The Hush Foundation was founded in 2000 by Dr Catherine Crock AM, a renowned and highly awarded physician. Dr Crock was inspired to establish the foundation after working with children undergoing painful medical procedures at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Her goal was to reduce the stress and anxiety felt by patients, families, and staff, so she worked alongside anaesthetists to develop new pain relief systems for young patients.
Dr Crock then sought to transform the environment of the operating theatre and recovery rooms by incorporating specially composed music from Australia's leading musicians and composers. The calming and optimistic effect of the music helped to soothe patients and their families.
Over time, the Hush Foundation's focus has broadened to include the healthcare system as a whole. They strive to improve the experience of patients, families, and healthcare professionals by addressing the cultural issues that can arise within the system. To engage its audience and supporters, the foundation has produced three theatrical plays about healthcare, seventeen musical albums, and a children's book.
The Hush Foundation has Deductible Gift Recipient 1 charity status, meaning that tax-deductible donations can be made to support their work. In 2015, Dr Crock and Mary Freer created the Gathering of Kindness, an initiative that aims to build, nurture, and instil a culture of kindness throughout the healthcare system. The annual Gathering of Kindness event, held in November each year, focuses on a different theme. In 2022, the event will centre on "Connections," with a lineup of guest speakers who will propose a better way forward for healthcare staff.