Some Maternal and Child Health services at Whittlesea council have temporarily been put on hold in response to the state government’s code brown alert for health services.
In a statement, the council said that staff in its Maternal and Child Health service, along with those at council across Melbourne, have been asked to work together to support hospital maternity services to deliver essential care for new mothers/caregivers and newborns in both hospital and community-based settings.
“This means, we will need to divert some MCH nurses in the short-term to support essential maternity service delivery. Our staff will be unable to provide some of our usual service and will need to reschedule some appointments between Friday, January 28 until Friday, March 11, 2022,” the council said.
“During this time, some MCH services will be temporarily on hold, as we prioritise essential services to the most vulnerable children and families. We will be in touch to reschedule appointments as required.”
The council said the following services will run as normal:
– First time parent and Infant groups will continue online;
– Your first visit with an MCH nurse will occur within the first 12 days of baby’s birth; and
– Open consultations and Breast Feeding support sessions;
Parents or caregivers with significant concerns about missed or delayed MCH appointments should contact their regular MCH service to access support.
Support is also available through: Maternal and Child Health Line on 13 22 29.
