Haley Nielsen BA, DipSoc, PGDipHealSc (MenH), PGDipBus (HRM)

Haley Nielsen is mother to three children, one (now deceased) with very high needs. She currently serves as a consumer/family representative on the CDHB Child Health Advisory Council, The Paediatric Society of NZ Clinical Network-Palliative Care, CDHB Disability Action Steering Group. Haley previously worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker.

What Clinicians Need to Know - A Parent’s Perspective
 

Communication is a foundation of effective patient provider partnerships. It is a theme constant in any interaction a patient or parent/Whanau may have with the healthcare system.

This presentation explores the parent’s journey, my journey, when my child was palliative. There are wide range of reactions parents/Whanau may present with as they adjust to what is happening.  Acknowledging these differences is important as we all cope with what is happening to us as a family and for the child, in different ways.

As health professionals know, how you communicate with parents/Whanau is really important.  Thinking about how that communication is delivered, the language you use, how honest are you and at the same time listen to the family.  This will allow them to grieve their way while you manage the clinical situation will help them through this traumatic time.