The Ward Grandparent Program exists to help maintain and enhance the psychological health and well being of a child or infant, in partnership with parents/carers who welcome additional support for their child during periods of hospitalisation.

A Ward Grandparent Volunteer is a specially trained volunteer who spends quality time 1:1 with a hospitalised child.   

A patient referral to the Ward Grandparent program is made through the Social Work Department, after consultation with the parent/carer of the hospitalised child.

Some of the reasons why a Ward Grandparent Volunteer may be requested include:

• Limited extended family support or no family
  
• Financial constraints that demand fulltime  employment of parents
  
• Sole parent family & child care demands
  
• Geographical constraints
  
• Parent/carer exhaustion and/or illness

Ward Grandparent Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3 engagements per week (of approximately 3 hours each) Monday to Friday (no weekends), and the contact times are negotiated with the parents/carer and the medical team.

It is suggested that you contact the office to discuss your suitability to the Ward Grandparent Program prior to applying - please call 03 9345 5879 and ask for Vanessa.

Once you are ready to apply please click here.