The hospital’s language-specific antenatal classes continued to be popular, aiming to meet the needs of an ethnic population of 53 per cent, which is higher than the Sydney region average. Regular tours were held for newly-arrived immigrants and students learning English at TAFE.

Following completion of its rebuilding works in 1998, and accessing better networking with other CSAHS services, Canterbury Hospital’s Emergency Department was able to see 10 per cent more child patients this year.

Colour-coded signs to identify ward areas are being prepared to ensure easy access for visitors. Volunteers play a vital community service role meeting visitors at the reception desk and walking them to the ward areas.

Support from the community continued through a regular pattern of donated funds. New support included first-time donations from the Lions Club of Sydney Korean and Sydney Markets Industries Lions Club.

* The strong increase in same day admissions is due to increasing use of pre-admission clinics and increased liaison between anaesthetists and GPs
 for anaesthetic workups prior to admission.
There is also an increased emphasis on benchmarking among peers.