Rural Adversity in Mental Health Program (RAMHP) mental health nurse, Steve Carrigg, said people can be at an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression after a traumatic event, but help is available.

“Following any disaster, it is normal for people to feel overwhelmed, worry a lot more than usual, have trouble concentrating and making decisions, and become tearful,” Steve said.

“People may also have trouble with sleep, bad dreams and may experience a loss of appetite. They may start to question their own decisions during and after the event, which is all normal behaviour.

“By knowing what emotional responses to expect, and how to look after your own mental health and support loved ones, you can reduce the risk of developing mental health issues in the aftermath of a traumatic event.”

When these feelings and emotions last more than a few weeks, or people stop doing things they’d usually be doing, that’s where mental health professionals can assist.

To reduce the likelihood of ongoing issues after a disaster, spending time with people who care and are willing to listen is one of the best things you can do.

“Talk about what happened and how it has affected you, talk to others about the ups and downs of your recovery experience to people you trust,” Steve said.

“Try to keep to your usual routines and activities as much as possible. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, eat healthy foods even if your appetite isn’t great and try to get into a regular exercise routine as well.

“Disaster recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Go easy on yourself, and know that it’s OK to cry.”

If you or your loved ones are experiencing feelings which are more extreme than usual, help is available.

At the drop in centre at Tabulam Town Hall, people can speak to Disaster Welfare, Red Cross, RAMHP staff or Chaplains.

You can also make an appointment with your General Practitioner, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224636, or visit the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program website at www.ramhp.com.au. Resources are also available to help children who have experienced a traumatic event.

For information about Mental Health services within the Northern NSW Local Health District, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

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Doctors Rakash Goyal and Bazel Lodhi have successfully completed the Emergency Medical Certificate (EMC) through the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).

While working full-time at Grafton Base Hospital Emergency Department, the two doctors undertook 12 months of study and sat their final exams in late 2018, both achieving excellent results.

“Although it can be a juggle managing life, work and study, the knowledge gained from this course has really sparked my confidence as an Emergency physician,” Dr Lodhi said.

This qualification equips doctors with additional knowledge in handling Emergency presentations, enabling them to provide safe patient care in a time pressured environment.

Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital are both Emergency Medicine Education and Training (EMET) sites, and there are plans to support other medical staff through the program.

Grafton Base Hospital is about to undergo a $17.5 million upgrade, with work on the Ambulatory Care Centre scheduled to begin within weeks, following the recent announcement of the main contract being awarded.

The project includes a new two storey building, under croft loading dock, links to the existing hospital campus and public drop off zone.

 For more information about EMET, contact Greta Enns, Grafton EMET Program coordinator at Greta.enns@health.nsw.gov.au.

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Mr Gulaptis congratulated the 14 new nurses and one new midwife who have joined the region.

“Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of the public health system and I am delighted to welcome to the Clarence Valley,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“It is an exciting time to work at Grafton Base Hospital with the Nationals in Government’s $17.5 million upgrade to the facility about to get underway.”

Mr Gulaptis said communities across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys would benefit from a $2.8billion announcement by the NSW Government to recruit 8300 additional nurses, doctors and allied health staff over the next four years.

“Around the clock, 365 days a year, our health professionals are on the frontline of the NSW health system providing the best standard of patient care and this latest announcement will ensure there is more staff on the ground to deliver even better services.

“I wish all our new starters the best of luck with their careers and again welcome the invaluable contribution they make to our health system,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Pictured above: Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis gets a check-up from nurse graduate Duncan Brown under the watchful eye of other graduates, L-R: Kyle, Georgia, Mandy, Veronica, Nathan,
Sita and midwife graduate Elise.

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The Healthy Town Challenge is a joint initiative of the NSW Office of Preventive Health and NSW Heart Foundation.

As part of the challenge, Kyogle has been granted $15,000 to put towards healthy eating and physical activity resources and projects.

Jillian Adams, Health Promotion Manager for Northern NSW Local Health District said residents are invited to join the launch of the Healthy Town Challenge.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Kyogle locals to come up with their own ideas for projects for a more active, healthier community,” Ms Adams said.

“There will be free food, music, and fun activities. We’re encouraging members of the community to come along and have their say on the healthy projects they would like to see in Kyogle in the future.

“These community projects will be supported by health promotion officers, Kyogle Council and other organisations and local groups.”

Ideas put forward so far include youth cooking sessions, travel throughout the community, free coaching sessions at the outdoor gym equipment, improving the use of the Active Kids vouchers and planting more trees.

Residents can also sign up for the free Get Healthy phone coaching service at the launch.

