We provide emotional and practical support to military veterans and war widow(er)s who are admitted to Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital or University of Canberra Hospital (‘inpatients’).
About this service
We are registered nurses who are a contact point for inpatient veteran enquires and assistance. We are available to give information about, and make referrals to, Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) services in the ACT and surrounding districts.
We also have a Veterans Lounge in the main foyer of Canberra Hospital. Veterans and/or their families can use the lounge to meet the Veteran Liaison team, have a break from the ward, meet other people, or use as a drop off/pick up point when coming and going from the hospital.
The University of Canberra Hospital offers the Ainslie Room as a space to relax, located on level 1 behind the lifts.
We provide the following services to veterans:
- Support and assistance whilst in hospital
- We advocate on behalf of you and your family
- Connection to community services, including services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs
- We assist you and your family with planning a safe discharge and identify if assistance may be required to support you at home.
Who we care for
All military veterans, war widows and their families are welcome to use the Veterans Lounge and facilities. DVA services can be arranged for eligible DVA inpatients. Self-referral to the veteran liaison service is accepted.
DVA Service Entitlements
- Gold Card – entitles the holder to access health care and associated services for all conditions
- White Card – enables holders to access health care and associated services for specific service-related conditions recognised by DVA
- Orange Card – pharmaceuticals only for eligible British or Commonwealth or other Allied veterans
- Eligible veterans, war widows and dependants who have been issued with a Repatriation Health Card
Enquiries about Repatriation Cards or DVA Pensions should be made to the Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) on 1800 838 372.
How to access this service
Canberra Hospital
The Veterans Lounge is open Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm in the main foyer (Building 2, Level 2). You are welcome to drop in anytime during those hours or contact us on (02) 5124 3696 or email: VeteransLiaison-TCH@act.gov.au.
Inpatient veterans who hold a DVA Gold card will usually appear on the Veteran Liaison list. However, veterans or their family members are welcome to contact the Veteran Liaison service to let us know about an inpatient who would like to support.
North Canberra Hospital
Contact the Veterans Liaison Service by calling 0481 453 102 or emailing CHSNCH.DLNVLO@act.gov.au.
University of Canberra Hospital
The Ainslie Room (Level 1, behind the lifts) is available for veterans and families. Liaison nurses visit inpatients in their rooms.
What to expect
After your admission to the hospital, you will be visited by the Veteran Liaison Officer, who will will undertake an initial assessment to establish existing supports and and identify any needs.
- Canberra Hospital: you may be visited on the ward or, if you prefer, meet with the liaison team in the Veteran’s Lounge.
- North Canberra Hospital: you will be visited on the ward by the liaison nurse.
- University of Canberra Hospital: liaison nurses visit you in your room; the Ainslie Room is also available for relaxation.
We can provide practical support (access to a phone, etc), and offer general information about DVA services.
Where we're located
We have directions to Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital and to University of Canberra Hospital.