At Canberra Health Services everyone is welcome and everyone is equal. If you require help or support we will work with you to ensure you arrive safely. Talk to any member of your health care team for help.
Care that meets your needs
We've updated the Digital Health Record (DHR) to give you the option to record your access needs, so we can see and plan for them wherever you receive care.
Whether it's adjustable equipment so a procedure can happen safely, or a quiet, low-lit room so you can focus when making decisions, these changes make a huge difference.
You don't have to identify as a person with disability, mental illness or chronic condition to ask for help. Everyone has the right to health care that meets their needs.
How to record your needs
There are two ways to tell us what you need.
Option 1: tell your clinician or care team. They can record your needs in your health record for you.
Option 2: record your access needs directly in MyDHR.
- Log in to MyDHR using the app or website. If you haven’t signed up for MyDHR, learn how to sign up.
- Select the menu icon.
- Select ‘Questionnaires’. This is under ‘My Record’ in the menu.
- Select ‘Disability and Access Needs’.
- Answer all required questions.
- Review your responses, then click ‘submit’.
Remember, your needs can be updated over time and will follow you across services at Canberra Health Services. This means you don't have to repeat yourself at every appointment.
Let us know so we can support you better.
People with disability
Wheelchairs are available from our hospital main entrances and receptions. Every ward and department has wheelchairs. Please ask our staff if you need help.
Accessible toilets are available throughout our hospitals and health centre buildings, and other Canberra Health Services sites.
There are lifts to every ward and clinic.
We have specialist lifts and hoists if you require them. Please let your health care team know if you need help so we can make arrangements for you.
Help for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, or blind or have low vision
We have braille on many building directory signs and many lifts have voice announcements and lift buttons in braille.
We welcome guide dogs, audio dogs and therapy dogs. For assistance with access to drinking water and toileting please talk to your health care team or ask at main reception.
Hearing loops are available in some locations. If you have trouble using a hearing loop, speak to a member of your care team or ask at the main reception.
If there is anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable, please let us know.
Do you need an interpreter
We offer professional and accredited interpreting and translating services through the national Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). This is a free service.
You have the right to an interpreter when using our services. Interpreters act in confidentiality and will not share your information with anyone.
For help from an interpreter, please call our free Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450, or let us know so we can arrange one such as during your hospital admission, or clinic appointment. Auslan interpreters are available for Deaf and/or hard of hearing patients. Please let us know if you need an Auslan interpreter.
Support for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples
If you or your family members are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, please let a member of our team know. This helps us plan and deliver suitable health services and ensure that your health care team are considerate of your cultural practices and needs.
Our Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service at Canberra and University of Canberra Hospitals, or Aboriginal Liaison at North Canberra Hospital can support while you or, your family member, are in our care.
Read more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Other in-hospital support services
We offer specialised support with our:
- Spiritual Support Service at Canberra Hospital
- Pastoral Care at North Canberra Hospital
- Veterans Liaison Service