Social work, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Contact
Phone: (02) 7825 2641 or (02) 7825 2642
Email: [email protected]
Location: Level 1 (near the end of the ramp), The Children's Hospital at Westmead
About our service
The Social Work department looks after the emotional and social wellbeing of the children and families who come to the hospital. We work work within a range of clinical teams to provide a range of support services
We aim to minimise the impact of illness and hospital treatment on children and families, promote health outcomes, and link children and families with appropriate support services in their community.
Having a child in hospital is stressful. It helps when someone outside of the family is aware of the impact that illness and hospitalisation can have on children and their families. We can help with:
- assessments, counselling and therapy
- adjusting to illness and injury
- coping with stress
- grief and loss
- safety and crisis intervention
- using the hospital and accessing services
- concerns about your child鈥檚 development or behaviour
- education and support groups and links with community organisations.
Referral process for clinicians
Our department is using to manage referrals.鈥疶he Consultmed platform allows health professionals to send e-referrals to us securely. 鈥�
Consultmed questions and technical support: [email protected]
Referral and appointment process for parents and carers
Request a referral
To make an appointment at our clinic, you will need a referral from your GP, paediatrician or specialist.
They will assess your child, discuss your concerns, and make a referral to the appropriate service.鈥�
Track your referral
Our department uses Consultmed to manage referrals. Your referring clinician sends the e-referral to us using the secure Consultmed platform.鈥�
Once we receive the referral, we will send you an email with your tracking information. We will update you as we process the referral and book your appointment.
To receive these updates, please ask your referring clinician to include your email on the referral.鈥�
If your clinician has questions about Consultmed or require technical support, they can contact [email protected].
Need support?
If you need help or have questions about the referral and appointment process, please contact us.鈥�
Phone: (02) 7825 2641 or (02) 7825 2642
Clinic information
Explaining and supporting grief to children can be challenging especially if the child is pre-verbal or has a medical condition. Children usually express grief and loss through their behaviour.
The department is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am -4:30pm. A social worker is on call for emergencies at all times.
Every year, we hold a Service of Remembrance and invite parents and families to join us to remember the lives of their loved ones who have been patients at the hospital and have passed away.
You can contact Renee Bennett on (02) 9845 2641 or via email for more information.
Ask us about our resources for bereavement, siblings and trauma. We also have booklets which provide information about managing and supporting children through troubling times. You can also access support services within the hospital. Ask us about:
- sibling care
- chaplains
- Trapeze (helps young people make the move to adult health services)
- ward grandparents
- Aboriginal Health service
- hospital library-Book Bunker
- Kids Health
- NDIS information.
