Casino District Hospital Emergency Department is relocating on the 12th November 2014. This is to allow for works to commence on the Casino Emergency Department Redevelopment.

The move starts at 6.00am. From 10.00am Public access to the Hospital and the Emergency Department will be through the Old Main Entrance of the Hospital, which is located directly behind the Flagpole.

If care is needed after hours a buzzer/intercom system will be available inside the main doors. As per routine practice, Casino Hospital Staff is requesting the Public to contact their local General Practitioner if they are in need of medical attention that is of a non-emergency nature.

NSW is marking the 100th anniversary of the start of public health services to promote infant, child and family health in NSW. To celebrate, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Child and Family Health Nurses held a Forum at Ballina Hospital on Wednesday 29th October 2014.

Over the past 100 years, almost 7.4 million babies have been born in NSW, most of who have been seen and cared for by NSW Health’s Child and Family Health Nurses, or baby health sisters as they were known in the past.

When a Child and Family Health Nurse meet with a family, they are not just thinking about health as an absence of disease but as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being

These nurses work from Early Childhood Health Centres, to provide a free service for all new parents in NSW and offer health, development and wellbeing checks for children from birth to age five.

They offer universal health home visiting or clinic services for the almost 100,000 children born in NSW each year, as well as support, education and information on all aspects of parenting.

Ann Schefe, NNSWLHD Acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said, “Child and Family Health Nurses are recognised as having specialist clinical skills and have a key role in providing community child and family health services as well as other services, including day stay services, residential and outreach programs.

“When a Child and Family Health Nurse meet with a family, they are not just thinking about health as an absence of disease but as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. They are striving to work with each family not only to avoid distress but also, to be as healthy as they can possibly be for now and for life,” Ms Schefe said.

In 1914, the key aspects of the work of a Child and Family Health Nurse were antenatal care, supporting breastfeeding, teaching ‘the hygiene of infancy’ and monitoring growth, development and infant nutrition.

The focus was primarily on reducing infant mortality. A century ago, more than 100 of every 1000 children born alive died before they turned one. Today, less than 5 children per 1000 die before their first birthday.

“Child and Family Health Nurses have been recognised as being vital in providing early intervention to improve children’s health and development. They provide enormous support for new parents and have been achieving spectacular outcomes for 100 years in nurturing for the next generation – that’s a fantastic reason to celebrate,” Ms Schefe ended.

About NSW Child and Family Health Services

On 20 July 1914, the NSW Baby Clinics, Pre-Maternity and Home Nursing Board were established by a Ministerial Minute. The Centre in Alexandria opened first on 24 August 1914, followed by Newtown, and Bourke Street in Darlinghurst. In 1914, the Government also funded 20 NSW Districts under the Bush Nursing Scheme. By the early 1980s, there were about 500 Early Childhood Health Centres in NSW, staffed by qualified Child and Family Health Nurses.

The month of October is set aside each year to recognise the people in our community who live with a mental illness and those who care for them. The national theme for Mental Health Month this year is ‘be YOUnique!

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Mental Health Service is holding a ‘be YOUnique event at Lismore City Hall to support our community and to raise awareness about mental illness.

Richard Buss, NNSWLHD Executive Director of Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol said this theme is aimed at promoting acceptance and an understanding of the impact that being proud of who we are, can have on our wellbeing.

The day is about celebrating our strengths and differences with the aim of encouraging all of us to consider our strengths and challenges, and to nurture our own ‘unique worth’.

“We are really pleased to have Bradley Foxlewin, Deputy Commissioner from the NSW Mental Health Commission, who has a lived experience of mental distress and accepted our invitation to be the Guest Speaker,” Dr Buss said.

The official proceedings will take place between 10.30am and 11.30am with an opening address by Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell.

Following the formal proceedings there will be entertainment, with live music, drumming, yoga laughter, hat and mask making and other activities. A BBQ lunch has been organised as well as displays of digital storytelling and the winner of the “Our Lives, Our Places” Image/Photographic Competition will be presented.

“The day is about celebrating our strengths and differences with the aim of encouraging all of us to consider our strengths and challenges, and to nurture our own ‘unique worth’. It is also aimed at reassuring us to take the opportunity to support the people in our lives and celebrate their own individual qualities that make them unique,” said Dr Buss.

The event has been organised by a small steering committee made up of representatives from the NNSWLHD and a cross section of community organisations including C3A – Community Advisory, Advocacy and Action Group, Partners in Recovery, Headspace, CRS, On Track, The Buttery, ACON, Mission Australia and New Horizons.

Ebola virus disease is a serious infection that is spread through close contact with people who are sick with the infection, or with their blood or other body fluids, or with infected animals. At present there is no Ebola in Australia, so there is no risk of catching the infection here. People who have travelled or worked in affected countries in West Africa may have been exposed to Ebola.

NSW Health is well-prepared to identify and respond to any suspected cases of Ebola and prevent transmission should a case occur.

There are currently no cases of Ebola in Australia. For more information visit the NSW Health Ebola Advisory Page:

NSW Health Ebola Advisory Page

Businesses using water that is not drawn from a town water supply are being reminded that they now need to have a ‘Quality Assurance Program’ to ensure the safety of the drinking water they provide to customers.

The new requirement came into effect on 1 September 2014 under the NSW Public Health Act 2010.

Having a quality assurance program will help businesses protect the health of their customers by addressing any risks to their drinking water supply.

