Will Council close its Maternal Child Health Centres?

We will continue to operate all essential services including maternal & child health throughout the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. 

We operate our Maternal Child Health (MCH) service from six family centres. They are all continuing to provide Maternal Child Health appointments, though some changes have been made to meet the Stage 3 Directions: 

•  Centre based appointments will continue for children 0 to 4 months. Appointments will be kept to 15 minutes
• Newborn children aged 0 to 8 weeks must attend the centre as we need to check the baby
• Older children aged 18 months to 3.5 years will have their check up conducted between the nurse and with their parent or guardian by phone or telehealth video call.
• Home visits are only being done for very vulnerable families.
• All consultations (centre visits and phone) are strictly by appointment only. Please call the centre to book your appointment. 
• New Parent groups are being held via Zoom. There are no face-to-face sessions.
• The six family centres will not be hosting playgroups, toy library or room hire for community groups until further notice. 

Face masks are not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Visit the DHHS face masks web page for more information.

The decision to limit the access of community groups to these centres follows instruction from the State Government which is based on reducing the risk of transmission of coronavirus in our community. We look forward to a time when we can safely welcome community groups and playgroups back into these Centres.