Update: Incident at Canberra Hospital Emergency Department


Released 19/07/2018

Canberra Hospital can confirm that ACT Policing has handed the affected area of the Emergency Department (ED) back to the Hospital, following the incident that took place yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 18 July 2018).

There is minor damage to a small area of the ED that will need to be checked and repaired. This has been cordoned off while further assessment of the damage is undertaken and repair work commences later today.

We would like to thank the community for their patience while we work as quickly as possible to undertake the repair work in the affected area of the ED.

The Canberra Hospital ED is still operational. However, while the affected area remains closed, we encourage people with non-life or limb threatening injuries and/or illnesses to consider alternative treatment options to attending the ED. These include:

  • Community Pharmacist – your local pharmacist is qualified to give you expert advice on many health issues;
  • healthdirect – call 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1800 022 222 for free expert advice and reassurance;
  • Walk-in-Centres – for one-off treatment of minor illness and injuries for those over the age of two, see a specialist nurse seven days a week. Walk-in Centres are located in the Belconnen and Tuggeranong Community Health Centres and are open from 7.30am to 10pm daily;
  • General Practitioners – for ongoing comprehensive health care for everyone, including those with acute problems, children under two years and those who have complex medical problems, your GP is your best option;
  • CALMS – 1300 422 567, the call centre is open weeknights from 6pm and all day weekends and public holidays, with CALMS clinics open from 8pm; and
  • National Home Doctor Service – 137425, from 6pm weeknights to 12pm on Saturday and all day Sunday and public holidays. All National Home Doctor Service after hours GP home visits are bulk billed.

People who are seriously ill with a genuine medical emergency, should always call 000 or seek treatment through their closest ED. For Northside residents this includes the Calvary Public Hospital ED, and for Jerrabomberra and Queanbeyan residents, this includes the Queanbeyan Hospital ED.

Further enquiries in relation to the incident should be directed to ACT Policing.

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