Parent and carer support | Intensive care handbook
Caring for yourself while your child is in intensive care
Having a child in intensive care is stressful. A list of resources and services, including crisis services, can be obtained from your nurse or a social worker.
We recognise that parents may have other commitments e.g. family and work and it may not be possible to always be with your child. It important to take care of yourself and ensure you are eating, keeping hydrated, exercising and resting.
Your child is in safe hands and we encourage you to take breaks away from the Unit.
Social Work
Social workers provide counselling and support to hospitalised children and their families. They can also link families to services that may help them deal with the financial, emotional and psychosocial pressures that can come with having an unwell child.
If you would like to see a social worker, please speak to your child鈥檚 nurse or call:
- Westmead: (02) 7825 2641 or (02) 7825 2642
- Randwick: (02) 9382 1021
Patient Friend
The Hospital鈥檚 Patient Friend supports families who may have concerns or worries regarding their child鈥檚 care.
If you would like to discuss any concerns, provide compliments or feedback, please speak to the Nursing Unit Manager or contact the Patient Friend directly on:
- Westmead: (02) 7825 3535
- Randwick: (02) 9382 0680
Aboriginal Health Worker
An Aboriginal Health Worker is available to provide cultural support to patients and families who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The Aboriginal Health Worker will be able to support and link families with local services in their local communities. If you wish to see the Aboriginal Health Worker, please ask your nurse or call:
- Westmead: (02) 7825 2641 or (02) 7825 2642
- Randwick: (02) 9382 1021