Operators have a responsibility to provide safe drinking water. Serious outbreaks of illness can occur as a result of people drinking contaminated water from private water supplies

Senior Environmental Health Officer, Tony Kohlenberg said the new laws apply to anyone who supplies water to customers in the course of their business, whether it comes from a river, creek, dam, bore or rainwater tank.

“Each year thousands of people visit facilities that rely on private water supplies, such as Caravan Parks, School Camps and tourist attractions,” Mr Kohlenberg said.

“Operators have a responsibility to provide safe drinking water. Serious outbreaks of illness can occur as a result of people drinking contaminated water from private water supplies.”

Documents to assist businesses to understand and comply with the laws are available from the NSW Health website at:

Private Water Supplies Information Page

Business operators can access templates designed specifically for their business type such as camping grounds, guest houses, cafes and general stores.

“Once a business has developed its own quality assurance program a copy is required to be sent to the North Coast Public Health Unit,” said Mr Kohlenberg.

Breast Cancer Screening Myths Busted! This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the focus is on ‘busting’ some concerning myths surrounding breast cancer screening to encourage as many women as possible to pick up the phone and call 13 20 50 to book their free screening mammogram.

Early diagnosis offers the best treatment options and the best chance of survival. Considering the fact there is a 97% survival rate if breast cancer is detected early, there are not enough women having a screening mammogram.

Breast Cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and each year more than 900 NSW women lose their battle with the disease. Despite research showing that 95 per cent of women agree that a mammogram may save their life, less than 50% of the women in NSW aged between 50 and 74 have their recommended mammogram every two years.

Jane Walsh, Director of the BreastScreen NSW North Coast Screening and Assessment Service says, “Early diagnosis offers the best treatment options and the best chance of survival. Considering the fact there is a 97% survival rate if breast cancer is detected early, there are not enough women having a screening mammogram.”

There are a number of concerning myths preventing women from being screened for breast cancer. This October, the focus is on dispelling these myths. Jane Walsh says, “Some of the most common myths that contribute to women in NSW not participating in regular breast screening include:

Myth: I do not have any family history and lead a healthy lifestyle; therefore I don’t need to be screened.

Fact: Nine out of ten women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. As for a woman’s health, Ms Walsh says “Whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, on its own it cannot prevent breast cancer.”

Myth: But I don’t have any symptoms.

Fact: Breast screening is for women who have no current breast symptoms or changes. A screening mammogram can pick up cancers as small as a grain of rice. You have a greater chance of surviving breast cancer if you find it early. If you find a lump or abnormality see your GP as soon as possible.

Myth: The appointment takes too long! I don’t have enough time.

Fact: The appointment usually only takes 15-20 minutes. Take the time – invest in your own health. “For women who have never screened, and women who have not attended regularly, a lack of time was the main reason given for not booking a mammogram”, says Ms Walsh.

Book a mammogram, they are free and could save your life!

Women residing on the North Coast and Mid North Coast aged between 50-74 years are encouraged to call 13 20 50 to book an appointment at a local BreastScreen service, located at Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. A mobile van also visits smaller towns; for current dates and locations of the mobile van or for more information on breast cancer and BreastScreen NSW please visit www.bsnsw.org.au

Want to get out of the Blues? Women’s Health Matters and Women’s Health Resource Centre are providing an opportunity to learn skills on how to manage moods creatively. Held over six weekly sessions, the total cost is $15

60 Uralba Street Lismore
Starts on Tuesday 21st October 2014
From 10.30am – 1.00pm
Bookings essential – please call 6621 9800

Yamba has been named as one of five country communities selected to compete in the inaugural NSW Healthy Town Challenge. After a gruelling application process Yamba, along with Bomaderry, Cooma, Tottenham/Tullamore and Wellington will face off to see which community can lose the most weight and be crowned Healthy Town Challenge Champions.

The Town’s application was put together by the Clarence Valley Council and Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Staff was applauded for its innovation in tackling the problem of obesity within the community. To support residents in the challenge, the NSW Ministry of Health has provided the local Healthy Town Committee with a $15,000 grant.

The challenge is about banding together as a community and working towards a healthier future. Anyone who would like to improve their eating or physical activity habits are encouraged to participate

Jillian Adams, NNSWLHD Health Promotion Manager said the grant will be utilised to encourage the community to embrace the values of healthy eating and active living, as well as promote local existing infrastructure such as community gardens, local walking trails and outdoor fitness equipment. In addition, participants will have access to a free phone based health coaching service for a six month period.

“The challenge is about banding together as a community and working towards a healthier future. Anyone who would like to improve their eating or physical activity habits are encouraged to participate,” said Kate Collins, Health Promotion Officer, Maclean Community Health.

“Our plans centre on promoting existing infrastructure and providing residents with the skills and knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices,” Kate Collins said.

Many local residents and businesses are already on board and excited about how this challenge will benefit the wider community. If you would like to become a participant you need to:

Register with the Get Healthy Service online (www.gethealthynsw.com.au) or by phoning 1300 806 258. Let the Yamba support team know you are participating by emailing yambahealthytowns@gmail.com. Spread the word and keep an eye out for Healthy Town events and activities.

The competition will run from 1 October 2014 to 1 June 2015, with the collective weight loss total of all local residents being registered through the NSW Government’s ‘Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service’ that will be counted towards determining the eventual winner.

