Occupational Therapy - Wollongong PANDA Clinic

Overview

What the service is

PANDA is a multidisciplinary screening clinic designed for babies who had a very early or difficult start to life and are at risk of developmental delays.

What we do

Dietitian: They review your baby’s growth and nutrition. They provide advice on feeding and the introduction of solids. They also help with any nutrition and feeding issues. Your baby’s weight, length and head circumference will be measured. 
 
Occupational Therapist: They focus on play, learning, and fine motor skills. They also help with skills such as self-feeding and dressing. They can recommend any special equipment or toys that might help you and your baby. 
 
Physiotherapist: They assess your baby’s muscle tone, reflexes and posture. They check your baby’s motor development, head shape and quality of movement. They will show you how to hold and position your baby. This can help your baby develop movement skills. 
 
Speech Pathologist: They can answer questions about skills for breast and bottle feeding. They can help with your baby’s transition to solids and cup drinking. They can also help with early communication.

When to access this service

One of the team may visit you while your baby is in hospital. They will let you know if your baby is eligible to attend the PANDA clinic.
Attendance is by appointment only on Thursday mornings. 

What to expect    

Appointments take approximately one hour.
 
The team will monitor how your baby is developing. The clinic will focus on your child’s play, movement, communication and feeding skills.
We will give you written ideas on how to support your baby’s development or we may refer you to another service if your baby needs more regular support

Who should access this service

PANDA Clinic is for:

  • Premature babies (born at 32 weeks or less).
  • Low birth weight (1500g)  babies, 
  • Babies who have a birthweight under the 3rd centile, or
  • Babies who have experienced other problems around their birth.

How to access this service

Referrals are required and can be made by your child’s Paediatrician. 

What to bring

Please bring your baby’s blue book and discharge summary (if you had a stay in a Sydney Hospital)

Contact Information

Wollongong Hospital
Level 5, C Block
384 Crown St
Wollongong NSW 2500
02 4253 4500
02 4253 4504

8:00am - 4:00pm 

How to get there, including by public transport

The outpatient clinic is located on Level 5, C Block, Wollongong Hospital. Access to the facility can be gained off Crown Street or Loftus Street

Car parking

Available onsite at Wollongong hospital or surrounding streets. Please note time limits apply in some parking areas.

Advice for disabled in getting to the service

Access to level 5 block C can be gained via the main entrance and utilisation of the C block lifts. 

For more information on transport options for Wollongong Hospital or 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.