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Torrens House is a community residential unit located at 295 South Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia (between Pultney and Hutt Streets, opposite the Japanese Gardens). Torrens House is part of Children, Youth and Women's Health Service (CYWHS).
It offers a free service to families with infants aged up to 12 months who are accommodated for a 3½ day stay, Tuesday - Friday (the unit is not open at other times). Only babies and mothers who are 'well' (no colds, diarrhoea, etc.) are admitted into the unit.
Families are admitted to Torrens House when requiring additional assistance with unresolved feeding, settling and sleeping issues. It does not provide a 'quick fix' - but does provide more intensive support to address your identified health issues.
Torrens House is a non-smoking area.
When considering admission to Torrens House. the initial step is to discuss your situation with a nurse from your local child health centre. The nurse will discuss support options which may include other appointments or referrals as a first step. (Day Service is usually attended prior to Torrens House. Frequently, families may find they no longer require Torrens House after being supported by the local nurse or Day Service).
If your issue is still unresolved a referral to Torrens House may be the next step. The clinic nurse will complete the required paperwork and forward it to Torrens House for assessment. The referring nurse will keep in regular contact whilst you are awaiting Torrens House admission. In this way you can be supported, and the nurse will also provide the Intake Coordinator with regular weekly updates of your progress. It is important to let the referring nurse know of any mobile or other telephone contact numbers that will enable contact with you at this time.
Admission
The Intake Coordinator assesses all referrals each week and will advise your referring nurse of the outcome.
Once a placement is available for you, the Coordinator will contact you to confirm your admission date and provide you with information regarding admission time, personal requirements and any special dietary needs you may have.
Torrens House offers places to 6 or 7 families with infants under 6 months of age, and 2 - 3 placements for infants between 6 - 12 months, each week. The Intake Coordinator will organise a placement for families as quickly as possible. However, the waiting period for a Torrens House admission will be variable and depends on a number of factors, including the age of your infant, the issues you are experiencing and the number of referrals at the time.
Occasionally, families who have been offered placements cancel their admission, so families on the waiting list may be contacted as late as Tuesday morning to see if they are available to come in that day.
If you are offered a placement and then for any reason you are not able to keep the place, ie. your baby is unwell, please contact CaFYHS staff on 8303 1500 as soon as possible.
Accommodation
Each room has a queen-sized bed, individual air conditioning and ensuite facilities. A small fridge is located in your room. We encourage partners to stay and be as involved as much as they are able.
Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities for toddlers or other children to stay. They are however, welcome to visit and may have meals with you.
Babies under 6 months of age sleep in their parent's room.
Babies over 6 months are usually accommodated in their own individual nursery rooms. (Night staff will wake parents to attend to their babies as required).
*Whilst staying in Torrens House, it is necessary for your infant to sleep according to SIDS guidelines.
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Staff
Torrens House is able to offer support through a wide range of health professionals. The staff are skilled in a wide range of areas including breastfeeding, nutrition, settling and normal infant development.
Most of your care will be provided by nursing staff, and we also have part time medical officers, a mental health nurse and social worker. We do suggest that, if you have any health concerns for you or your infant, you consult your own GP prior to admission. On admission to Torrens House, the nursing staff will discuss your goals and in partnership support you to develop strategies to meet these goals during your stay.
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What to bring in
- Day and night clothes, and toiletries for yourself and your infant, eg. soap, creams, any lotions, baby wipes, tissues
- Disposable nappies (and nappy disposal bags if you use them)
- Bibs
- Any medication you or your infant are taking
- Your infant's Child and Family Health Record Book
- Your Medicare card
- Washing powder if required (full laundry facilities are available)
- Pram
- Your own pillow (if preferred)
- A few toys, books etc.
- Wrap sheet if required (cotton only).
Feeding requirements
If you are breastfeeding and using aids, eg. nipple shield, hand pump for expressing, please bring those with you.
If you are formula feeding please bring your own formula as well as bottles, caps and teats, bottle brush, plus your sterilising equipment.
What we supply
- All furniture, equipment and linen.
- Meals, including meals appropriate for a child over 6 months.
- Mealtimes are:
- Lunch: 12 midday
- Dinner: 6pm
- Mealtimes are 30 minutes duration.
Your partner and/or other children may join you.
Please notify staff of any dietary restrictions.
- Snacks are available from a small kitchenette area throughout the day. There is tea, coffee or water to drink. You are welcome to bring extra snacks.
Car parking
There are limited car parking facilities, so we would suggest wherever possible someone drop you off. Country clients are given preference for parking.
We are however, able to offer secure night time parking for any partners who may wish to stay overnight.
Additional information
Visitors are welcome. Due to our security requirements, they will need to sign in and wear a 'visitors badge' during the office hours of 8.30 am - 5.00 pm. (Out of hours entrance is available via Louisa Street).
If you have any queries regarding Torrens House, speak with your local CYWHS Nurse or Parent Helpline.
Discharge
On discharge from Torrens House, staff will assist you to ensure suitable follow-up support is available via your local CaFHS Services. Any questions you have after your discharge from Torrens House should be directed to either your local CaFHS staff or Parent Helpline.
Discharge time is usually prior to 2.00pm on Friday.
During some weeks this will vary, but staff will discuss this with you.
Torrens House Intake Coordinator
Children, Youth and Women's Health Service
295 South Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000