For more information or to get involved please email yambahealthytowns@gmail.com

The Healthy Town Challenge will be run by the NSW Government, through the NSW Office of Preventative Health and NSW Ministry of Health, together with Heart Foundation (NSW).

Solid Mob and the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Quit for New Life Team joined forces recently to hold a Deadly Sisters Event in Casino. The focus of the day was on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with babies, pregnant women and young women and local programs. Tackling tobacco and smoking cessation was the priority.

Jillian Adams, NNSWLHD Health Promotion Manager said the day was organised to showcase a range of local programs, activities and resources suitable for Aboriginal women and involved representatives from Casino Aboriginal Medical Service, Family Support, CHEGS, Headspace, Casino Library, Inter-relate and NNSWLHD Oral Health, Health Promotion and Aboriginal Health Staff members.

The Quit for new life (Q4NL) program is a state-wide program which commenced in Northern NSW in October last year. The Q4NL team works in partnership with key health practitioners that offer antenatal and post natal care for pregnant Aboriginal women, women having Aboriginal babies and their household members.

The program operates between Tweed and Grafton and out to Tabulam and Bonalbo and supports participants to quit smoking, create smoke free homes and environments for mothers, babies and families.

Pregnant women need support from the whole community to quit smoking and the Quit for New Life Program aims to help make that happen. All services working together add strength to each and every quit person’s quit attempt.

Cessation Support Officers follow up clients who have consented to the program. Participants are provided with ongoing smoking cessation care and if clinically appropriate, provided with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

Once assessed, household members are also able to receive help enabling all involved in the Quit for New Life program entitled to 12 weeks supply of free NRT. Cessation Support Officers follow-up with phone calls to the clients to help support their quit attempt. The Q4NL team also provide resources to help explain the benefits of stopping smoking for both adult and baby.

Across the NNSWLHD, between October 2013 and August 2014 there have been over 88 referrals to the Q4NL program. The majority of referrals have been for pregnant women or women with babies wanting to go smoke free during their pregnancy, or for when their baby is born. Also pleasing is that some referrals have been for household members who want to quit,” said Jillian Adams.

Christine Sullivan, Clinical Cessation Support Leader for the NNSWLHD said, “Pregnant women need support from the whole community to quit smoking and the Quit for New Life Program aims to help make that happen. All services working together add strength to each and every quit person’s quit attempt.”

Deadly Sisters Days will be held throughout the area in different locations over the next few months.

If you would like further information on the Quit for new life program or would like to be involved in the Deadly Sister Days please contact: Quit for new life Cessation Support Officers:

North 0477368180

South 0477368182

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer after coronary disease and a leading cause of disability.

Stroke Awareness Week (8 – 14 September) is held annually to raise awareness of stroke and to recognise the dedicated clinicians that provide stroke care.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is calling on residents to unite to stop stroke and staff across the LHD have hosted Stroke Awareness and Prevention displays in Hospital foyers as part of National Stroke Week.

To lower your stroke risk it is important to know your numbers and manage high blood pressure and cholesterol, eat a well-balanced diet low in salt, participate in regular physical activity, lose weight to avoid obesity and cease smoking

Stroke information handouts have been available at the displays to raise awareness of stroke within the community and NNSWLHD encourages local residents to take action to prevent stroke.

“Shockingly, one in six of us will have a stroke in our lifetime. It could be a family member, a colleague, a friend or even you and 20% of strokes occur to people under the age of 60 years.

So please join us this National Stroke Week in challenging stroke. We have the opportunity as a community, to come together to take action to stop stroke and challenge its impact.

“To lower your stroke risk it is important to know your numbers and manage high blood pressure and cholesterol, eat a well-balanced diet low in salt, participate in regular physical activity, lose weight to avoid obesity and cease smoking. Your local doctor can assess your cardiovascular risk and assist with managing your risk factors for stroke and heart disease”.

National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Dr Erin Lalor applauded NNSWLHDs activity and urged others to join the challenge.

“Be healthy, be aware, be your best and Challenge Stroke this September. Take action to reduce your stroke risk, learn more about stroke and help raise awareness in the community”, Dr Lalor said.

“The recent Report on Stroke in Australia demonstrated no postcode is untouched by this disease; it is impacting our families and communities. However many strokes can be prevented,” said Dr Lalor.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is reminding parents to download a free reminder App to their smartphones to help ensure their children are fully immunised on time against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Greg Bell, Deputy Director of Public Health for the NNSWLHD said recent outbreaks in NSW of measles and whooping cough means babies and young children are most at risk.

“Timely immunisation is the best protection we can give to our children, Mr Bell said.

“We all know parents lead busy lives and time is of the essence. The Save the Date to Vaccinate App makes it quick and easy to remember when their children’s vaccinations are due.

“Parents enter their child’s name and birth date, as well as their GP’s contact details, and the App automatically calculates the next immunisation due date.

“It then sends a series of reminders to prompt the parent to call their GP to schedule an appointment for each immunisation. Parents can make that call straight from the App.”

It’s really important that parents understand the importance of on-time immunisation as delays of just a few weeks can leave a child unprotected and at risk of a serious preventable disease

The innovative App is the centerpiece of the Save the Date to Vaccinate campaign which was first launched last year and is part of a long term strategy by NSW Health to improve on-time childhood vaccination rates in NSW.

