MORE healthcare workers will be deployed to Frankston Hospital this week in response to the state government’s “code brown” declaration.
The state government declared a code brown last month to help manage resources during the recent wave of COVID-19.
Frankston Council maternal and child health nurses have been deployed to Frankston Hospital and Monash Health, Clayton and Casey campuses for six weeks. They will help in hospital birthing suites and with the extended post natal care program.
While council workers are redeployed, its regular maternal and child health service will be interrupted. Council says that temporary priority will be given to “infants aged 0-8 weeks and their mothers/caregivers, Aboriginal infants and children of all ages, and infants and children of all ages with additional needs or concerns, including those on the enhanced MCH program and those with COVID-19.”
Manager of family health support services at Frankston Council, Claire Benzie, said that her team is working hard to keep disruptions to a minimum. “In addition to prioritising vulnerable families, please know we are still here to support you and there are many avenues for families who have concerns or questions while our usual capacity is limited,” she said.
“Caring for young families is a passion our staff share with many other healthcare providers in our community, who are struggling right now under an overwhelming workload and difficult working conditions. We believe this common goal and this time spent working together will strengthen the ongoing relationships between our services and enhance future opportunities to collaborate — ultimately benefiting our community.”
Parents can call the 24/7 maternal and child health line on 13 22 29 for information and support.