Update - Switchboard fail at Canberra Hospital

The electrical fire in the Canberra Hospital switchboard in the main reception building has been extinguished but has impacted power to a number of main patient and administrative buildings.

At this time, up to 60 people have been relocated as a precautionary measure from the staff and public residence building. Planning is being undertaken, should further relocation of staff and patients of the affected buildings be required. Safety of patients and staff remain our number one priority.

The ACT Emergency Services Agency and ActewAGL remain on site managing this incident.

All elective surgeries scheduled for Thursday 6 April 2017 will be postponed. Patients will be contacted by ACT Health staff from the Surgical Booking Unit.

The Canberra Hospital Emergency Department remains operational for major trauma at this time. However, community members in need of emergency care are strongly encouraged to go to Calvary Hospital Emergency Department and reserve the use of Emergency Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies only.

For people with minor illness or injury the community is reminded of the Walk In Centres in Tuggeranong and Belconnen which are open from 7:30am to 10pm each day.

The community can also seek after hours health services from Health Direct via 1800 022 222 or the National Home Doctor service on 13SICK (13 74 25) for a GP home-visit.

Family and friends of loved ones and staff are reassured that people within the hospital are safe. We strongly request that loved ones postpone their visit to the hospital tomorrow (Thursday).

As the Canberra Hospital Switchboard is currently unavailable people are encouraged to contact patients and staff on personal mobiles.

ACT Health and Canberra Hospital has well established emergency management protocols and procedures in place to manage incidents such as this. We are taking all steps necessary to ensure the safety and security of our patients and staff.

Regular updates will be issued via esa.act.gov.au