Greg Bell said the Save the Date to Vaccinate App had proved to be very popular with more than 42,000 downloads since it was launched in 2013.

“While around 90 per cent of children at one year of age in NSW are fully immunised, 95 per cent coverage is needed for effective disease control,” he/she said.

“Anecdotal data from last year’s campaign shows that around one-third of parents reported that at least one of their children were immunised late, with many wrongly believing that delaying “for a few weeks” didn’t matter.

“It’s really important that parents understand the importance of on-time immunisation as delays of just a few weeks can leave a child unprotected and at risk of a serious preventable disease.

“Most vaccinations need several doses to build long lasting protection – that’s why it’s important for children to complete the full recommended schedule of vaccinations at the recommended times.”

Vaccines to protect against a range of diseases are provided free of charge to children under the National Immunisation Program.

The NSW Health Save the Date to Vaccinate campaign website includes resources such as a printable Personalised Vaccination Schedules and immunisation videos.
Download the SAVE THE DATE App or print a Personalised Vaccination Schedule at www.immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au
For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au

Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion is hosted a professional learning day for primary teachers about physical activity and healthy eating in September 2014.

This one day professional learning opportunity supports the implementation of Live Life Well at School, an initiative that promotes physical activity and healthy eating in primary schools.

Roughly half of children aged 5 – 12 years meet the recommendations for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day and limiting their recreational screen time to two hours per day, while 44 % have enough vegetables

Anna Huddy, Program Coordinator in Health Promotion said the Conference is a collaboration between the NSW Department of Education and Communities and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation – a national professional association representing people, who work in the areas of Health Education, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport Dance and Community Fitness or Movement.

“We are expecting 75 teachers to attend, representing 75 primary schools in our region. Some have travelled many hundreds of kilometres to be here” Ms Huddy said.

“Primary Schools have an important role as behaviours learnt in the early years will often carry on in to adulthood and their support strengthens the role that families play.”

“Roughly half of children aged 5 – 12 years meet the recommendations for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day and limiting their recreational screen time to two hours per day, while 44 % have enough vegetables (1 – 1 ½ cups a day).

The Conference will help teachers to develop:

Gain skills in the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) content of the K-6 syllabus Have new lesson ideas and whole school program ideas to promote a healthy lifestyle for K-6 students Expand their game sense knowledge and ideas.

Smoking rates in Australia have declined dramatically over the last 30 years with around 15% of the general adult population currently smoking.

Despite this decline, the impact of tobacco on individuals, society and the country’s economy remains high: in Australia smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease. It kills more people than alcohol, other drugs, murder, suicide, road crashes, rail crashes, air crashes, poisoning, drowning, fires, falls, lightning, electrocution, snakes, spiders and sharks combined. Each year, smoking costs Australia $31.5 billion in social (including health) and economic costs.

Most smokers do want to quit. At any time about 60% of smokers are thinking about or preparing to make a quit attempt. Australian health promotion advocates and governments have enacted legislation to bring smoking rates down even further.

If you are a smoker, it is a good time to consider a ‘new chance’ quit attempt as the price of cigarettes has just gone up by 12.5% from September. The 12.5% tax increase is the second of four annual tax increases on tobacco totalling in approximately 60% increase in the price of cigarettes by 1 December 2016. Following these, the average Australian smoker will spend nearly $26,000 on cigarettes over the next four years.

3-5% of unassisted quit attempts are successful, but quit success rate rise to 25-30% with counselling and support from health professionals and specialised services like Quitline

Price increases, such as those resulting from a tax rise, are a proven and effective strategy for reducing tobacco use. However, nicotine is a powerful addiction and most smokers need repeated attempts to quit.

“Last year’s tax increase resulted in a spike in quit attempts, but most of these were unsuccessful,” said Dr Colin Mendelsohn, Vice President of the Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals. “We suggest smokers seek additional support in their quit attempts and not be discouraged by setbacks; each progressive quit attempt marks an important step forward.”

Dr Avigdor Zask from NNSW Health Promotion says that only 3-5% of unassisted quit attempts are successful, but quit success rate rise to 25-30% with counselling and support from health professionals and specialised services like Quitline (free call 13QUIT/137848), as well as appropriate use of stop-smoking medications, especially for nicotine dependent smokers.

Heather Allan, Chief Executive Officer of the Lung Foundation Australia said: “There are immediate health benefits to quitting smoking at any age. Stopping smoking decreases the risk of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke and chronic disease compared with continued smoking. “

Another legislative initiative to reduce smoking rates, which has been in the news this week, is the plain packaging of cigarettes. First, the national drug strategy household survey results – that includes the first year following the introduction of plain packaging – confirmed a continued significant decline in national daily smoking rates from 15.1% in 2010 to 12.8% in 2013. Then secondly, there was a study in British Medical Journal open on the impact of plain packaging on businesses http://press.psprings.co.uk/Open/august/bmjopen005873.pdf
Contrary to tobacco companies’ scare tactics and funded research, plain packaging did not result in sustained increased handling time, nor was it associated with a reduced proportion of purchases in small mixed business and increased proportion of supermarket purchases. Additionally, there were no changes in the percentage of smokers who reported buying cheaper Asian brands or of smokers reporting current use of unbranded illicit cigarettes.

Governments around the world, including the UK and Canada are now considering following Australia’s lead and introducing similar legislation.

