Frequently Asked Questions About Tresillian

Can I book myself into Tresillian?

No, however, if you feel you would benefit from our Residential, Outreach or Day Stay services, a referral is required from a health professional such as your Child and Family Health Nurse, General Practitioner, Paediatrician, Family Care Cottage, hospital staff or counselling professionals (Social Worker, Psychologist or Psychiatrist).

Parents with concerns for their baby are encouraged to speak to one of our trained Child and Family Health Nurses on Tresillians Parent's Help Line.

How do I organise a Residential stay at Tresillian?

If you live in the Sydney metropolitan area you need to have attended a Family Care Centre or specialist service or had a visit from Tresillian’s Outreach or Day Stay team, prior to admission to our Residential unit.

Rural families can contact their specialist (e.g Paediatrician) or health professional such as a Child & Family Health Nurse or local Doctor to obtain a referral to our Residential program. However, if your case is classified as urgent, admission may be as soon as 48 hours.

What if my baby or family is sick?

Tresillian is a “well-baby facility”. This means that your baby and you must be well at the time of admission.

Usually, a baby who has an ongoing medical problem and is being managed by a General Practitioner or Paediatrician and who is unlikely to require acute medical intervention during admission will be admitted.

If you or anyone in your family is suffering an infectious disease, your admission will need to be re-scheduled. If you or your child develop an illness during your stay, it is Tresillian’s policy to discharge you as soon as possible to decrease the risk of cross-infection.

Is Tresillian a private or public Hospital?

Tresillian is classified as a third schedule public hospital. While the majority of our funding comes from NSW Health we do rely on the generosity of the corporate sector and individual donors to assist us with special projects.

How much does it cost?

Tresillian’s Outreach and Day Stay services are free.

As Tresillian is funded by the NSW Health Department, clinical services in the Residential Units are covered by Medicare or the family’s private health fund and parents pay a small accommodation and meals charge.

What age-group does Tresillian specialise in?

Our services specialise in caring for families with young children in different age-groups – for more information contact your nearest Tresillian Centre.

Tresillian Canterbury
Residential Unit – children aged up to 2 years
Day Stay Unit – children aged up to 2 years
Outreach Unit - children aged up to 3 years

Tresillian Nepean 
Residential Unit – children aged up to 3 years
Day Stay Unit – children aged up to 3 years

Tresillian Willoughby
Residential Unit – children aged up to 2 years

Tresillian Wollstonecraft
Day Stay Unit – children aged up to 12 months
Outreach Unit – children aged up to 2 years
Occasional Care – children aged up to 14 months

Does Tresillian support breastfeeding?

Yes. Tresillian supports the benefits of breastfeeding. Our Child and Family Health Nurses understand that many mums find breastfeeding challenging in the first three months and our Lactation Consultants are trained to offer you the best advice and guidance.

Does Tresillian believe in ‘Controlled Crying’ as a method of getting baby to sleep?

No. Tresillian in no way endorses or promotes this style of settling baby. Instead we use a range of responsive settling techniques as described in our Tresillian Tip Sheets.

Are there similar services to Tresillian in other parts of Australia?

Yes, while Tresillian is based in New South Wales only, there are similar services interstate. For a full list, please see our 'useful links' list of family care centres in Australia.