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early childhood health clinics - nsw
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Early Childhood Health Centres, operated by New South Wales (NSW) Health, provide a very valuable free service for new parents.
Centres, located throughout the region, offer:
an initial health check before your child is 6 weeks old at your home or the clinic
regular appointments at your chosen centre
courses in parenting
details on free council childhood immunisation clinics
details on specialist services for when you need some extra help and advice over the telephone
new parent groups
All these services are offered free of charge to New South Wales residents.
Early Childhood Health Centres are staffed by health professionals including registered nurses who specialise in Child and Family Health.
Your Child and Family Health nurse can give you information about how to care for babies and young children, including information on:
• Breastfeeding
• Coping with sleeping and crying
• Your baby’s growth and development
• Immunisation
• Safety
• Good ways to play with your baby or toddler
• Your own wellbeing
contact that suits the needs of your family
The staff at the hospital where you have your baby will ask you which centre you would like to visit. They will make sure you have all the
information you need to contact the centre before you go home. You can also find Early Childhood Health Centres listed in the phone book
under 'Early Childhood Health Centres' or 'Community Health Centres'.
Ensure that you have your child's free NSW Health 'Personal Health Record' (commonly referred to as the "Blue Book? on hand for the
appointment. This book should be taken to all appointments with your early childhood health nurse or GP. It should also be taken with you
when getting your child immunised, hospitalised (including emergency procedures) and when visiting the dentist. Importantly, you must
present the "Blue Book" when enrolling your child in day care & pre-school as these facilities require proof of immunity status before
enrolment (children do not have to be immunised to enrol but the centre must know your child's immunity status).
You will be given the "Blue Book" for your baby in hospital after the birth. This will be your complete history
of your child's health and development, as well as a vaccination record, right through to the age of 15. Always answer the questions for
parents in the relevant section prior to your child's health check. This gives you a chance to think about what areas of your child’s
development you want to ask specific questions about prior to your appointment.
Being a parent can be a challenge though very rewarding. The Early Childhood Health Centre can offer support as your baby grows and
changes. The nurses are also available to discuss any issues that might crop up for you and your partner now you are parents.
Health checks are recommended as follows:
• at birth or with your GP within 5-10 days old if baby is discharged from hospital at less than 72hrs old
• an initial assessment with an early childhood health nurse or GP between 1-4 weeks
• subsequent checks at 6-8 weeks, 16-18 weeks, 6-8 months, 12 months,
18 months, 2½-3½ years, 4-5 years.
If you wish, you can choose to schedule your baby's initial assessment and regular check-ups with your GP. Charges will depend upon
your GP's fee structure and rebates available through Medicare.
parenting courses
Parent education classes are usually run as a course of approximately 8-10 weekly sessions. Topics covered range from feeding, weaning,
playgroups and baby massage to speech development and sleeping and settling. The courses are extremely informative and also offer an
excellent way for you to meet other new parents in your area. Many a playgroup has been formed this way. Your local clinic will advise
you of your course start date and time during your initial assessment. Courses are run free of charge and are available to all parents
even if you choose to take your child to your GP for your regular check-ups.
free childhood immunisation clinics
A selected number of clinics and local councils offer regular free childhood immunisation sessions. If your usual clinic is not one of the
immunisation clinic locations, you are able to take your child to the nearest available council location. Your centre should be able to
provide you with a timetable of your local council’s immunisation program. For more information on childhood immunisations, see the
immunisation section of this website.
specialist services
The community child health service operates a number of Parenting Centres throughout the area. These centres offer parents of new
babies support and education in parenting skills over a day stay. Appointments are usually made by referral from your Child and Family Health
nurse. Clinics are free of charge.
telephone information & advisory service
The following services provide telephone advice and support. For additional services, see
the helplines & support organisations page.
Tresillian ph: (02) 9787 0855
Freecall 1800 637 357 (outside Sydney Metro region) (24 hrs)
Tresillian Child and Family Health Nurses are available to provide advice for parents of children
0 to 5 years. Available 24 hours, 7 days.
Karitane ph: (02) 9794 1852
Freecall 1800 677 961 (outside Sydney Metro region) (24 hrs)
Karitane Child and Family Health Nurses are available for consultation on a wide range of issues
concerning children 0 to 5 years. Available 24 hours, 7 days.
Parent Line (Centacare) ph: 13 20 55
Telephone counselling for parents. Available 9am-4:30pm, Mon-Sat.
clinic locations
Please note that centres have different operating hours and some may not be open daily. For centre locations
throughout New South Wales, consult your local White Pages under the heading 'Early Childhood Health Centre' or 'Community Health Centre'.
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