Some doctors from The Royal Children’s Hospital will participate in protected industrial action – meaning they will temporarily stop work – on Thursday 20 August 2026, from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
This may disrupt appointments and planned surgeries.
If you have an appointment with Specialist Clinics
We will do our best to see all patients and let you know as soon as possible if there are any changes.
You may:
- Experience longer wait times
- Be seen by a different doctor than usual
- Have your appointment cancelled or changed.
If you would like to reschedule, please call Specialist Clinics on 9345 6180 between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Outside of those hours, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment online via the Specialist Clinics change of appointment form.
If you have surgery
Some planned surgeries on Thursday afternoon may not proceed.
Patients and families with the potential to be impacted will be contacted by text message.
For questions about a surgery or to reschedule, please contact the RCH Planned Surgery Unit on 9345 4559
2 comments for “Medical staff temporarily stop work – Thursday 20 August”
Susanne
Hello I would like to know if this will be cancelled as I’m traveling 3 hours for my daughters respiratory med appointment at 3:30 pm
RCH
Hi Susanne, we have contacted families whose appointments have already been affected by changes. However, there may still be further disruptions. We will do our best to see every patient who visits for their appointment tomorrow as we understand that travelling to the RCH can involve lots of time and planning. If you would prefer to reschedule your appointment, please use our online Specialist Clinics change of appointment form. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.