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HNE Kids

Physiotherapy

The physiotherapy team at John Hunter Children’s Hospital provide therapy for infants, children and adolescents through exercise, casting and therapeutic play activities to improve movement, co-ordination, balance, strength and endurance.

Physiotherapists who treat children have an expert understanding of child development and how this relates to neurological, cardio-respiratory and musculoskeletal health.

Physiotherapists assess each child individually and develop programmes with a child and family-centred focus. They provide treatment, management and education to enhance the health and wellbeing of children and maximise their participation in everyday activities.

What to expect:

On arrival please check in at the reception desk. The receptionist will check we have the correct contact details on file. Typically an appointment lasts 30-60 minutes. It is helpful to bring along a support person to take care of any siblings or if you are able leave siblings at home. This will allow you to focus on the information being provided by the treating physiotherapist.

Depending on your child’s needs, they may be required to remove some of their clothing or wear shorts so their muscles and joints can be examined properly. Your child is always seen in a private and dignified environment and they can choose whether to have family members present or not.

The physiotherapist will explain exactly what they are doing and a treatment plan will always be discussed with you and your child. We will involve you in all aspects of your child's care and written consent will be obtained for any procedure or test that is relevant.

We strongly encourage the child and family to fully participate in all aspects of the physiotherapy session and we aim to make the experience as fun as possible.

When a child’s physiotherapy care is shared or transferred to a local service, we always speak with the local team and make a plan that is agreed with the child and their family.

If English is not your first language, we have full access to interpreters. Your referral letter will need to indicate if an interpreter is required.

Who we see:

The physiotherapy team sees children from 0-18 years with a variety of conditions in the inpatient and outpatient setting including input to speciality paediatric clinics and aquatic physiotherapy.

Conditions include:

How to make an appointment:

Referral to the Paediatric Physiotherapy department at John Hunter Children's Hospital can be made by a:

  • Child Health Nurse
  • GP
  • Specialist doctor such as Paediatrician or Paediatric Specialist
  • Other health professional such as Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist

Use SeNT eReferral to send referrals to HNELHD.  If your GP management system does not support SeNT, you may FAX referral to 02 49236422.

The referral will be triaged depending on the urgency of review and a letter will be sent to you confirming your waiting time. You will be contacted via phone to make an appointment once your child comes to the top of the waiting list.

Contact details:

Paediatric Physiotherapy

Level 2 Allied Health (between J2 and K2) click map here

John Hunter Children’s Hospital

Ph 02 4921 3700

Fax: Referrals: 02 4923 6422  All other documents: 02 4985 5460

Email: HNELHD-JHCHPaedPhysio@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Hours 8am-4:30pm Monday- Friday

What should I bring with me?
  • Your child's blue book
  • Any letters for the consultants from your GP, district nurses, physiotherapist or other health worker
  • A list of questions to ask

If you would like to to, it is helpful to bring along a support person to take care of any siblings or if you are able to leave siblings at home. This will allow you to focus on the information being provided by the treating physiotherapist.

Team Members
  • Carolyn Matthews
  • Odette Treyvaud
  • Elke Werne
  • Rosie Day
  • Kristin Finlay- Jones
  • Sam O'Brien
  • Alex Moore
  • Clair McAleer
  • Bianca Da Sailva
  • Anna Brownhill
  • Megan Perry
  • Meg Lombard
  • Sarah Hanna
  • Olivia Reballato
  • Phil Stuckey
  • Donna Jones