Social Work Support for Newborn Care Parents

Rates of post-natal depression (PND) are as high as 40% among women with premature infants, compared to 5-10% of mothers who give birth to full term healthy babies. More than half also report symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have also found that mothers who do not receive psychological help after giving birth prematurely are five times more likely to suffer depression than those who do, even up to eight years after their children are born.

Fathers can also suffer the effects of PND and PTSD, and we encourage both parents to make their mental health a priority, both during their baby’s hospitalisation and after their discharge.

In addition to the Social Work team, your GP can be a source of support. You are able to request a mental health check up with your GP, and based on the results they can refer you to a psychologist for additional help during this difficult time, and potentially on an ongoing basis.

During your baby’s time in the NCC, and after discharge, you may struggle to find a parents group where you feel like you fit in. The experience you and your baby have been through is one that parents of healthy term babies may not understand. The following groups may be communities where you find like-minded people:

• Miracle Babies
• Running for Premature Babies

The parents of other NCC babies may also be a great source of knowledge, compassion and community. As much as you feel comfortable, strike up conversations and do not be afraid to swap contact details – when the dust has settled you may be glad to reinitiate a connection.

The car park at RHW is run by a private company, however some concessions are available for parents and support people. Please ask for a Parking Authority Form from NCC reception or your nurse. You will be required to have this form signed by nursing staff in NCC. Once signed please take it to the main information counter set up in the POWH Barker Street foyer.

There is currently no parent or family accommodation available on campus. Hotels nearby often do special deals for people with a family member in hospital. The following are some accommodation options nearby. Please call to get current rates:

• Perouse Lodge, 6 Perouse Rd Randwick, ph. (02) 9314 6686
• Randwick Lodge, 211 Avoca Street Randwick, ph. (02) 9310 0700
• Avoca Lodge, 235 Avoca St, Randwick NSW, ph. (02) 9399 7779
• Royal Hotel, Perouse Road & Cuthill Street, Randwick, ph. (02) 9399 3006
• High Cross Park Lodge, 7-9 Cuthill Street Randwick, ph. (02) 9314 5553
• Elizabeth Hunter Lodge (5-10 mins away by car), 125 Birrell Street, Waverley, ph. (02) 9369 0307 [Elizabeth Hunter Lodge is located in the grounds of War Memorial Hospital at Waverley and is affordably priced. Bulk billing is available for 3 or more nights for IPTAAS eligible patients & carers]

The Isolated Patients’ Travel and Accommodation Scheme (IPTAAS) provides financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs for parents who need to travel more than 100 kilometres to access specialist treatment not available in your area. For further information or to obtain an IPTAAS Application form, please let your social worker know or contact the Social Work Department (02) 9382 6670.

The IPTAAS scheme is available to help patients with accommodation and transport costs if they are:

• A resident of NSW including Lord Howe Island.
• Enrolled with Medicare.
• Not receiving, or eligible for, financial assistance for travel and accommodation from third party insurance or other Australian government services.
• Referred for treatment at their nearest health service.
• Receiving treatment at an approved health service.
• Travelling from their residence for treatment at least 100km (one way), or at least 200kms in a week by making multiple trips to and from treatment.

For more information, see the IPTAAS website. 

There are numerous on-site food options, as well as cafes and restaurants close by for when you feel like some fresh air or an evening meal after a day with your baby in the NCC:

Cafés and restaurants 

On Randwick Hospitals Campus: 

LifeGrain Café: Located in the Campus Retail Centre on Level 0 at the Barker Street entrance near Prince of Wales Hospital.

Plume Café: Level 0 of the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building (ASB), opposite the admissions desk. 

Tsubu Sushi: Found at the Botany Street entrance (Level B1) of the Prince of Wales Hospital ASB and offers a range of Japanese lunch boxes and sushi rolls. 

Sunny’s Café: Located on Level 0 of the Sydney Children's Hospital.

There is usually at least one café open from 7.00am to 7.00pm each day of the week, but the times do change so please check with staff by calling the switchboard (02) 9382 6111. 

Outside and surrounding the Randwick Hospitals Campus: 

Newmarket Randwick: can be found on Barker St opposite the Randwick Hospitals Campus . The area features several sit-down and take-away café's, restaurants and a large park with children's playground.

The Spot: The main street of Randwick (St Paul’s St, Randwick) has several sit-down and take-away cafes and restaurants.

Vending machines 

There are 24-hour vending machines for snacks and cold drinks throughout the hospital. You will need cash to use these machines.