Locals are invited to join transplant recipients and donor families at ‘Cycle for Life’, Kingscliff this Sunday

Media opportunity: 10.30am, Sunday 31 August 2014, Salt Central Park, Kingscliff.
Cycle event completion and interviews: Dr Mike Lindley-Jones, Medical Specialist; Tweed Shire Mayor, Barry Longland; Kristen Walsham, donor family member and local organ recipients.

*Registration for the event is at 7.30am with cycling commencing at 8.00am.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is leading the state’s regions in life-saving organ and tissue donation – an achievement being acknowledged at this Sunday’s Cycle for Life event.

Many people aren’t aware that only around one per cent of deaths occur in the specific circumstances which allow someone to be considered for organ donation,” he said. “Once they know this, 84 per cent of people are more motivated to decide to become an organ and tissue donor. It’s important to share that decision because in Australia, the family of every potential donor is always asked to confirm their loved one’s donation wishes before donation can proceed.

While Northern NSW had low rates of organ donation in previous years, the generosity of those able to donate organs and tissue – and the support of their families – means that the NNSWLHD is now exceeding the state’s average donation rate, leading to more life-saving transplant surgery.

Dr Mike Lindley-Jones, NNSWLHD Organ Donation Specialist, said in 2013 the district had 27.2 donors per million population, nearly double the NSW average of 14.2 donors per million population (DPMP).

“One donor can save or greatly improve the lives of more than 10 people,” Dr Lindley-Jones said, “so I’m thrilled to see that so many locals understand this and are prepared to give the gift of life.”

The Cycle for Life event is a great family day out on the coast with the important purpose of reminding locals to consider signing-up to the Australian Donor Register – and sharing that decision with loved-ones who could be called upon to give final consent.

Participants have two cycle options: a 47-kilometre scenic road cycle, for more experienced cyclists, and a 5-kilometre family cycle along the dedicated cycle path. The event is fully supported with support vehicles and refreshments. Road cyclists will wear DonateLife Cycle jerseys while family cyclists receive specially-designed T-shirts to help raise awareness within the community.

Dr Lindley-Jones said the limited availability of donated organs for transplantation is why everyone needs to know their family members’ donation wishes.

“Many people aren’t aware that only around one per cent of deaths occur in the specific circumstances which allow someone to be considered for organ donation,” he said. “Once they know this, 84 per cent of people are more motivated to decide to become an organ and tissue donor. It’s important to share that decision because in Australia, the family of every potential donor is always asked to confirm their loved one’s donation wishes before donation can proceed.”

Donor family member Kristen Walsham, who is attending Sunday’s Cycle for Life, made a donation to help with the costs of running the event following the loss of a loved one who had required a lung transplant.

“I made a spontaneous decision to donate the funds on the day of my dear Uncle’s death in January, in his memory. My uncle underwent the screening process in late 2013 to potentially receive a lung transplant however; he was not able to join this very special waiting list. One of his last wishes was to assist in any way possible and so, he was able to donate his corneas upon his death,” Ms Walsham said.

A young local recipient who received a liver transplant in 2013, will also ride with the road cyclists and be available to tell his story at the completion of the event.

For more information on organ donation, visit:

www.donatelife.gov.au

Every day more than 1.1 million Australians have difficulty communicating says local Speech Pathologist Karen Kostal, who is raising awareness during Speech Pathology Week in the Lismore community.

Speech Pathologists are aiming to make Australia a ‘Nation for Communication’ by increasing the understanding of communication disorders and how they impact on people’s lives.

“Sadly many people with a communication disorder suffer in silence and most of us take communication for granted,” said Karen Kostal.

“It’s estimated that one in five people will experience communication difficulties at some point in their lives. This can range from mild to very severe and can impact on the way they participate in family life, the community, education and the workplace,” Ms Kostal said.

Around 13,000 Australians use electronic communication aids to get their message across, while 20 per cent of four year olds have difficulty understanding or using language.

“Over 1.1 million Australians have a communication or swallowing disorder that impacts on the quality of their life. That is roughly the same number of Australians who live with diabetes and three times the number of Australians who suffer from dementia!

But speech disorders don’t just affect the young. At least 30 per cent of people post-stroke suffer loss of language, with 85 per cent of those with Parkinson’s disease having voice, speech and/or swallowing difficulties.

Three in every 1,000 newborns have hearing loss, which without intervention can affect their speech, language and literacy. Indigenous children have three times more hearing problems than non-Indigenous children.

These are the challenges that confront speech pathologists every day.

“Over 1.1 million Australians have a communication or swallowing disorder that impacts on the quality of their life. That is roughly the same number of Australians who live with diabetes and three times the number of Australians who suffer from dementia!

“Speech Pathologists are specialists in all forms of communication. We work with people to maximise their ability to communicate in a way that best meets their needs and abilities,” said Ms Kostal.

They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech, language and communication.

Speech Pathologists work in a wide range of settings – schools, hospitals, nursing homes, universities, kindergartens, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, private practice and mental health services.

Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital, Community Health and Clarence Mental Health Services were subject to a full survey against the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) during the period 21 – 25 October 2013.

The ACHS is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to improving the quality of health care in Australia through the continual review of performance, assessment and accreditation. Established in 1974 with a mission to “improve the quality and safety of health care” and a vision to be recognised nationally and internationally as the leading Australian organisation that independently assesses performance and promotes and improves the quality and safety of health care.

