Contact

Phone: (02) 7825 0833

Email: SCHN-CHW-KidsRehab@health.nsw.gov.au

Location: Children's Assessment Centre, Level 3 Outpatients, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

About our service

The Complex Musculoskeletal service is part of Kids Rehab. It is a statewide service caring for children and young people who have conditions present from birth and/or inherited conditions primarily affecting bones, joints, tendons and ligaments which result in musculoskeletal disability. These conditions often fall under the term - Connective Tissue Disorders.

Our service provides information and specialist support regarding the child/young person’s additional needs. We aim to support children, young people and their families through the main developmental, growth and transitional periods in a child’s life to promote active participation in their home, school and community.

Our team helps coordinate the child/young person’s rehabilitation needs by providing medical and allied health consultation, advice and support to parents and families, local health professionals, teachers, and others who are involved in the child's care.

Our services include:

  • Outpatient clinics and appointments for therapy and medical review
  • Day rehabilitation services
  • Developmental groups
  • School readiness
  • Specialty clinics with genetics and orthopaedics for spine and lower limb management  

Referral information and eligibility criteria

This service is a part of Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

See Kids Rehab for referral and eligibility information.

Clinic information

When: Tuesday mornings

Where: Children's Assessment Centre on Level 3

What to expect at your appointment:

  • Appointments last approximately 50 minutes and involve looking at the child or young person’s current health, functional abilities and everyday life skills.
  • Please bring any relevant school, medical or therapy reports as well as mobility aids to the appointment.
  • The patient is typically reviewed by a Specialist Rehabilitation Doctor, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. 
  • Following the appointment referrals may be made to other community services, for example, local physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sporting and educational services.
  • Make sure your child wears comfortable, active clothing for their appointment e.g. shorts and a singlet. Treating therapists from the community are also welcome to attend or provide feedback for the appointment.

Frequency of appointments:

It is common for your child to have frequent appointments with the Complex Musculoskeletal service in the first few years of their life, and then at important times in their lives such as starting daycare/pre-school, starting school, starting high school and moving on to adult services.

Patient and family support

A smiling Aboriginal family.
Our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison and Education officers play an important role in the care and welfare of and advocacy for Aboriginal patients and families, helping ensure a responsive and respectful patient journey.
A young girl sits on her mother's lap on a hostpital bed.
We can arrange a free interpreter for you. Interpreters are available for over 50 languages. Tell us which language you speak when your child is admitted, or let your nurse know.
A mother holds her baby as she uses her smartphone.
The Cartula Health app helps manage and inform you about your healthcare journey at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. You can organise your appointments and hospital documents all in one place!