Family Care Cottage celebrates 20 years

28 October 2010

The Maitland Family Care Cottage has helped thousands of families in Maitland and the Lower Hunter over the years and is opening its doors today (Thursday 28 October) to celebrate 20 years of service.

The Cottage, part of Maternal and Child Health Services at The Maitland Hospital, provides care and support for expectant parents and to families with babies and young children.

It will host a morning tea and open day for staff and former staff and clients, health professionals and other community and health agencies. The open day, on from 10am to 2.30pm, will include information displays and staff will also be on hand to provide advice on some of the common issues that arise for families.

Located in Bonar Street, adjacent to the entrance to the hospital’s main public car park, the Cottage opened its doors on 24 October 1990.

Inaugural Nurse Unit Manager Alison Wright remains at the helm.

“Parenting is not always easy and it doesn’t come with a script,” Alison said.

“But it is important for people to know that there is help available for families and they don’t have to face problems alone.”

Some of the common problems the staff of specialist child and family health nurses and social worker deal with include:

• Emotional health during pregnancy and after birth
• Complex breastfeeding issues
• Problems with sleep and settling for babies, and
• Parent-infant relationships and attachment.

“Ours is a specialised service. The work we do is about supporting expectant parents and families with babies or young children to find what works for them, helping them find their own solutions,” Alison said.

“Over the years we have helped thousands of families and it is rewarding for us to be able to help, to watch parents and families grow and to know that we have perhaps made a difference in people’s lives.”

People can obtain a referral to the Maitland Family Care Cottage through their local GP, child and family health nurses and other health professionals. For more information about the services available, contact the Cottage on 4939 2530.

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216