Many parents struggle when their child is in the PICU. Knowing some of the useful supports and personnel helps you navigate this time a bit easier.

To see a list of family support services at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, click here.

Staff and services who can help:

• Social work: social workers may be able to assist you with parking vouchers, grocery vouchers, accommodation in or near hospital, and linking you in with other services such as child minding for your other children or mental health support services.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services/Liaison Officer: ATSI services and liaison officers provide support to ATSI patients and their families. Ask a staff member for contact details at your hospital. At the Queensland Children’s Hospital, an ATSI liaison officer is available Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, and can be contacted through staff or on 07 3068 5950 or 07 3068 4705. For further information click here.

• Peer support groups: if your child has a chronic diagnosis such as cardiac or has undergone treatment such as ECMO, there may be online peer support groups available to you. Ask your clinical team/nurse about whether any peer support groups exist and where to join them.

• Interpreter services: In-person or phone-based interpreter services are available to all Australian hospitals. Ask a staff member to arrange an interpreter appointment.

More help:

You may need more support if you feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. Some further services are:

Beyondblue (Phone: 1300 22 46 36, or online chat 3pm-12am AEST)

Lifeline (Phone: 13 11 14)

PANDA (perinatal anxiety and depression) (Phone: 1300 726 306)