Clinics & services
Paediatrics
Paediatrics
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About us
The Department of Paediatrics is made up of experienced, dedicated and supportive staff including paediatricians, paediatric registrars, paediatric neurologists, neurology registrars, surgical registrars, residents, dietitians, psychiatrists, teachers, neuropsychologists and nursing staff.
If your child needs to stay overnight in hospital, they will stay in Ward 2 West. Our ward is colourful and friendly. We have a lovely courtyard which is open to use weather permitting.
Toys, games and books are available please the nurse for some to take to your bedside.
Our schoolteacher is happy to provide bedside schooling activities. She is also more than happy to liaise with your child’s own school teachers. Speak to us if you are interested in enrolling your child in the Austin School.
Parents are encouraged to stay with their child to minimise emotional stress. We do, however, completely understand that this is not always possible.
We have space for one parent to stay overnight. An armchair beside each patient bed can convert into an overnight bed. If you are unable to stay with your child, a grandparent, uncle, aunt or sibling over 18 years of age may do so.
Our nurses are here to provide total care for your child. We encourage you to assist in this care, but it is important to us that you have regular breaks and take time to care for yourself.
We have a lovely courtyard which is open to use weather permitting[JS1] .
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Our services
- 16 bed ward
- Treatment for a wide variety of medical and surgical problems
- Specialised epilepsy program
- Specialised eating disorders program
- Speciailised diabetic program
Our clinics
We run the following clinics:
- General Paediatric Clinic
- Epilepsy Paediatric Clinic
- Paediatric Diabetic Clinic
Children's meals and mealtimes
Your child’s meals will be provided.
The menu can cater for most allergen’s. A meal will be supplied for the boarding parent/carer.
Meal times:
- Breakfast: 8am
- Lunch: 12:30pm
- Dinner: 5:30pm
Doctors' rounds
The doctor will review your child during the ward round. If you would like to speak to the doctor this is a good time. If you have been unable to speak to the doctor, please alert nursing staff.
Activities and entertainment
What to bring
- Comfort toys, dummy, blanket
- Own bottle, teats (the Paediatrics ward has a supply of these)
- Nappies: the Paediatrics ward can provide some nappies, but you will also need to bring in your own supply of disposable nappies.
- Own pillow and doona, if preferred
Parents and children are discouraged from bringing in valuables, as staff cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Our commitment to child safety
At Austin Health, we believe all children and young people have the right to feel safe and be always kept safe.
We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse and commit to protect children from all forms of physical and emotional violence, injury or abuse, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse.
Nurse Phoebe has some advice on what you can do, and who you can speak to, if you're feeling unsafe.
Related services
Referrals
For patients
You need a referral from your GP, specialist or health care provider to access this service.
For health professionals
Find out how to refer your patient.
For urgent referrals, call Switchboard on 03 9496 5000 and ask for the Paediatrics Registrar.
Contact us
Paediatrics
Jenny Spiller
Nurse Unit Manager
Phone: 03 9496 5516
Fax: 03 9496 5386
Email: jenny.spiller@austin.org.au
Paediatric liaison nurses
Phone 03 9496 5943 and request to speak to the liaison nurse
Email: paediatricliaisonnurses@austin.org.au
Open hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4pm
Manager
Dr Catriona Fleming
Director, Paediatrics
Location
Ward 2 West
Level 2, Austin Tower
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg VIC
Postal address
Department of Paediatrics
Austin Hospital
PO Box 5555
Heidelberg VIC 3084
Australia