Northern Child Wellbeing Unit Officially Opens
State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP, will today represent the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt MP, as she officially opens the Newcastle service of the NSW Health Child Wellbeing Unit.
Ms Hornery said the service would play a vital role in the protection and safety of children across the Hunter New England community.
“NSW Health has established a Health Child Wellbeing Unit in three locations – Wallsend, Dubbo and Wollongong - as part of the State Government’s $750 million Keep Them Safe initiative,” Ms Hornery said.
The Health Child Wellbeing Units have been designed to provide early intervention for children who health workers suspect may have health or family concerns that need to be addressed.
“These units will be managed by child wellbeing and protection professionals who will advise health staff about appropriate support available for a child if they have concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person in their care.”
“This includes helping health staff identify children who may be at risk of significant harm, and providing advice to help staff appropriately respond to any level of concern,” she said.
The Northern Child Wellbeing Unit will be staffed by child protection professionals including a child wellbeing coordinator, five assessment officers (including an Aboriginal Assessment Officer), and a manager for the service.
“If doctors, nurses or allied heath workers suspect a child may be at some risk, they will now have access to a specialised service that can help them to direct a child and their family to the assistance they need. This may include referral to appropriate health or social services,” Ms Hornery said.
“It’s great to see this unit open in Newcastle. This specialised unit will also service families in the wider Hunter New England and Lower Mid North Coast areas.”
The opening will take place today (Wednesday 28 April 2010) at 10 am at Wallsend Health Campus, Ground Floor Meeting Room, Booth Building, Longworth Avenue, Wallsend.
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 4985 5522