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Consumer

Patient Friend

The Patient Friend is responsible for channelling queries and concerns expressed by patients and families relating to the quality and adequacy of services. The Patient Friend will assist the patient and family in having their concerns addressed by appropriate members of staff. To contact The Patient Friend or for more information, please phone (02) 9382 0680.

Confidentiality

It is hospital policy that all patient information is confidential. Staff will only give information to the child's parent/carer.

Rights and Responsibilities

Sydney Children's Hospital

  1. The right to be treated with respect and dignity and in accordance with privacy legislation.
  2. The right to freedom from discrimination and exploitation.
  3. The right to appropriate services and quality standards of care.
  4. The right to effective communication and appropriate confidentiality.
  5. The right to be fully informed and to make informed choices.
  6. Rights with regard to involvement in teaching and/or research activities.
  7. The right to express concerns or dissatisfaction to appropriate persons.
  8. The responsibility to negotiate involvement in the care of their child.
  9. The responsibility to observe rules and policies and to comply with prescribed treatment.
  10. The responsibility to communicate concerns/needs effectively and in a timely manner.
  11. The responsibility to keep staff informed of intended activities, movements and contact details.
  12. The responsibility to respect the right to privacy and dignity of other patients and their families as well as staff.

Privacy

The Sydney Children's Hospital Privacy Statement

Consumer Support

Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH)

Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH)

The mission of the Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH) is to support and advocate for the improved health and wellbeing of infants, children, young people and their families.

We believe in:

  • access to quality healthcare for all children and young people
  • valuing the opinions of children, young people and their families in the delivery of healthcare
  • families playing a vital role supporting children and young people receiving healthcare
  • fostering partnerships between parents/carers and health care providers
  • the provision of culturally sensitive healthcare services
  • appropriate information and resources being readily accessible
  • challenging the status quo to advance our mission

Parent and Consumer Council

The Sydney Children's Hospital Parent and Consumer Council (PCC) was established in March 2001 to help engage consumers, particularly parents, as well as consumer organisations and staff of the Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH), Randwick. The Council represents the local peak body of various parent and consumer activities undertaken across the Hospital and community. The Council provides valuable opportunities for appropriate consultation with consumers and community groups regarding the development, delivery and review of health services provided by the Hospital, as well as for the promotion and expansion of consumer participation. The Council is supported by a liaison officer known as the "Patient Friend" and also draws on participation by senior management and clinicians.

Parent and Consumer Council - Membership

  • Parent Representative & Co-Chair
  • SCH Director of Nursing & Co-Chair
  • Parent Representatives
  • Regional Parent Representative
  • Parent Representative from the Centre for Children's Cancer & Blood Disorders
  • Former Consumer and Young Adult Representative
  • SCH Patient Friend
  • AWCH Representative (Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare)
  • SCH Assistant Director of Clinical Operations
  • SCH Manager Clinical Practice Improvement Unit
  • SCH Quality Manager
  • Agency For Clinical Innovation (Transition Care Program)
  • SCH Head Social Work Department
  • Chief Executive Officer, SCH Foundation
  • SESIAHS Community Partnerships Officer

What do we do?

The Parent and Consumer Council provide a family perspective with regards to planning, policy, service development and improvement at the Sydney Children's Hospital. The Parent and Consumer Council focuses on improvement and planning, providing staff and parents with an opportunity to use their respective skills and insights to further enhance services and health care delivery at the Sydney Children's Hospital.

How do we do it?

The Parent and Consumer Council meet eight times a year at the Sydney Children's Hospital. Agenda items raised and discussed at these meetings are provided by both staff and families. By listening to parents and carers perspective we can work together to improve services for children and families.

Our achievements

The Parent and Consumer Council aims to make a difference in the lives of patients and families of Sydney Children's Hospital. Some of the initiatives driven by the Council include:

  • Development of Information Bedside Packs for families
  • Installation of a frozen food vending machine on campus
  • Replacing floor covering in wards
  • Review and translation of the Handy Hints Brochure
  • Placement of Suggestion Boxes in all ward areas
  • Improved security on wards
  • Opening of a breastfeeding and expressing room
  • Offer of Christmas meals to parents, carers and siblings
  • Ongoing review of documents and policies aimed at patients, parents and carers
  • Consumer advice on the refurbishment of ward areas

Other Parent and Carer Advisory Councils

Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Family Advisory Council

The Haematology and Oncology Parent Advisory Council is comprised of parents of children with cancer or blood disorders as well as key members of the haematology and oncology team. The Council meets quarterly to discuss and address issues affecting patients and families, with a strong focus on enhancing services for the children cared for by the Haematology and oncology team.

Neuromuscular Clinic Family Advisory Council

The Neuromuscular Clinic Family Advisory Council meets quarterly with the aim of promoting child and family centred health care for children affected by neuromuscular conditions. The Council provides opportunities for parents, carers and young people to have input into the development of services provided by the Neuromuscular Clinic.

Contact us

If you would like more information about any of the Sydney Children's Hospital's parent, carer and consumer councils, please contact Michelle Honan on 02 9382 0680.