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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

photo of healthcare helpers
Published: 02 Dec 2025

Healthcare facilities can feel overwhelming, with lengthy corridors, many rooms and signs everywhere. Sometimes, what people need most is a friendly face.  

That’s where our Healthcare Helpers come in, and soon, they’ll be gracing the floors of Casino and District Memorial Hospital and our Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) at Kyogle, Bonalbo, Nimbin and Urbenville.  

Healthcare Helper volunteers aren’t just guides. They greet patients and visitors, help them find their way and sit with people who need a little extra comfort.  

For Veronica Niessen, one of our Healthcare Helpers at Tweed Valley Hospital, volunteering is a humbling and rewarding experience.

“The chats, warmness and acknowledging smile from the patients’ familiar faces is incredibly fulfilling,” Veronica said.  

“I value that I can make even the smallest difference in their lives.”

At Urbenville MPS, Nurse Manager Wendy Longmuir has nothing but praise for volunteers such as Lyn Brereton, who’s been involved with the facility for the past 12 years.  

“Lyn is passionate about the MPS, will assist with anything we put to her and has come up with ideas that have worked really well,” Wendy said.

“Each month she cooks a BBQ lunch with the residents, who in turn assist to prepare salads, and who doesn’t love a BBQ with fresh salad from our garden?!  

“She helps with raising donations, which is so important and really helps to achieve so much at our MPS.

“Alongside all of this, Lyn spends quiet time with the residents, which is all some of them want – someone to talk to for a longer period of time.  

“As Lyn says, there is so much a volunteer can do. We really need more. Please make enquiries if you would like to join. It is so rewarding.”

If you have a kind heart and time, please get in touch.

🎯 Find out more and apply here ➡️


Pictured

Left: for Veronia Niessen, being a Healthcare Helper is humbling and rewarding.

Right: Lyn Brereton has been a friendly face at Urbenville MPS for the past 12 years.

<< go back to Northern Exposure Issue 11 – December 2025