, even after a full night in bed

    Tonsils, adenoids and nasal breathing

    • Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose, day or night
    • Large tonsils or adenoids picked up by your GP or dentist
    • Nasal congestion that doesn't clear up
    • Speech that sounds different because of a blocked nose

    Restless sleep and daytime struggles

    • Big moods, meltdowns or trouble concentrating that seem worse after a bad night's sleep
    • Being labelled inattentive or hyperactive at school, when the real issue might start in their sleep
    • Falling asleep in the car, at the dinner table or in front of the TV despite a full night's sleep

    FAQs

    Referral requirements vary by practice. Some paediatricians accept direct bookings, others need a referral from your GP. Check the individual listing, or contact the practice directly.

    Wait times vary between practices and change regularly. Perth Kids Hub listings are updated with current availability, so you can see who has appointments open now.

    Your GP is a great first stop and can help rule out simple explanations. A respiratory and sleep paediatrician has additional specialist training in how children breathe and sleep, and can investigate further if things aren't adding up.

    Sometimes. Restless or unrefreshing sleep can have a physical cause, like snoring or a partially blocked airway, that looks a lot like a behaviour problem. A specialist assessment can help you understand what's actually going on.