Assistance for families

There various forms of help, advice and assistance you can access while your child is patient at PCH.

Interpreters

PCH provides an interpreter service for children and families who cannot effectively communicate in English. This includes people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal people and Deaf or hard of hearing people who communicate in Auslan.

If you have any difficulties communicating with our staff in English, you can ask for an interpreter any time you need help. Our staff can arrange for a professional interpreter to talk to you face-to-face, via videoconference or by telephone.

It is important to us that you understand all information given to you, services being offered and feel comfortable signing any required documentation. 

Interpreter services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are provided to patients and their families free of charge.

Find out more about the PCH Interpreter Service and how to request assistance

Family support

Aboriginal Liaison Service

Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALOs) offer services to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children and young people attending PCH. Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO) can help you by:

• offering cultural support and advocacy
• working with your child’s health team to ensure culturally appropriate care
• working with you and your child’s health team to ensure you are informed and involved in all aspects of your child’s care

The ALO team works with social workers and the welfare officer at PCH to assist families with the practical, personal and emotional impact of illness, disability and hospitalisation.

You can get in touch with an Aboriginal Liaison Officer by:

• visiting Clinic L on Level 4 at PCH (the ALOs can visit you on the ward if you would prefer)
• telephone (call PCH switch on 6456 2222)
• asking your child’s nurse or doctor to make a referral for you

Find out more

Koorliny Moort

Koorliny Moort provides out-of-hospital care to Aboriginal families who might find it hard to make it to their appointments or who want to stay closer to home.

Find out more about how to access this service

Chaplain

PCH Chaplains provide pastoral and spiritual care for staff, patients, families and carers from all religious backgrounds. If you or your child would like to be visited by a chaplain, the ward staff will arrange it for you. The chaplains are located in the Multi-faith Centre on Level 5.

Keeping Kids in No Distress (KKIND)

The KKIND service helps children cope with trauma, anxiety and distress caused by illness or hospitalisation.

Kiind

Kiind provides inpatients and outpatients with practical assistance, emotional support, connection to other families and help to find the most appropriate services and supports for children and their families.

Find out more about how to access this service.

HeartKids

HeartKids provides support to families of children with congenital or acquired heart disease.

Find out more

Redkite

Redkite is here for children and young people (24 and under) with cancer, and the family and friends that care for them.

Find out more

Facilities for families

Ronald McDonald Family Room

Ronald McDonald Family Room is a relaxing place for families to visit during their child’s outpatient appointment or stay in hospital, with friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers to assist parents and carers with any queries or support they may need.

It also offers a number of free facilities and amenities like computer and internet access, kitchen and dining facilities, changing facilities, charging points, parenting rooms and more.

Find out more

Kulunga Moort Mia

Kulunga Moort Mia is a culturally sensitive space where Aboriginal families can rest or make refreshments during their hospital visit.

Find out more

Multi faith Centre

PCH's Multi-faith Centre on Level 5 provides a calm and welcoming space for time-out, prayer, meditation, quiet reflection and counselling for people of all faiths, spiritual backgrounds and those of no religion.

Find out more

Eat and shop

PCH has a number of places to eat including the Food Hall on Level 1, and cafes on Ground Level and Level 5. 

For convenient food outside of hours, vending machines are also located by the Emergency Department.

There are also food outlets and cafes located nearby - view our comprehensive list.

Travel

Parking concession

Concession parking is offered to patients and families who have complex healthcare requirements which means that they visit hospital frequently. 

Find out more about the concession parking criteria and how to apply

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)

The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme provides a subsidy towards the cost of travel and accommodation for eligible WA country residents who travel long distances to seek certain specialist medical services.

Find out more about how to apply

Accommodation

There are several types of accommodation available at, and nearby Perth Children's Hospital. 

Find out more about the accommodation options