I congratulate the Staff on this excellent result. It is a testament to the excellent work being undertaken locally so ensuring safe and effective quality systems are in place, which benefits the patients and clients who use these services

 

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Chris Crawford said the ACHS is the leading independent authority on the measurement and implementation of quality improvement systems for Australian health care organisations. The principles upon which all ACHS programs are developed and the characteristics displayed by an improving organisation are:

A customer focus. A strong leadership. A culture of improving. Evidence of outcomes. Striving for best practice.

Clarence Valley Staff formed working parties for each of the standards and were delighted with the feedback provided by the Surveyors saying they had achieved compliance with each of the 10 standards as well as achieving a very high number of meritorious ratings.

“I congratulate the Staff on this excellent result. It is a testament to the excellent work being undertaken locally so ensuring safe and effective quality systems are in place, which benefits the patients and clients who use these services,” Mr Crawford said.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has produced the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. Compliance with these 10 standards is mandated for all public hospitals in Australia and are:

Governance Partnering with Consumers Infection Control Medication Safety Patient Identification Clinical Handover Blood & Blood Products Pressure Injuries Clinical Deterioration Falls

These principles can be applied to every aspect of service within an organisation.

Accreditation is a formal process to assist in the delivery of safe, high quality health care based on standards and processes devised and developed by health care professionals for health care services. It is public recognition of achievement of accreditation standards by a health care organisation, demonstrated through an independent external peer assessment of that organisation’s level of performance in relation to the standards.

This world beating procedure, introduced by Doctors Lawrence Kohan and Dennis Kerr from a Sydney Private Hospital has pioneered a revolutionary technique for managing pain after total joint replacement surgery.

Dr Brian Pezzutti, Anaesthetist and Board Chair of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) said Doctors Kohan and Kerr are in Lismore to provide the latest education on joint replacement surgery to local Orthopaedic Surgical Teams.

“This revolutionary surgery allows for patients to be able to walk within four hours after having surgery and to go home within 24 hours, which is a huge benefit to the patients receiving this surgery in their recovery and return to normal life,” said Dr Pezzutti.

Local Surgeon Dr Richard Freihaut has teamed up with Dr Pezzutti to offer this amazing procedure over the last three years at Lismore Base Hospital (LBH).

Dr Pezzutti said “This technique of providing pain relief after surgery and the ability of the patients to walk comfortably soon after surgery, has reduced the risk of deep venous thrombosis.”

“This has been of enormous benefit to around 80 patients attending LBH for this procedure and has cut the average length of stay by half,” Dr Pezzutti said.

“It is hoped that this revolutionary procedure will be adopted more widely across the NNSWLHD and possibly beyond following today’s education session at the University Centre for Rural Health,” Dr Pezzutti said.

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Chris Crawford, presented over 200 Grafton Base Hospital and Community and Allied Health Staff with long service badges today acknowledging their service to the Local Health District and its former administrations.

One Staff member will receive a 45 year badge and six others have accrued 40 years of service, which is an extraordinary achievement. Twelve others will receive 35 year badges and 32 will receive 30 year badges.

“Long service badges commence at 10 years and go up in increments of five years, so there are 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 year badges. It is very rare for Staff to have worked for 40 and 45 years,” Mr Crawford said.

Mr Crawford said the last time Grafton Staff were presented with long service badges was in 2007. This recognition provides the Health Service with the opportunity to show its appreciation in acknowledging the valuable contribution Staff make to the provision of health services on the north coast over this long period of time.

“Staff are the most vital part of the health service – buildings and equipment are essential, but without the commitment and dedication of staff, the delivery of high quality care would be impossible.”

“Also of importance is the continuity of health care given by such long serving employees to our patients and to the community they serve,” Mr Crawford said.

Northern NSW Local Health District extends its congratulations to Professor Michael McKay, Radiation Oncologist and Staff Specialist with the North Coast Cancer Institute in Lismore.

Professor McKay has been recognised for his work by winning the prestigious Rohan Williams Travelling Professorship Award from the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) of the United Kingdom (UK).

“The competitive process involved submitting a Curriculum Vitae and topics on which lectures could be presented during a four week visit to the UK in September 2015,” said Prof McKay.

“Four shortlisted candidates were put forward to the Royal College of Radiologists and I was selected,” said Prof McKay.

The prize includes two return business class airfares with spouse and involves presenting lectures and tutorials at major Oncology Centres, as well as an Address at the RCR Annual Scientific Meeting.

“The objective of the prize is to foster relations between the RCR and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists,” Prof McKay said.

Since the Professorship commenced in 1977 there have been five Australians awarded a Professorship and Dr McKay is the first Radiation Oncologist.

Dr McKay has also reached another milestone in his career having published over 100 scientific papers.

With World No Tobacco Day on Saturday 31 May, figures reveal that a quarter of smokers in NSW (23 per cent) are planning to quit in the next 30 days . This means an estimated 200,000 people across NSW are making plans to quit. In Northern NSW, this could be as many as 12,500 smokers wanting to quit in the next month.

Jillian Adams, Health Promotion Manager for Northern NSW Local Health District said World No Tobacco Day on Saturday 31 May provides a great opportunity for smokers to mark the start of their quit journey.

“Tobacco is one of the most addictive substances known to humans, and is the largest cause of preventable death and disease in our community. Smoking kills 19,000 Australians each year, of which 8,000 are due to cancer . The latest available figures show that approximately 270 people die a year in Northern NSW from tobacco related illness . The health benefits alone can be enough incentive to kick the habit.

