Referral process
For a child to be admitted to Bear Cottage they must be under 18 years and have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. By life-limiting we mean, that the child will not survive into their adult years.
Referrals can be made by anyone involved with the child and family, including medical officers, community nurses, social workers or the family themselves.
There are several ways a referral to our services can be made.
- Medical officers, please complete the referral form via ConsultMed
- Healthcare professionals (ie physiotherapist, social workers), please contact our Clinical Nurse Specialist at schn-bearcottage@health.nsw.gov.au
- Families, please contact our Clinical Nurse Specialist at schn-bearcottage@health.nsw.gov.au
Consultmed questions and technical support: helpdesk@consultmed.com
Consultmed for clinicians and families
Ante-natal/peri-natal referral process
Families are able to be referred to our services prior to the birth of their child if they receive an antenatal diagnosis. We also accept stillbirth referrals to provide after death care.
For all antenatal/perinatal referrals:
- Medical officers and Healthcare professionals (i.e. midwives, social workers) please complete the referral form via ConsultMed
Priority admission
Admissions will be given priority according to the following criteria:
- End-of-life/after death care - where death is imminent and expected to occur at Bear Cottage or transfer of a child to Bear Cottage post death for extended family support
- Emergency admission for symptom management
- Respite care – emergency
- Respite care - booked