Illawarra/Shoalhaven Information for parents if a child is discharged from hospital

Communicating with Schools After Your Child / Young Person’s Hospital or Emergency Department Visit. 

If your child or young person visit an Illawarra – Shoalhaven Emergency Department you may receive an “Emergency Department Post Card”. This card encourages parents / carers

to contact the school. This is part of Health and Education’s ongoing commitment to the well-being and safety of students. Even if you haven’t received a Post Card it is important you let a school know about the visit. Contacting the school enables you and the student to be involved in developing any plan needed.

If you can, before leaving the hospital ask for a written note or medical certificate outlining any necessary information for your child's teacher/s and school staff.

What do schools need to know?

• Brief Description: What happened and when?
• Current Health Status: How the student is feeling, and any immediate health concerns.
• Medical Advice: Any specific recommendations or restrictions, including care and safety plans.
• If medications are required to be given at school, please provide a letter outlining the details (e.g.medicine type, dosage, times etc) which is signed by your treating doctor.
• Follow up: Any referrals made by the hospital or recommendations for follow up appointments e.g.GP or psychologist.
• Return to School: A timeline of your child's expected return to school. In most cases your child will be able to return to school the following day, however parents should consult with the school first, to ensure that the school is aware of the current health concerns and can ensure the safety of your child.

The school, in consultation with families, can put in place adjustments to support children and young people's wellbeing, physical health and academic learning. Working with the schools on this will help maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.

How to let schools know.

• Phone or visit the school's main office and ask to speak to the Principal or an Executive team member (i.e. Assistant Principal, Wellbeing / Pastoral Coordinator, School Counsellor or Year Coordinator) about returning to school after a student being discharged from hospital.
• The school may discuss your child's needs with you over the phone or if necessary, invite you to a meeting at the school.
• Provide the school with documents provided by the hospital such as written notes, a discharge summary or a medical certificate outlining the necessary information for your child.

Please be assured that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.