By Mikayla van Loon
Maternal and child health (MCH) services across the Yarra Ranges are facing staffing pressures, and are being forced to reduce and reschedule appointments.
Yarra Ranges Council first notified clients of the changes via social media on 8 August but suspect this will be an ongoing adjustment for at least another month.
“We’re hoping towards the end of September that service provision will return to normal,” Director of Communities Corinne Bowen said.
This staff shortage is impacting all universal services offered by the council’s MCH practices, with all centres being impacted at different times and days.
Yarra Ranges Council operates MCH clinics at Chirnside Park, Belgrave, Coldstream, Lilydale, Montrose, Monbulk, Wandin, Badger Creek and other locations.
“Staff pressures are largely due to sickness, which is of course unplanned,” Ms Bowen said.
“We are also in an in-between time, awaiting a MCH Nurse who has been successfully recruited into a new position.”
Over the next few weeks, MCH services will be prioritising children aged zero to four months including home visits at two-weeks, four-weeks, eight-weeks and four-months.
“Families may need to wait longer for their Key Age and Stage MCH appointments. We are hoping clients who had their appointments rescheduled will have to wait no longer than three weeks for their appointment,” Ms Bowen said.
The customer experience team can reschedule appointments on 1300 368 333 or the 24 hour phone service can give advice to parents by calling 13 22 29.
“If parental concerns are of an acute or emergency nature, please attend the nearest Emergency Department.”
Ms Bowen said should parents have concerns for their child, the best thing is to call either the MCH phone number or the 24/7 helpline, so staff can potentially prioritise children.
“We will still see your child, it may just take longer to get an appointment. We will prioritise your appointment if you have concerns for yourself or your child’s welfare.”
