Inpatient family support and liaison team

Our services

Children and families affected by childhood conditions, illness and / or trauma resulting in admission to the children’s wards can sometimes need further support. This leaflet provides information about emotional and psychological support and details of who to contact.

The child and family support team acknowledge that admission into hospital for children with short or long episodes of illness brings different and additional challenges to families.

All families are unique and deal with their problems in their own way. Stressful situations can affect parents, children, brothers, sisters, grandparents, stepfamilies, carers and other extended family members differently.

The team

The inpatient family support and liaison team is made up of qualified and experienced counsellor and mental health practitioners from a nursing background. The team work alongside the medical specialities and can offer a safe space to explore feelings and difficulties you may be having due to the situation you find yourself in.

• Julie Crawforth, Child and family counsellor practitioner
• Georgia Slade, Mental health specialist nurse
• Rob Bode, Mental health specialist nurse

We work with children and young people, up to the age of 18, and their families whilst an inpatient only, predominantly based on D2, F3, C3, CWW and A&E, but also anywhere else that a child or young person may be admitted within Addenbrookes.

What we can offer

Talking can often help to bring a new perspective or understanding. It can enable you to feel less confused and more confident about your own personal situation by exploring and reflecting on the way you think and feel about it.

Some people:

• feel upset, distressed or confused
• are overwhelmed by events
• have problems working through feelings and emotions
• have difficulty relating with others
• have feelings of not being in control of what’s happening
• lose their confidence
• are unable to make sense of what is going on
• have nightmares and/ or difficulty sleeping

The team are able to offer time for children, young people and their families to support you and help make sense of what is happening and what could happen in the future. It can be a one off meeting, or on an ongoing basis, within the limits of the service. Referral to other support agencies can be arranged.

How to access us

You can self-refer to our team whilst you are an inpatient by:

• Asking your nurse to refer you
• Email the inpatient family support and liaison team
• Or leave us a message by calling 01223 216878

We are a Monday to Friday 9 - 4pm service. Referrals made after 3:00pm or at the weekend will be seen on the next working day.