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 playroom full of games, toys and books, as well as a children's garden.

Our schoolteacher is happy to provide bedside schooling activities. She is also more than happy to liase 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 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.

Our services

We provide the following services and facilities:

• A 12–16 bed ward
• Treatment for all areas of paediatrics
• A highly-specialised epilepsy program
• A highly-specialised eating disorders program
• A parents’ room on the ward with tea/coffee making facilities, a refrigerator and toaster

Our clinics

We run the following clinics:

• General Paediatric Clinic
• Epilepsy Paediatric Clinic
• Diabetic Clinic

Important times on the Paediatrics ward

Children's meals and mealtimes

Your child’s meals will be provided. Meals will also be provided for mothers of breastfed babies. Menus are available and our dietitian is also available to assist if required.

Meal times:

• Breakfast: 8am
• Lunch: 12:30pm
• Dinner: 5:30pm

Doctors' rounds

Doctors’ rounds may start as early as 8.30am. During this time the doctor will review the child. 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.

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

• Children's epilepsy

  We assess, care for and treat children and adolescents with epilepsy.

• Adolescent & child eating disorders

  We care for and treat young people with eating disorders to restore their physical health.

• Nutrition & diet

  We provide nutritional care for inpatients, outpatients and clients in the community.

• Diabetes, gland & hormone problems

  We care for and treat people who have diseases of the endocrine glands, such as diabetes, osteoporosis and thyroid conditions.

• Child & youth mental health

  We care for and treat children, adolescents and their families who are experiencing psychiatric, psychological and behavioural problems.

• Providing feedback

  Your feedback helps us improve our services and provide a better experience for patients, families and carers.

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

Karen Stewart

Email: karen.stewart@austin.org.au

Laura Shanahan

Email: laura.shanahan@austin.org.au

Emily Francis

Email: emily.francis@austin.org.au

Rachel Wilkinson

Email: rachel.wilknson@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

View location maps

Postal address

Department of Paediatrics
Austin Hospital
PO Box 5555
Heidelberg VIC 3084
Australia