We understand that having a child admitted to PICU is a stressful time for families. Our dedicated PICU Social workers are here to assist you to navigate the ICU environment, to help you understand how it functions and the roles of different disciplines involved in your child’s care. A social worker can also ensure that your emotional, social and cultural needs are met. Social workers work alongside medical and allied health teams and are pivotal in supporting you and your child.
Examples of the support a Social Worker can provide you:
Psychological counselling and emotional support
Advocacy for you and your child’s needs
Coordinate and support you in family meetings with medical teams and allied health
Provide information and make referrals to emergency and ongoing community support services
Liaise between Monash Children’s Hospital and community and statutory support services
Grief and loss support including bereavement services
Psychosocial assessments and planning for transferring to a ward or discharge