Released 27/03/2020
The ACT Government is implementing further changes to our health services to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Canberra Health Services is implementing a number of changes to maternity, paediatric and community-based services.
These changes are in addition to the reduction in non-urgent and non-essential outpatient and community activity, and the suspension of all elective surgery other than category 1 and urgent category 2, announced earlier this week.
These changes will help to contain the spread of COVID-19 and decrease demand on our health system, ensuring our services are well resourced and staffed to respond to the pandemic.
Patients will be contacted directly if changes affect their upcoming appointment or treatments.
These are very difficult decisions to make and we know there are many Canberrans who will be impacted.
This is an overwhelming time for people, particularly those with health concerns. We thank the community for their understanding and patience during this challenging period.
Women, Youth and Children
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, one person will be allowed to be the support person in labour. This person will remain the designated visitor for the duration of the woman’s stay in hospital, in line with previously announced visitor restrictions.
Routine antenatal appointments will continue, but as the situation is evolving this may need to change and any impacted patients will be contacted. Antenatal classes and other group sessions will be provided in an online format.
An early pregnancy and parenting phone line is being established to support with early pregnancy, maternal and child health, breastfeeding and emotional wellbeing concerns.
Visitor access
Visitor access to all Canberra Health Services sites, including Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, has been limited to one visitor per patient allowed on site per day. We’re also discouraging families from bringing children on site, if possible.
For more information on service changes please visit www.health.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases