Question: Do I need a referral letter?

Answer: No. You can ring 02 9858 4994 to arrange a visit or to organise an interview and we will send you our DVD.

Question: What is the process for getting my child into Allowah?

Answer: It is a good idea to visit first (and watch a DVD), when you are ready, book in for a "preadmission interview" with our Doctor, Allied Health staff and Director of Nursing. If your child is suitable and we feel we can meet their needs for treatment and therapy, the bookings are up to you.

Question: How big is the Hospital?

Answer: Allowah can provide care for up to 35 children overnight.

Question: Does Allowah have Allied Health Staff?

Answer: Yes.  We have a Physiotherapist, an Occupational Therapist, a Social Worker, a Speech Pathologist, a Dietician, Recreation Assistants and a Chaplain.

Question: Does Allowah have Nursing Staff?

Answer: Yes. We have Clinical Nurse Consultants (Education and Infection Control), Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and Assistants in Nursing

Question: Does Allowah have a Doctor?

Answer: Yes we have a Doctor doing rounds three times per week.  At all other times the Doctors are on call.

Question: How much does it cost?

Answer: You need to have top cover private health insurance.  We do not charge the family beyond that.

Question: Do I need Private Health Insurance?

Answer: Yes - top cover.   If you are uncertain, or have any questions, please ring us to discuss your fund.

Question: What hours is Allowah open?

Answer: 24 hours, seven days per week

Question: Does Allowah provide Day Care?

Answer: Yes, day care is offered Monday to Friday

Question: What age range of children does Allowah cater for?

Answer: We are currently licensed by the NSW Department of Health for children aged up to 16 years.

Question: Who owns Allowah?

Answer: The Presbyterian Church owns Allowah Presbyterian Children's Hospital.  It aims to provide the highest standard of care for disabled children.  It is unique in Australia.

Question: How do I make a complaint/ give feedback/ make a comment?

Answer: You can either:   

1.  Fill in our compliments/complaints/concerns form, and hand or post it in.

2.  Ring and ask to speak to the Executive Director of Nursing.

3.  Call in to speak with our Executive Director of Nursing.

All feedback is taken seriously and within 24 hours you will be contacted regarding any concerns.

Question: Can I call or visit while my child is at Allowah?

Answer: Yes.  Most parents call but many also visit.  We would recommend visiting between 9am and 7pm, but may extend this under special circumstances. When your child is new to Allowah, it is not uncommon for anxious parents to ring several times a day. Staff are very happy to speak to parents.

Question: Can my child go to school from Allowah?

Answer: If your child is well enough, if it does not interfere with their therapy/treatment, and if you can organise transport with the school, we can prepare them for a day at school from Allowah.

Question: Is Allowah an Accredited Hospital?

Answer: Yes.  Allowah Presbyterian Children's Hospital is fully accredited by the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards.