Location: Royal Children's Hospital & Monash Children's Hospital
Funding Requirement: $100,000 per annum
Funding Period: (Year) Annual and ongoing.
Aim of Role: The primary purpose of this role is to increase the support available for the child and family from diagnosis throughout their cancer journey. The role is supported by the KOALA Foundation to “make the journey easier” for children, their siblings and their families.
Description of service: The family resource co coordinators are employed at both the RCH and MCH on a part time basis. They lliaise with patients and families receiving treatment/s (both inpatients and outpatients) at the CCC. to offer support and assistance.
Emphasis is placed on the DAY TO DAY support services required by patients and families during their stay or visit to the Children’s Cancer Centres. The focus is on the provision of support not provided by the clinical, nursing and allied health professions for example: the development of specialized activities (individual & groups) for diversion and play. The family resource coordinators may play with siblings to allow the parents “one on one” time with the unwell child, or to have a private discussion with the medical staff. For inpatients, the family resource coordinator may make time to sit and play with the child to allow the parent a break without having to leave the child alone. The KOALA Foundation also provides support to the family resource coordinators by funding or providing materials for play, DVD’s, CD’s, toys and art supplies. The coordinators form strong bonds with children and families throughout the treatment journey and in doing so, are able to build a trusting, non-clinical relationship which can provide valuable support to the family. The clinical staff of both sites find the coordinator position a valuable resource to the team as they are able to ask the family resource coordinator to assist with activities, support and special care when needed.