The Division of Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care comprises a multidisciplinary team made up of clinical, nursing, and allied health professionals who care for children with serious illnesses and their families and loved ones. We aim to support children and families in their physical, emotional, spiritual and social lives so that they continue to live well in the face of serious illness. We aim to create a safe space for honest and supportive conversations around all aspects of living with serious illness and in doing so, hope to empower patients and families to share in decision making.
Beyond caring for children, adolescents and young adults, our division includes the NeoPAL (Neonatal Perinatal Appreciation of Life) service, where we care for the unborn child (who has been antenatally diagnosed with a congenital potentially life limiting condition), support their parents as they navigate and make decisions during the pregnancy; and also provide support through delivery, and care for newborns and infants. Our team also respects the profound grief experience and supports couples who have had pre-viable births, stillbirths and intrauterine deaths.
Our team focuses on compassionate holistic patient-centred care to alleviate any form of suffering while respecting the dignity of the child. We meet regularly to monitor the family unit’s progress and evolving needs. Every member in the team adds value to different dimensions of care. With this model, we hope to help keep the family intact and provide opportunities for enjoyable experiences even in the face of hospitalisation and procedures. We journey with patients and families to support them through what might be the most difficult time in their lives. That is our privilege.
Dr Teresa Tan
