TAC primary interventionist making hospital discharge possible for Tuyen

"the keyworker was the primary interventionist with the primary role of ‘being there’ for the mother"

 

After a difficult birth, Tuyen was found to have neurological damage and vision impairment.He stayed in the special care baby unit (SCBU) for three months and was fitted with a nasogastric tube. He needed regular suction to keep his airways clear and had an array of daily medications…

Though hospital staff felt Tuyen would soon be ready to go home, the mother was convinced he would die without doctors and nurses on hand day and night... She had nightmares of finding Tuyen dead in his cot in the morning...

The keyworker took on a central role of being the most regular interventionist, visiting the family at home and on the SCBU with the dual aim of learning all about Tuyen and forming a familiar and supportive relationship with parents, especially Tuyen’s mother. After about four weeks, Tuyen went home. By TAC decision…the keyworker would make home visits two or three times a week for ninety minutes or so…

Within this pattern, the keyworker was the primary interventionist with the primary role of ‘being there’ for the mother. This included emotional support, being an active listener and helping get answers to all parents’ questions. Alongside this, she helped the mother spend quality time with Tuyen: getting to know him, forming first bonds of attachment and becoming relaxed and confident in caring for and playing with him….

The above are extracts from Primary Interventionists in the Team Around the Child Approach (available on Amazon.)