X

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 clinical readiness team
Published: 02 Sep 2025

Seven international medical graduates have recently completed the 12-week Clinical Readiness Program at Lismore Base Hospital, gaining hands-on experience across six medical disciplines and taking part in a range of educational opportunities.

Coordinated by Dr Bliegh Mupunga and supported by the Northern NSW Regional Training Hub, the program gives Australian citizens and permanent residents who studied medicine overseas a chance to work as Medical Support Officers.  

While not yet registered medical practitioners in Australia, the training helps them build the skills and confidence needed to apply for Junior Medical Officer (JMO) roles.

Bliegh said the group brought energy and enthusiasm to the hospital.

“We had some gems join, who will hopefully end up working rurally,” he said.  

“Thanks to the admin team who make it all happen and to the supervisors who are always willing to take on the extra challenge.”

During the program, candidates rotated through cardiology, general medicine, geriatrics, renal, respiratory and surgery.  

They also took part in grand rounds, department-specific teaching, the JMO course and an interview skills series.

Here’s what some of the candidates had to say about their time at Lismore Base Hospital:

  • “We gained confidence, skills and strength in attending ward rounds, communicating with both senior and junior staff, and working effectively with multidisciplinary teams.”
  • “The Lismore team has been remarkable in supporting all IMGs. From helping us settle into a new environment to ensuring our continuous learning and professional development at the hospital.”
  • “It gave us the opportunity to be directly involved in patient care while understanding how the system operates. Now that it’s over, I’m looking forward to contributing meaningfully to the Western health system and serving in diverse, multicultural communities.”
Pictured:

(From left: top row first)

Samantha Corcoran, JMO rotations and recruitment; Sumi Barua; Shafaq Hassan; Casey Rucker, medical education support officer; Rimmy Barakoti; Naseer Babar; Leanne Thompson, regional training hub manager; Danielle Allen, JMO manager; Aziza Ahmed Efa; Mirwais Adli; Reehana Khawaja.

The names with no titles are international medical graduates who have completed the Clinical Readiness Program (ICRP candidates).

<< go back to Northern Exposure Issue 8 – September 2025