Allied Health Services
At WNHS our whole approach to your care means you will have access to doctors, nurses and midwives, and also specialist physiotherapists, dieticians, social workers, pastoral care workers, occupational therapists, radiologists and pharmacists. We truly understand that caring about all of you will achieve the best health outcomes.
Our Allied Health services include:
In Australia, overseas visitors, overseas students and patients who are not eligible for Medicare under their current VISA arrangements are required to pay for the cost of their health care. Please contact the Overseas Liaison Officer on (08) 6458 1066 or email KEMHPPLO@health.wa.gov.au to obtain information regarding fees for your appointment.
Social Work Services
At King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) social workers are essential members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, providing a comprehensive range of services to support patients and their families across all clinical areas including obstetrics, neonatology, gynaecology, and oncology.
Social work services at KEMH are delivered by an experienced team and tailored to address the diverse range of needs which can arise during a care journey at our health service. Support is available to address immediate safety concerns such as Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) as well as connecting women with ongoing, longer term community resources and services for counselling, parenting support, practical assistance with accommodation, legal advice, and finances.
Summary of Social Work Services
Counselling and advocacy: Social workers at KEMH offer counselling and advocacy to patients and families dealing with FDV relationship difficulties and family conflict. We can provide a safe space for individuals to express their concerns and receive guidance on navigating complex emotional and relational issues.
Drug and alcohol: For those impacted by drug and alcohol use, KEMH social workers provide assessment, referral to treatment, and early interventions. We work closely with patients from a harm reduction perspective to identify the best course of action and connect them with appropriate resources.
Premature and sick babies: Having a premature or sick baby admitted at KEMH can be scary and stressful. Specialist social workers are available to provide emotional support, guidance and advocacy to parents and families of babies who are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Nursery at KEMH.
Grief and loss support: Experiencing grief and loss can be overwhelming and social workers at KEMH offer compassionate care and support, information, and referral services to help patients cope during difficult times.
Mental health: KEMH social workers work collaboratively with the on-site psychological medicine team, community mental health teams and local services to address mental health concerns that arise for our patients.
Unplanned pregnancy counselling: Specialist social workers provide non-directive counselling to clarify options and support decision-making through the KEMH Pregnancy Choices and Abortion Care clinic.
Parenting and community resources: Social workers provide information, liaison, and referral services related to parenting and other community resources. They connect patients with programs and services that can support their parenting journey and overall wellbeing.
Gynaecology and oncology: Social work support is available for patients receiving care for cancer or gynaecological concerns at KEMH. This support extends to care givers who may require assistance to organise support for a family member or loved one on discharge in the community.
Senior Welfare Officer at KEMH
KEMH has a Senior Welfare Officer co-located in the Social Work Department who can provide advice and support relating to transportation, accommodation and financial concerns including the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) and Centrelink. It is a priority for us to ensure patients can access the care they need without unnecessary obstacles.
If you would like support from a social worker please let any member of your KEMH healthcare team know or contact the KEMH social work department on:
Tel: (08) 6458 2777
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Walk-ins are welcome.
Location: Lower Ground Floor, B Block, KEMH
External referrals to KEMH Social Work
External referrals to KEMH social work department are accepted from our community-based colleagues. We would appreciate the Social Work Referral Form (PDF), being completed when referrals are made by healtcare professional.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Our Nutrition and Dietetics team are here to support women during their care journey at WNHS. We provide assessment, advice and education, to women accessing all available services at WNHS.
Examples of our services
- Nutritional Assessment
An evaluation of how well-nourished a person is and their individual nutritional requirements in the context of their medical problems. Any deficiency in nutrient intake relative to recommended dietary intake can be identified. - Nutritional Counselling (Education)
Information and food related strategies to achieve optimal nutrient intake and minimisation of disease symptoms. - Preventative Nutrition Counselling
Diet related prevention for those at risk of disease or the complications of disease. - Therapeutic Diet
Managing the food and fluid requirements for inpatients on special diets through liaison with the health care team and food services. Special diets are constructed to help treat the individual's disease. - Oral Nutrition Support
A dietitian will use a wide variety of foods, meal patterns, fluids and nutritional supplements to optimise nutrient intake.
Accessing our services
If you would like access to our Dietitians, please speak to your healthcare team and ask them to assist in referring you.
Contact us
Tel: (08) 6458 2865
Fax: (08) 6458 2775
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Location: Lower Ground Floor, B Block, KEMH
Occupational Therapy Service
Our Occupational Therapists assist people to get back to daily living and overcome limitations caused by injury, developmental delay, illness (physical or mental), long term chronic conditions, and / or ageing. We assist women to move from dependence to greater independence, wellbeing and quality of life whilst receiving care at WNHS.
Examples of our services
- Helping a woman resume her usual roles after major abdominal surgery for gynaecological cancer by educating her in modified methods for daily activities (eg. how to do chores whilst lifting is restricted).
- Assessing an elderly lady’s home environment after surgery - to improve her safety and independence after a history of falls.
- Prescribing assistive equipment (such as a shower chair or toilet frame) - to help with functioning in self-care, leisure, work or other meaningful roles.
- Assessing cognition, function, independence, and psychosocial barriers - to see how impairments can impact on recovery, discharge and daily activities.
- Developing strategies and skills for a patient living with mental illness - to help them to participate in daily life.
- Setting up the home environment for a pregnant woman living with a disability - to help keep her and baby safe at all times.
- Educating patients and carers about specific methods to assist with independence and function, especially those living with a long-term illness or condition.
- Providing information or resources - such as disability services or equipment hire in the community.
How to access this service
To access this service, speak to your health care team and ask for a referral to see our Occupational Therapist.
Contact us
Tel: (08) 6458 2870
Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday
Location: Lower Ground Floor, B Block, KEMH