In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

breadcrumbs--red-border

We provide emotional and practical support to military veterans and war widow(er)s who are admitted to 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

The Veterans Lounge is open Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm. You are welcome to drop in anytime during those hours.

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 on (02) 5124 3696, or email VeteransLiaison-TCH@act.gov.au to advise us of an inpatient who would like to access our service.

What to expect

After your admission to the hospital, you will be visited by the Veteran Liaison Officer. We will undertake an initial assessment where we will establish existing supports and services and identify any needs.

We will visit you on the ward or meet with you or your family in the Veteran’s Lounge.

We can provide some practical support (access to a phone, hygiene packs etc), and offer general information about DVA services.

Where we’re located

The Veterans Lounge is in the main foyer of Canberra Hospital, Building 2, Level 2.

The Veteran Liaison nurses will see inpatients on their ward; however, we can also see patients or their family in the Veterans Lounge.

If you are an inpatient at the University of Canberra Hospital, we will visit you in your room.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital and to University of Canberra Hospital.

mobile icon

In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

telephone icon

Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week