Ward Grandparent Program
Ward Grandparent Program
The Ward Grandparent Program is part of the Social Work Department in partnership with the Royal Children's Hospital
The Ward Grandparent Program is based on a key principle of the Royal Children's Hospital Philosophy of care to provide child and family centered care and was developed in response to the needs of long stay inpatients. The program was established to provide children with the opportunity to develop secure attachments while undergoing treatment.
A Ward Grandparent is a specially trained volunteer who spends quality time with a child to enhance the psychological health and well being of children and infants who are unable to be fully supported by parents during periods of hospitalisation.
A child linked to a Ward Grandparent will receive individual attention from a familiar source of support and the Ward Grandparent is able to provide a range of services such as provision of entertainment for a bored and frustrated child and stimulation promoting learning and development.
All Ward Grandparents undergo a rigorous screening process including an interview, police, Working with Children (WCC), and referee checks. All Ward Grandparents participate in training and are provided with ongoing support by the Ward Social Worker and Ward Grandparent Program Coordinator.
Would you like to be a Ward Grandparent?
The Royal Children's Hospital is continually looking for people to become a Ward Grandparent to some of their special patients.
Ward Grandparents play an important role in the hospital, providing children with comfort and support, a familiar face and consistent care when parents are not able to be present.
The Ward Grandparent Program has been a successful part of RCH services for families and has had a positive impact on children's lives and their experience of long term hospitalisation.
The potential qualities of a Ward Grandparent are an ability to relate to children, patience and commitment. For further information regarding the qualities of a Ward Grandparent see link below.
Due to the level of direct contact required for the child and Ward Grandparent to build a relationship and for the child to develop trust, Ward Grandparents need to be able to work a minimum of three days per week, visiting up to three or four hours each day.
Volunteers who have worked as a Ward Grandparent report the role has ‘offered the opportunity to form special relationships with children’ and provided them with ‘the joy of helping others’.
When a Ward Grandparent is accepted into the program they will receive training and support from the Social Work Department and
If you are interested in becoming a Ward Grandparent please contact the Ward Grandparent Program Coordinator on 9345 6111 for further information or complete an application form via the link below.
Link: WGP App form.doc
Link: Ward Grandparent Qualities
Parent Information
If you believe your child would benefit from being linked to a Ward Grandparent due to your family circumstances and you are interested in being involved with the program please talk to a Ward Social Worker about making a referral.
Alternatively, for further information about the Ward Grandparent Program see the attached link below or contact the Ward Grandparent Program Coordinator on 9345 6111.
Link: Parent Information