The launch of the Healthy Town Challenge will be held from 4-6 pm on Sunday, 24 February at the Kyogle Bazaar.

To get involved or suggest projects you would like to see in Kyogle, contact Suzie Coulston on 6632 1661 or Suzie.Coulston@kyogle.nsw.gov.au, or Martina Pattinson on 6620 7668.

 Media contact: Lee Duncan 0447 902 641

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NSW & ACT Freemasons Grand Master, Derek Robson AM, travelled to Byron Bay to present the chairs to the hospital staff.

One of the new wheelchairs will be used at the front entrance of the hospital to assist incoming patients, while the other four will be used in the emergency department and inpatient unit.

Byron Central Hospital Deputy Director of Nursing Tracey Brooke said the five chairs will make a huge difference.

Grandmaster Derek Robson AM presents the wheelschairs to Byron Central Hospital Deputy Director of Nursing Tracey Brooke

“We’re thrilled to be receiving yet another generous donation from Freemasons Byron Bay who have supported us for a number of years,” she said.

“At about $500 each, new wheelchairs aren’t cheap, but having even a few more means we can move patients around the hospital much more efficiently and safely.

“Just today we used one of the new wheelchairs to take a patient from their bed to get some fresh air and sunshine outside.”

Grandmaster Robson said Freemason’s NSW had now given more than 250 wheelchairs to hospitals around the state.

“It is really great to see the excellent work our lodges are doing across NSW,” Grandmaster Robson said.

“The Byron Bay Freemasons have now raised more than $12,000 for the Byron Central Hospital in the last few years. It is one of many local organisations we like to support.”

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Six new graduates have just completed a tailored mental health program in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

Already half the graduates have new jobs in full-time mental health roles across the district.  The remaining 3 are taking their new skills to the Emergency Department at Lismore Base and other hospitals.

The Transition to Mental Health Nursing Program (TMHNP) has produced 38 graduates since 2012, all with the skills and knowledge to excel in a career in mental health.

“This year’s graduates are so impressive, they are so enthusiastic  and are committed  to making a positive difference to the mental health of our patients.”

“Graduates of past programs have continued to build strong careers as Clinical Nurse Educators, acting Nurse Unit Managers, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Case Managers,” Nurse Educator, Ryan Rooney, said.

The six people selected for the program each year share clinical rotations in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (Kamala), Community Mental Health, Adult Mental Health (Tallowwood), and Older Persons Mental Health (Lilli Pilli).

“We also factor in a fortnightly education session incorporating senior clinicians across the Network presenting information on a wide variety of topics,” said Mr Rooney.

“These include subjects such as evidence-based practice and research, psychoanalytic theories, and mental state exams, to name a few.”

Over the course of the 12-month program, the TMHNP participants also complete academic studies at a high level, allowing participants to apply for advance standing in post-graduate nursing studies at Southern Cross University.

The TMHNP program is currently in Tweed Heads and Lismore, with plans to expand to the Grafton Mental Health Service this year.

In 2018/19, the NSW Government is investing $100 million per annum over four years to strengthen early intervention and specialist community mental health teams, enhance psychosocial supports, and transition long-stay patients into the community.

For more information, visit the TMHNP website.

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Member for Tweed Geoff Provest welcomed the interns at The Tweed Hospital.

“Interns are a vital part of the professional team at the frontline of the health system,” Mr Provest said.

“We are very happy to greet this new team of enthusiastic and talented doctors who want to make a difference, and will develop their skills in the public health system. “

NSW has 1021 intern positions this intake, more than any other state or territory

Further south, Member for Lismore Thomas George welcomed interns to Lismore Bas Hospital.

“I welcome the fourteen doctors who have started their internships at our world class Lismore Base Hospital, alongside the eighteen who have begun placement at the Tweed Hospital.

Thomas George with interns at Lismore Base Hospital

One of the upcoming star-doctors is already a star on the oval, Dr Georgia Redmayne is a talented cricketer, having most recently played in the Women’s Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes. Originally from Alstonville, Georgina is one of a number of doctors from regional NSW who are passionate about the delivery of health services in rural Australia.

During their one-year internship, the graduates will complete compulsory terms in the specialties of medicine, surgery and emergency as required by the Medical Board of Australia. The second year of post-graduate experience focusses on consolidating professional practice and experience in different clinical settings.

The interns will rotate through a network of metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as GP practices.

The 2018/19 State Budget has added 1,370 health staff, including 300 medical practitioners, 950 nurses and midwives and 120 allied health professionals – resulting in a record frontline clinical and clinical support staff of over 105,000 people.