“With World No Tobacco Day this week, there is no better time to start your quit journey than by joining the hundreds of thousands of other smokers in Australia planning on commencing theirs.”

The research, commissioned by the Cancer Institute NSW, also revealed that the average number of quit attempts (5.2) has increased since 20111 and showed that feeling supported would be important for 85 per cent of smokers if they tried to quit1.

“It is promising to see that smokers are continuing with their efforts to quit, and that they are sticking at it but it’s important not to get disheartened if you slip-up at this time. Quitting for good often takes more than one attempt and you can make every day World No Tobacco Day,” said Ms Adams.

“Family and friends of smokers can play an essential role this World No Tobacco Day in supporting their loved ones to quit. There are also services available to smokers as they try to overcome their addiction. Quitline provides a free, confidential and individually tailored telephone service with a specially-trained Quitline Advisor, while the iCanQuit website offers a platform for members to share their hints, tips and thoughts around their own quit attempt with an online community.”

According to the Survey, the top two motivators for quitting are health or fitness (81 per cent) and cost (38 per cent)1, the latter becoming a more dominant motivator to quit for many smokers since the Federal Government’s 12.5 per cent tax increase on cigarettes came into effect in December 2013.

Quit support is available from Quitline on:
13 7848 (13 QUIT)

Exercise Right Week is a national campaign commencing on Monday 26 May until Friday 30 May 2014 that highlights the importance of exercising in a way that suits the individual and how an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help in providing expert advice.

According to statistics nearly 70% of Australian adults (almost 12 million), are either sedentary or have low levels of physical activity. This is far below the expected minimum level outlined by the National Physical Activity Guidelines, said Kylie Everman an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Lismore Base Hospital.

“What can be more worrying about the lack of physical activity is the lack of awareness a person has about the damage being done to their body by not exercising,” Kylie Everman said.

In 2010-2011, the leading cause of death in Northern NSW was cardiovascular disease, which was significantly higher than the rest of NSW (205/100,000 compared to 177/ 100,000), followed by cancers (173/100,000) and respiratory diseases (46/100,000).

“Physical activity can play a key role in preventative measures for all of these conditions. However, we often see too few people taking action in either preventing or treating these diseases, due to a lack of awareness or a fear of not knowing where to start,” Ms Everman said.

“Accredited Exercise Physiologists are experts in prescribing the right type and amount of physical activity to those who suffer from a chronic illness, or those who are holding back from taking up exercise,” said Ms Everman.

“We work with patients from across a wide range of backgrounds, from grandparents wanting more energy so they can spend time with their grandchildren to younger adults who are managing diabetes or recovering from cancer.”

Accredited Exercise Physiologists are encouraging Lismore residents to take up the challenge and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for the week. We are also urging those who are having problems with their health or are unsure where to start, to speak with their local General Practitioner or health professional,” Ms Everman said.

Exercise Right Week gives us an opportunity to highlight how we work with individuals to make sure they are exercising effectively and safely, as well as giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to take control of their health.

Physical activity does much more than improve your body image and make you lose weight, it can help you:

Reduce your blood pressure Decrease total cholesterol Reduce stress levels

For more information please go to:

www.exerciseright.com.au

• Improve mental health
• Feel more energetic, confident, happy and relaxed
• Improve your balance and posture
• Maintain healthy bones and strong muscles
• Decrease your risk of heart disease
• Decrease your risk of developing Type II diabetes

This year National Palliative Care Week is from Sunday 25 May to Saturday 31 May and Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) wishes to acknowledge everyone, who works in palliative care and the quality care they provide to people with a life limiting illness their families and carers.

Wayne Jones, NNSWLHD Chief of Staff said, these people are the General Practitioners, Specialists, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Volunteers and family Carers. They are our unsung heroes, supporting people through one the most difficult moments in their lives with respect, dignity and care.

The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for people living with a life limiting illness, by providing care that recognises their many and individual needs, including physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual. Importantly, palliative care also supports the person’s family and carers during their illness and in bereavement.

‘Palliative care is an issue that will affect many of us at some point in our lives, whether as a patient, carer, family member, neighbour or friend. We need to ensure that we all have quality care at the end of life and are able to live and die well, and we all need to take responsibility for making this happen,” Mr Jones said.

“Recently the NNSWLHD partnered with Silver Chain to provide care and support in the final stage of a person’s palliative care. Silver Chain is an organization with extensive experience in supporting patients and their families in the final stages of the patient’s life.

“The NNSWLHD Palliative Care Team works collaboratively with the Silver Chain Group Staff to ensure high quality end-of-life care for our shared clients who wish to die at home,” he said.

“During National Palliative Care Week, we’re asking everyone in the community to work together to ensure everyone who needs it receives the best possible palliative care. One way to do this is by having a conversation with your loved ones about how we would like to spend the end of our lives,” said Mr Jones.

Professor Patsy Yates, President of Palliative Care Australia, said ‘We encourage everyone to think about the care we would want to receive towards the end of life and to have conversations with those closest to us about these preferences. Decisions such as where we would like to be, the type of care we want, who we would like to see and who can make decisions on our behalf if we’re unable to do so.

‘After all, you only die once, so you may as well have your say in it.’

Further information on National Palliative Care Week is available at www.palliativecare.org.au .

