Temporary Maternal and Child Health changes
Bayside Maternal and Child Health (MCH) appointments will be limited to 0-8 week checks for a brief period as a result of the Pandemic Code Brown in the Victorian health system.
Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, health services and health workforces in Victoria are experiencing significant workforce pressures that are compromising essential health service delivery.
In recognition of these extreme pressures, on 18 January 2022, a Pandemic Code Brown was announced across public health services in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for a period of four to six weeks. This means some Bayside MCH nurses will be redeployed into critical health settings to support our heath service.
As a result, from Friday 28 January until Friday 11 March 2022, MCH appointments will be limited to new mothers/caregivers, infants and families including:
- infants aged 0-8 weeks and their mother/primary caregiver
- Aboriginal infants, children and families
- children and families with additional needs or concerns including families on the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Program and those with COVID-19.
This means that in all metropolitan areas, MCH service delivery and consultations will be temporarily paused for older infants, children and families with no additional needs or concerns.
All parents and caregivers with upcoming appointments are being contacted and appointments rescheduled, where required.
Families are also encouraged to access the alternative supports listed below.
Available supports
Some parents or families may have concerns about missing their next appointment because of the changed MCH service delivery arrangements.
Families are encouraged to access supports including:
-
Contacting Bayside Family Services on 9599 4755 to discuss concerns and potential need for their MCH consultation to proceed
- Call the Maternal and Child Health Line on 13 22 29. The Line is staffed 24-hours, 7-days-a-week by qualified MCH Nurses and provides confidential support and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age)
- Contacting their regular General Practitioner or other regular health professional
- Visiting a SuperCare Pharmacy which provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access to healthcare advice and pharmacy services, including a free, on-site nursing service from 6-10pm each night.
- Contacting an Optometrist for vision testing.
More information about the Pandemic Code Brown in the Victoria health system.