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We all want our kids to be healthy, happy and active, but the common habits of too much screen time, not enough outdoor play, and too much junk food can set them on an unhealthy path.

That’s where the free Go4Fun program can help.

Go4Fun is a healthy-lifestyle program for children aged 7-13, who are above a healthy weight.

Go4Fun programs run once a week after school. Kids get to make new friends, play fun and active games and improve their overall health.

Importantly, parents or carers are also involved and each week there are practical demonstrations and tips on how to shop for food, cook simple nutritious meals and raise active, healthy kids.

Jillian Adams, Manager of Health Promotion for Northern NSW Local Health District, said at the end of the program, children’s self-esteem is lifted, they are more physically active and keen to try new healthy foods.

“Parents appreciate the program and feel more confident in providing meals that their children will enjoy, but that are also good for them,” Ms Adams said.

Go4Fun is funded by NSW Health and is offered free to families. During the program children also receive a free lunch pack, water bottle, t-shirt and other incentives.

In Term 1 Go4Fun programs are being held every Wednesday afternoon at venues in Goonellabah, Grafton and Tweed Heads starting on Wednesday 6 February.

The Aboriginal Go4Fun program will be held in Casino.

For more information, contact the Go4Fun coordinator Phoebe Nicholls on 0436 012 371, or free call 1800 780 900, or visit the website at www.go4fun.com.au.

Media contact: Lee Duncan, Health Promotion, 0447 902 641.

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Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, and senior health staff unveiled a shrub with Mr George to mark the completion of the final of eight new levels.

Mr Jones said the new facility will complement the already highly-regarded hospital.

“We already have top staff, and we will continue to attract the world’s best clinicians and medical staff,” Mr Jones said.

“Since the completion of the South Tower, we’ve seen an increase in elective surgery being referred here as this is regarded as a premier hospital, not just in this region but across the state.”

The North Tower Project began as a $180 million commitment by the NSW Government to a four-level building. In June 2017, the Government announced $52.5 million to construct an additional four levels, bringing the building to eight levels.

Left to Right: Wayne Jones, Lynne Weir, Thomas George, Austin Curtin, Ian Hatton, Kerrie Gray.

Local Member Thomas George said the $232.5 million third stage of the Lismore Base Hospital Redevelopment would enable the facility to meet the needs of the community into the future.

“The Lismore Base Hospital services our entire region. The new and upgraded facilities will make sure the health district can continue to cater for the Northern Rivers diverse and changing population for decades to come,” Mr George said.

“I want to commend the work of both the construction company John Holland and NSW Health Infrastructure for getting the project to this point, less than a year after the start of construction.”

When complete the North Tower will include:

• new inpatient wards, including one medical and one surgical ward
• a new intensive care unit and high dependency unit
• new pharmacy
• new imaging/radiology unit
• new peri-operative unit
• hospital administration facilities
• additional plant facilities

Once the North Tower is finished in 2020, refurbishment works will commence on the existing hospital and will include new education, training, and research facilities as well as the consolidation of community health and ambulatory care services.

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Katharine Duffy, Northern NSW Local Health District’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said the Enrolled Nurse Scholarships are aimed at school leavers wanting to start nursing careers or people seeking an exciting career change.

“The NSW Government Enrolled Nurse Scholarships are a great opportunity for anyone in the local community, young or old, considering a career in nursing,” Ms Duffy said.

“If you’re looking for a rewarding job where you can give back to your local community, don’t hesitate – apply for a nursing scholarship. Nursing is an exciting career with so much opportunity.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said more than $1.5 million will be spent by the NSW Government on the 2019 Enrolled Nurse Scholarship program, with applications open from today.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a nurse at one of our public health facilities or hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Not only does the scholarship include course fees for a Diploma of Nursing but there is a guaranteed job offer at the end of it.

“Enrolled Nurses are a valued part of the health care team, caring for people when they are feeling most vulnerable, across a variety of clinical settings including acute medical and surgical units, operating theatres and mental health.”

In 2018/19, the NSW Government is boosting frontline clinicians across the state, with an additional 950 nurses and midwives. This includes investing an extra $8.1 million for 80 new specialised nursing midwifery and support positions.

The scholarships for the Diploma of Nursing are available at 24 campuses, seven in metropolitan Sydney and 17 across each and every regional and rural Local Health District in NSW.

To be eligible you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NSW.

Aboriginal people are particularly encouraged to apply for the scholarships, in line with a commitment to grow the Aboriginal workforce across NSW and improve local health outcomes.

The scholarships run in partnership with TAFE NSW and the NSW Health Registered Training Organisation. To apply, visit NSW Health’s website at: www.health.nsw.gov.au.  Applications close on 19 February.

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