Our philosophy of care
As part of the development of the RCH Service Plan and to inform the principles underlying the RCH redevelopment process, the RCH philosophy of care was developed focusing on four key principles:
Child and family-centred care includes the principles of informed choice, collaborative decision-making and the inclusion of families and carers as partners in the provision of care, as well as the provision of a child and family-centred environment and facilities;
Respect for children’s needs and issues focuses on issues such as developmental needs, pain management and assisting children to become active participants in their treatment and care;
Care co-ordination becomes part of the core business of the hospital – programs of care developed, particularly for patients with chronic conditions requiring multidisciplinary care; and
Partnerships and linkages becomes part of the core business of the hospital – stronger relationships developed with metropolitan and regional hospitals, community paediatricians, GPs, community agencies and schools to facilitate integrated care co-ordination.
These principles have become embedded in the RCH Building our Future Program via the New Hospital Project and the Renewed Organisation Project, and will drive development of the new models of care.