Byron Central Hospital Ambulatory Care Unit provides a broad range of Child and Family clinics and services. See below information on individual services.
Child and Family Health Clinic
Our qualified Child and Family Nurses support families caring for children from birth to five years of age. Our nurses provide regular developmental screening, either in our clinic at Byron Central Hospital or via home visits, as well as information and support on breastfeeding, maternal and infant nutrition, introducing solids, growth and development,
Sleep and settling, parenting, immunisation, dental care, child safety and community services. No referral is required, but bookings are essential.
Families NSW Home Visiting
Families living in the Byron Shire who have had a new baby may be offered a home visit by Child and Family Health Nurses within the first two weeks after the birth of your baby. Referral is made by the hospital at the time of discharge from the Birthing Unit.
Early Bird Parenting Group
Our Child and Family Health Nurse facilitates this open group for parents of babies aged from two weeks to six months who would like to share their experiences with other parents. This sharing time provides space to ask questions and develop a network of friends in a safe and welcoming environment. Issues that may be discussed include feeding, sleep and settling, and normal infant development. Our Group is held every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm.
Immunisation Clinic
Our Immunisation Clinic provides free immunisation to infants, children, and eligible adults following NSW Health Immunisation Schedules and the guidelines provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). All Immunisations given to children are entered on the ACIR (Australian Childhood Immunisation Register).
School Health Nurse
Our trained School Health Nurse provides targeted School Health Screening and Before School Assessments to all schools and preschools in the Byron Shire. Priority is given to Aboriginal students.
Service includes: hearing and vision, speech, fine and gross motor screening, Asthma in Schools education, Anaphylaxis and Epipen staff training, Midazolam for Seizure management training and health education and support for students with specific health needs. Referral is required.
Child and Family Counselling
Our qualified Child and Family Counsellors provide free assessment and therapy services for children aged 0-12 and their families live in the Byron Shire. We offer help with a wide range of difficulties that children may experience, including behaviour problems, stress, anxiety, and mood-related problems.
Where possible the Child and Family Counselling Service works collaboratively with schools and pre-schools.
Parents, carers, teachers, GPs and health professionals, and individuals or families may all refer to the service.
Child and Family Therapy Team
The Child and Family Therapy Team (CFTT) provides assessment and therapy services to children from birth to 18 years of age who reside in the Byron Shire.
The team comprises Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Physiotherapists who work together with the child, their parents, and others (preschool or school) to assess and treat a variety of concerns including physical, sensory, communication developmental delay as well as feeding difficulties.
Through KidScreen we provide a screening, intake, and monitoring clinic for younger children, typically from birth until they start school. Kid Screen is held weekly in the Byron Shire. Older children will be referred to individual disciplines if required.
Child Protection Counselling Services
Child Protection Counsellors are qualified counsellors who specialise in working with children and families where there has been abuse or neglect and where Family and Community Services (FACS) has been involved. Children and Young People aged from birth to 16 years must be referred by FACS or the Joint Investigation Response Team (JIRT).
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, closed weekends and Public Holidays.
Contact: Phone: (02) 6639 9400; fax: (02) 6639 9410
Location: 54 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale, NSW 2481