Occupational Therapy - Wollongong PANDA Clinic
Overview
What the service is
PANDA is a multidisciplinary screening clinic designed for babies who had a very early or difficult start to life and are at risk of developmental delays.
What we do
Dietitian: They review your baby’s growth and nutrition. They provide advice on feeding and the introduction of solids. They also help with any nutrition and feeding issues. Your baby’s weight, length and head circumference will be measured.
Occupational Therapist: They focus on play, learning, and fine motor skills. They also help with skills such as self-feeding and dressing. They can recommend any special equipment or toys that might help you and your baby.
Physiotherapist: They assess your baby’s muscle tone, reflexes and posture. They check your baby’s motor development, head shape and quality of movement. They will show you how to hold and position your baby. This can help your baby develop movement skills.
Speech Pathologist: They can answer questions about skills for breast and bottle feeding. They can help with your baby’s transition to solids and cup drinking. They can also help with early communication.
When to access this service
One of the team may visit you while your baby is in hospital. They will let you know if your baby is eligible to attend the PANDA clinic.
Attendance is by appointment only on Thursday mornings.
What to expect
Appointments take approximately one hour.
The team will monitor how your baby is developing. The clinic will focus on your child’s play, movement, communication and feeding skills.
We will give you written ideas on how to support your baby’s development or we may refer you to another service if your baby needs more regular support
Who should access this service
PANDA Clinic is for:
- Premature babies (born at 32 weeks or less).
- Low birth weight (1500g) babies,
- Babies who have a birthweight under the 3rd centile, or
- Babies who have experienced other problems around their birth.
How to access this service
Referrals are required and can be made by your child’s Paediatrician.
What to bring
Please bring your baby’s blue book and discharge summary (if you had a stay in a Sydney Hospital)
Contact Information
Level 5, C Block
384 Crown St
Wollongong NSW 2500
8:00am - 4:00pm
How to get there, including by public transport
The outpatient clinic is located on Level 5, C Block, Wollongong Hospital. Access to the facility can be gained off Crown Street or Loftus Street
Car parking
Available onsite at Wollongong hospital or surrounding streets. Please note time limits apply in some parking areas.
Advice for disabled in getting to the service
Access to level 5 block C can be gained via the main entrance and utilisation of the C block lifts.
For more information on transport options for Wollongong Hospital or visit NSW Public Hospital Parking and Directions website or download the HosPark App from App Store or Google Play.