Child and Family Occupational Therapy - Port Kembla Hospital

Overview

What the service is

The Child and Family Occupational Therapy team is a community based paediatric service, which forms part of the Child and Family Allied Health Team. The Child and Family Occupational Therapy Team are located across three sites in the District. 

What we do

Child and Family Occupational Therapists assess and provide intervention to children, young people, and their families to help them participate in everyday activities. This may involve increasing independence and skill with self-care tasks (dressing, feeding, toileting), fine motor skills (holding a pencil, cutting), play skills, handwriting skills, sensory (responding appropriately to things in the environment, such as noise), and attention and concentration. The service is predominantly centre-based, with occasional school and home visits conducted where indicated for children with physical access needs.

When to access this service

  • If you or a teacher are concerned about your child’s abilities or performance in the areas mentioned. 
  • If your child is concerned about their ability, or becomes frustrated when attempting these tasks. 
  • If your child avoids difficult tasks. 

What to expect

An initial assessment will be completed to ascertain your child’s strengths and areas of need, and to discuss areas of concern. If indicated, your child may receive therapy sessions to address identified goals. The service works within a limited session model, therefore parent training is an integral part of the service provided.  

Who should access this service

Children aged 0-18 years who have an occupational therapy need and live in the Wollongong area are able to access the service. 

How to access this service

Parents/carers can self-refer. A referral from a GP is not required. 

What to bring

Relevant reports that pertain to your child’s development e.g. paediatrician reports, school reports.

Port Kembla Hospital

Port Kembla Hospital offers a range of Child and Family services. 

Contact Information

Port Kembla Hospital
Level 3, Block A
89-91 Cowper St
Warrawong NSW 2502
PO Box 21
Warrawong NSW 2502
02 4223 8044
02 4223 8133

Monday to Friday 
8:00am - 4:30pm

Closed on Public holidays

How to get there, including by public transport

Driving is recommended as public transport to the hospital is limited. Bus services to the hospital run from Wollongong and Port Kembla train stations. There is also a bus service from Warrawong Plaza. Please refer to local bus timetables for available routes.

Car parking

There is limited parking on the hospital grounds. Timed and non-timed street parking is available. We encourage families to allow additional time for parking when accessing the service. 

Additional information for accessing the service

Disability parking spots are located at various entrances to the hospital. There is lift access to Level 3 where the Child and Family Service is located. 

For  more information on transport options visit NSW Public Hospital Parking and Directions website or download the HosPark App from App Store or Google Play.  

Our Staff

Kate
Anderson
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Head of Discipline - Occupational Therapy

Kate Andersen is the Head of Discipline for Occupational Therapy and Diversional Therapy. She also provides leadership to the equipment loan pools across the District. Kate brings a vast variety of clinical experience to the role, with almost 20 years within the local area.

The team of Occupational Therapists work in partnership with clients to maximise independence in their activities of everyday life, enhance safety and optimise their quality of life. Services are provided in hospitals, community health centres and in the home environment.