We understand that being away from home can be unsettling and we’ll do everything possible to make this time easier for you.
Here's a list of services and facilities that will make your hospital stay a little more convenient.
If you need help at any time while you are in the hospital, please don’t hesitate to ask our staff who will be more than happy to help.
We also appreciate your comments on how we could improve the service provided to your child and family at the hospital.
Banking
There are 24-hour multi-card ATMs are located on level two, opposite the volunteers shop. EFTPOS (with cash-out facility) is available at Kids Plus Chemist. EFPTOS (with no cash-out facility) is available at the cashier.
Breastfeeding and baby formula
There are two breastfeeding rooms:
- level two of the hospital, just around the corner from the volunteers shop
- in the emergency waiting room. A
A lactation nurse specialist is also available to help parents who are having difficulties with breastfeeding or formula feeding. You can ask to speak with the lactation nurse specialist if you need support.
Formula
If your baby is formula fed, the hospital can provide S26, S26 Progress, S26 LF and Infasoy.
Please note that for health and safety reasons, parents are not allowed to prepare infant formulas on the ward. Staff in the formula room will make the formula for your baby.
Change tables for babies and older children
The changing place facility meets the needs of families whose severely disabled children are adult sized. The facility on level 1 includes a toilet, hoist and adult size change table with enough room for two carers.
Families need to use a swipe pass to access the room. This can be obtained from:
- security, enquiries desk and outpatients front desk
- orthopaedic clinic and physio clinic on level 2 (entry level)
- Bear Bite and social work unit on level 1
- Kids Rehab on level 3.
Hearing difficulties
For people with hearing difficulties, the hospital has a TTY (telephone typewriter) located in the switch room on level two. A sign language interpreter can also be organised.
Communication equipment for patients can be borrowed from the occupational therapy department. Please ask the staff caring for your child for more information.
Chemist
Kids Plus Chemist is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday.
It offers a full pharmacy service, including national healthcare prescriptions, EFTPOS facilities, gifts, personal items, stamps and phone cards.
It is next to the volunteers shop on level two.
Hospital pharmacy
The hospital pharmacy (which is a hospital department and is different from the Kids Plus Chemist) dispenses hospital prescribed medications for inpatients and some outpatients.
Pharmacy hours are from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm on Saturday.
Hospital school
The hospital school provides educational services for children who will be in hospital for more than a week. The familiar routine of school can be an important part of your child’s time in hospital.
Find out more at The Hospital School at Westmead.
Requesting special equipment
If your child needs specialised equipment (such as for seating or bathing) please let the nurse in charge of your ward know.