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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:

protect young people from the proven harms of tobacco and e-cigarettes
Published: 28 May 2024

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is raising awareness of how to protect young people from the proven harms of tobacco and e-cigarettes this World No Tobacco Day on 31 May.

NNSWLHD Health Promotion Manager Elayne Mitchell said the District delivers education sessions for parents, schools, health professionals and GPs on how to identify the signs of nicotine addiction in young people, and how to support them to quit.

“Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in both tobacco and vapes. Research shows that almost all vapes circulating in NSW contain nicotine, even if it isn’t listed on the packet,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This is concerning given the NSW Health Population Survey showed in 2021-22 more than 43 per cent of young people aged 16 to 24 in NSW had used a vape at least once.

“If you believe your child might be vaping, or be addicted to vaping, we encourage parents to reach out to their GP, school well-being nurse, psychologist, counsellor, support officer or call the Quitline to get tailored support and advice.

“Northern NSW Local Health District has also delivered school education sessions in Tweed, Ballina, Byron, Mullumbimby and Kyogle to train teachers on how to talk to young people about vaping.”

Schools interested in education sessions, can contact NNSWLHD’s Smoke and Vape-free Team on NNSWLHD-Smokefree@health.nsw.gov.au

The Smoke and Vape-free Team will be on hand in Lismore this week providing advice for people who want to learn more about quitting smoking or vaping.

  • Wednesday 29 May, 9am-3pm, Lismore Base Hospital foyer near the cafe

If you, or a family member, would like further information on supporting a young person this World No Tobacco Day, contact the Quitline on 13 7848, or visit www.quit.org.au

NSW Health also has useful resources for parents and carers on their website, and counsellors at Quitline can help tailor conversations to individual circumstances.

As part of the North Coast Youth Vaping Action Plan, a range of resources for schools, parents, carers, health professionals and young people are available on the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) site.