Location: Royal Children's Hospital & Monash Children's Hospital
Funding Requirement: $97,000 per year
Funding Period: 3 years
Description of service:
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 designed to “make the journey easier” for children, their siblings and their families. The Family Resource Coordinators are employed at both the RCH and MCH on a part time basis. They liaise 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.
In addition, they Family Resource Coordinator arranges activities for the children and their families including:
Birthday parties for the patients
Morning tea opportunities for parents and community groups
Activities for special events for children and families to participate in if they choose to ie: Father's Day, Halloween, Melbourne Cup, Christmas and New Year's Eve