Cassia Ward

Cassia Ward is a medical sub-specialty ward specialising in the care of children 12 months – 12 years with acute and chronic illnesses, primarily under the following medical clinics: Metabolic; Cardiology; Pulmonary; Renal; Gastroenterology; Endocrine

Cassia Ward (formerly Medical 2 Ward) relocated to a new floor of the Gilbert Building in June 2012. Cassia Ward is a 13-20 bed ward fluctuating with peak periods over winter. The new ward was custom designed with the specific needs of the Cassia Ward patient group in mind. The new facilities, increased bed spaces and increased single rooms create a safer and more comfortable environment for patients and parents. The brand new design of the ward gives the feeling of walking on a boardwalk through the four seasons of the year. The Family Care Room was built as part of the redevelopment to support families through extended admission times. This facility allows families to stay in a semi-detached room for home education and care support.

How to access this service

The majority of children are admitted to the ward via the Paediatric Emergency Department and a small number are elective admissions.

Visiting hours

Parents, care givers and grandparents may visit anytime. All other visitors may visit between 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 3.00pm to 8.00pm.

Location

Level 4, Gilbert Building

Information for families

One parent only is allowed to stay in the ward overnight. There are lounges that double as shared seating for visitors during the day and as a parent bed at night. Linen is provided for use within the hospital. Some features of the rooms are reading lights above the lounges for parents, access points to plug in computers and a desk for patient/parent use.

Parent room facilities aim to provide an area for parents to relax. Children are not allowed in the parent room. For parents living in, breakfast is provided if required.

If you are from the country, accommodation is available at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Residential Wing. Nearby hotel or motel accommodation is also available.

For safety reasons please do not bring hot drinks/food in to the ward.

Each room provides a safe to lock up valuables. The hospital does not take responsibility for the theft or loss of valuables. Please do not leave your valuables unattended

There are many nurses working on the ward. Handover is conducted at the bedside at the start of every shift. At this time the nurses looking after you will introduce themselves. Patients and parents are encouraged to contribute to the bedside handover.

A team of doctors will be caring for your child. Daily ward rounds will vary with different clinical units. Sometimes you may be seen in the morning and again in the afternoon. Please ensure that your child stays on the ward until doctors have reviewed them. If you are leaving the ward you will need to provide a valid form of identification and sign your child out.

If your child is a private patient your doctor may come at any time during the day.

Room allocation is determined on medical need and you may be allocated to a shared room.

Bedtime is 8:30pm. Main lights and televisions are turned off at this time and the activity room is closed.

The Hospital provides meals for children. Meals for parents and caregivers are available from Rainbows, Nic Nath Café and the Level 2 Café.

The hospital provides a range of infant formulas. As we cannot provide every formula that is available you may need to supply an unopened tin of your baby’s preferred formula.

Our play coordinator will help your child to relax and have fun during their stay. They will provide activities based on age, interests and abilities of your child. The Activity room has a SMART board and a range of toys, games and activities to participate in.

Bedside phones only accept incoming calls. Mobile phones interfere with some medical equipment. Please observe signs.

Televisions with specialty children’s channels and with DVD capability are provided in all patient rooms. There is a range of DVD’s available to borrow. Please ask your nurse or play coordinator for access to these.

Car parking is available on or near the hospital grounds