About us

The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) Carers Network brings the parents, families, carers, cancer and haematological disease survivors and RCH staff together to work on the shared goal of achieving the best outcomes and experiences for children and young people receiving care. 

Children and young people receiving care face many challenges in having their voice heard during their care experience. The network of parents, families and carers who surround them are uniquely placed to support, articulate and amplify children and young people's needs whilst they receive expert care from the RCH's world-leading paediatric team.

Formerly called the 'Parent Advisory Group', the CCC Carers Network is always chaired by a family member and is guided by the principles of Patient and Family Centred Care. These include dignity and respect, information, sharing, participation and collaboration.

Our vision

The Royal Children's Hospital Children’s Cancer Centre Carers Network works together with patients, families and carers so children and young people achieve the best care outcomes and experiences.

Our objectives

The CCC Carers Network ensures the voices of children and young people are heard by:

• Cultivating a culture of support amongst parents, families, and carers
• Providing parents, families and carers with the knowledge and confidence they need to advocate for their child or young person as they navigate through the health system
• Building trust and a strong, mutually beneficial and ongoing partnership between those delivering and those receiving care
• Providing the RCH with feedback on, and advocacy for, the needs of children, young people, parents, families and carers to inform the design and delivery of care.
  

The CCC Carers Network supports children and young people's voices to be heard by acting as a bridge between their parents, families and carers and their health care workforce.

For further information about our role and purpose please refer to our CCC Carers Network Terms of Reference

Why contact the CCC Carers Network

There are several reasons why people affected by cancer or a haematological disease, may like to reach out to the CCC Carers Network:

• Speak with a parent, carer or survivor who has been there before and can relate to your experience
• Provide feedback (anonymously if preferred) that we can share on your behalf to help your family or others
• Get help navigating the healthcare system, which can be confusing and complex and connect you with available support services
• Find out the best way to resolve issues or raise concerns
• Receive support through facilitated conversations with RCH CCC staff.
  

How we operate 

• We hold bi-monthly meetings (except over school holidays), either via video conference or at the RCH. 
• Members may meet outside the regular meetings to action initiatives and activities. 
• We liaise with relevant CCC staff members to communicate and obtain progress updates on initiatives.
• We visit wards (when we can) and seek constant feedback from patients, carers and staff to document and positively influence the delivery of care by the CCC. 
• We report on achievements and improvements, as well as issues and challenges, via various mediums including this website. 

Calling for parents and carers to join the Children's Cancer Centre Carers Network

The Royal Children’s Hospital is calling for consumer representatives to join the Children's Cancer Centre Carers Network.

We are looking for parents, extended family members or carers of a child who has undergone treatment at least 6-months ago at the RCH Children’s Cancer Centre and are cancer and haematological disease survivors. 

Those who support a child or young person undergoing treatment at the RCH Children's Cancer Centre accumulate a wealth of experience in managing the serious illness of a child. This valuable lived experience can help current Children's Cancer Centre families and patients. Children's Cancer Centre Carers Network members also draw on their other personal and professional experiences in disciplines such as health care, education, community services, law, counselling, management, finance, hospitality, full-time parenting, volunteer work and so on to make meaningful contributions to the group’s operations.

Application process

We ask parents, carers and community members interested in joining the RCH Children’s Cancer Centre Carers Network to submit a one-page cover letter and resumè addressing why you want to be a Network member and how your skills and experience align with role requirements and key selection criteria as outlined in the Royal Children’s Hospital Children’s Cancer Centre Carers Network Parent Member Position Description.

Applications are to be emailed to consumer.partnerships@rch.org.au

Please ensure you include a contact phone number and/or email address as part of your application.

Applications close 5pm Monday 5 June 2023.

If you prefer to submit your interest via phone, please call 03 9345 6429 between 10am-4pm Monday to Friday (excl public holidays).

All applications will be reviewed by a panel of current RCH Children’s Cancer Centre Carers Network parent members and RCH staff. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a 20-minute interview. All applicants will be contacted about the status of their application.

Further information?

Please refer to the following documents for further information:

Children's Cancer Centre Carers Network: Terms of Reference

Children's Cancer Centre Carers Network: Position Description

Children's Cancer Centre Carers Network: Consumer Representative Opportunity