Families urged to attend paediatric outpatient appointments

March 23, 2011

Christchurch Hospital’s Paediatric Outpatients Department would like to remind families with appointments to please attend.

Paediatric Outpatient Department charge nurse manager Michelle Kane says the department is open as normal.

Families with appointments have been contacted to confirm they will be attending but a large number are not showing up for their scheduled times, Michelle says.

“We understand that with the disruption to the city’s infrastructure life is more challenging after the earthquake but we would please ask that you contact us at the earliest time to change or cancel an appointment so it can be offered to another child.”

Not attending appointments has negative implications for all patients waiting to see a specialist, Michelle says.

“When a child misses their important specialist assessment, it can not only have negative implications on their own health but can result in longer waits for all children visiting specialists, as appointment bookings are reconfigured to accommodate those that have missed their scheduled times.”

All Christchurch Hospital buildings are safe to occupy and if transport to the hospital is an issue there is a free shuttle bus services available from Hillmorton, Burwood and The Princess Margaret Hospitals.

Parking is available at these sites.

The department is also exploring alternative options to help families make their appointments.

“If you have any suggestions for us to make coming to a clinic possible or easier for your family, please do not hesitate to let us know,” Michelle says.

“We hope you and your family are well and look forward to seeing you soon.”

If you wish to cancel or change an appointment phone: (03) 3640025 or e-mail paedopn@cdhb.govt.nz stating your child’s name, name of the clinic and the date of your appointment.

If you wish to provide a suggestion to make attending a clinic more accessible please email: michelle.kane@cdhb.govt.nz

HOSPITAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES

Burwood to Christchurch Hospital:
• Monday to Sunday Service
• Burwood departures leave from beside Beacon House at entrance B2 at 6.15am, 8.00am, 2.00pm, 4.00pm and 10.00pm.
• Christchurch departures leave from the traffic lights on Oxford Terrace below the emergency department at 7.15am, 3.30pm, 5.00pm and 11.15pm.
Princess Margaret to Christchurch Hospital St John’s Shuttle
• Monday to Friday Service
• The normal St John’s shuttle timetable is operating between Princess Margaret and Christchurch Hospitals, but IS NOT calling at Burwood or Hillmorton.
• Departure points are at the main entrance for Princess Margaret and the main Parkside entrance for Christchurch.
Hillmorton to Christchurch Hospital:
• Monday to Friday Service for staff and patients
• Minibuses operating hourly from 8.30am to 5.00pm between Hillmorton and Christchurch Hospitals starting at 8.30am from Hillmorton / 9.00am from Christchurch
• Drop off and pick up is from the lower ground floor entrance of Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

PARKING AT CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL

Parking spaces are reduced at Christchurch Hospital and this is causing severe traffic congestion, delays and frustration to patients and visitors.

The public are asked not to drive through the hospital one way system unless they have to.

People are advised to leave home early to allow time for traffic en route and finding a park when they arrive. Mobility parks are available for those who need them. If you need assistance please talk to security staff on site who can provide advice.

Allow extra time if you’re heading to hospital

Patience is required, particularly on rainy days, as everyone wants to get as close as possible to the front door to the hospital. If you don’t use a shuttle, you’re advised to allow at least thirty minutes finding a park and walking to hospital.

ENDS

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