The NSW PPC Programme is a state-wide approach to improving the delivery of care for children with life limiting conditions and their families.
The NSW PPC Programme is represented by:
- John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle
- The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
- Bear Cottage children’s hospice, Manly
Each service has a team of health care professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, bereavement coordinators, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
The NSW PPC Programme will not replace the medical teams who care for your child at the hospital. We work with these teams and other medical services outside the hospital.
Care is available to children and their families from all cultures and backgrounds living in NSW.
Services we provide
- ongoing communication to support your family and health care providers (home visits, telephone calls, videoconferencing and emailing)
- assessment and management of pain and other difficult symptoms your child may experience during the course of their illness
- education and support to help administer unfamiliar drugs that are prescribed to care for your child at home
- coordination of care to link your child and family with local hospital and community services (including rural and remote areas)
- assessment of equipment needs
- information about available respite options
- psychosocial support for siblings and other family members
- support to establish your goals of care (including during end of life)
- care and support during the terminal stages of your child’s illness
- bereavement care for parents, siblings and other extended family members.
Where we can provide care
In many situations, families can choose where they would like to care for their child. Most care is provided at home, however, as an illness progresses it may be necessary to spend more time in hospital.
Our palliative care services can help by coordinating care across these locations to ensure families are supported wherever they wish to be.
Respite and end of life care is also available from Bear Cottage located in Manly, Sydney. Children with life limiting illnesses and their families can stay at Bear Cottage to rest and receive medical care in a home-like environment.
When to access palliative care
A referral to a palliative care service can be made at any stage during the course of your child’s illness. It is often difficult to predict the progression of many childhood conditions.
It is a good idea to think about a palliative care referral early, even at the time of diagnosis when medical treatment is given to treat or cure an illness.
A referral to palliative care does not mean you have given up hope. In fact, it allows for more time to plan your child’s care and provide the best possible support for you and your family.
Organising a referral
If you think paediatric palliative care could be helpful for your child and family, a medical referral is needed.
Talk to one of your child’s doctors (for example a GP or paediatrician) and an appointment can be arranged.
Contact palliative care services
Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
(02) 9382 5429
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
(02) 7825 0000 (page 6794)
John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle
(02) 4921 3387