The Quota Club of Lismore is a small club of eight members but each year they make a contribution that will improve the lives of the Lismore community.

This year the Clubs fundraising efforts have gone towards purchasing eight new Paediatric IV Stands for the Lismore Base Hospital Children’s Ward. These IV stands allow the child to get out of bed and walk around ward, while having IV therapy. The centre of gravity is also lower which makes the stands more stable than adults IV stands.

The money was raised from the Club’s annual Trivia night, which was well supported by local Businesses who generously donated prizes and the community who attended the night to help raise the much needed funds.

Kerry Byrne, Nurse Unit Manager said, the new IV stands are brightly painted with child friendly wheels which are teddy bears. They will add a bit of fun to the seriousness of the therapy the children are receiving.

“They also allow the children to move throughout the ward which is wonderful for our little ones who are not very well,” Ms Byrne said.

The Quota Club of Lismore has also recently purchased a Hearing Loop for Lismore Public School to help students with hearing difficulties and organized packs for the Women’s Refuge.

Dawn Sten, Quota Club Lismore Secretary said, Quota usually concentrate on projects that relate to hard-of-hearing and disadvantaged women and children around the world but this year we thought it was important to help our local children, who have needs within our local community.

“We chose the Lismore Base Hospital Children’s Ward because we felt this would reach a greater number of children in the local community,” said Ms Sten.

Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Coordinator said, the Lismore Base Hospital Children’s Ward cares for over 2,000 children each year from across our region.

“We are very grateful to the Quota Club Lismore for choosing to support the Lismore Base Hospital Children’s Ward in this way. The child friendly IV Stands will make a big difference to the children who spend time in hospital (and will no longer be confined to bed) delete while receiving IV therapy,” Ms Battista said.

Quota Club Lismore meets the second Wednesday of each month at Lismore Workers Club. If you would like to know more or be involved, please contact Carol Barton, President of the Quota Club Lismore on
0402 149 574

This week across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) International Nurses and Midwives Day is being celebrated. As part of the celebration, NNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Directorate are jointly hosting a Collaborative Conference with Southern Cross University (SCU) to be held on Thursday 8th May 2014 at the Ballina RSL.

Chris Crawford, Chief Executive of the NNSWLHD said,

I want to extend my thanks to our Nurses and Midwives for the excellent care they provide to our patients in hospitals and in the community.
Nurses and Midwives are an essential part of care given, not only to the patients in our hospitals but to people in the community who receive care from the Community and Allied Health Professionals who also treat patients that can be managed in their home.

 

They not only provide medical care and expertise but emotional support and companionship to their patients and their families and I congratulate all of them for the care they offer across the LHD, Mr Crawford said.

“This Conference is a true celebration of our Nurses and Midwives and represents just how far nursing and midwifery has evolved into a highly professional career. The Conference is filled with a vast range of topics covering Mental Health; Renal and Aboriginal Services; Reducing Patient Falls; Dementia Care; Palliative Care and End of Life Care to name just a few.” Mr Crawford said.

Annette Symes, NNSWLHD Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said the Nursing and Midwifery Directorate is very excited to welcome the NSW Ministry of Health Chief Health Nurse and Midwife, Adjunct Associate Professor Susan Pearce, who will be giving an opening address at the Conference.

“We are also delighted to have Susan Hendy, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) and Adjunct Professor John Kelly AM, Chairperson of the NSW Ministry of Health Nursing and Midwifery Council participating in the Conference.” Ms Symes said.

Professor Iain Graham, Southern Cross University Dean of Health and Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences, said the Conference was about celebrating the positive impact of Nursing and Midwifery on health care.

It marks a celebration of how the partnership between the Nursing and Midwifery disciplines, within the School and with the Nursing and Midwifery Directorate of the NNSWLHD, has been working successfully over the past five years.

 

The partnership is bringing about improved patient care, better education and research activities, as well as establishing a strong leadership voice, with regards to Nursing and Midwifery on the North Coast.

This event allows us to showcase a range of impacts that Registered Nurses and Midwives are having in the provision of patient care. The attendance by two Senior Nurses and one Senior Midwife from the NSW Government at this event acknowledges the importance of this partnership between the University and the Health Service, which is leading the way with regard to change implementation in the delivery and organisation of health services in this region, Professor Graham said.

World Hand Hygiene Day is held each year on 5th May 2014 and this year Lismore Base Hospital is recognizing World Hand Hygiene Day with the launch of the inaugural Lismore Base Hospital Hand Hygiene Awards.

Lynne Weir, Executive Director of the Richmond Clarence Health Service Group said the quarterly prize will be awarded to the Clinical Department that scores the highest compliance rate in each cycle of the continuous Hand Hygiene Audit.

“Improving Hand Hygiene among healthcare workers is currently the single most effective intervention to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections in Australian hospitals,” Ms Weir said.

The World Health Organization’s “5 moments of hand hygiene” has been adopted by NSW Health as the standard practice for health care workers. A continuous observational audit records health care workers compliance with the ‘5 moments’.

Our Hospital Infection Control Coordinators actively encourage our Staff to improve hand hygiene rates by providing education in the 5 moments for hand hygiene, which is to wash your hands:

Before touching a patient Before Clean/Aseptic Procedure After body fluid exposure risk After touching a patient

“The results of audits contribute to a Hospital, Local Health District, State and National database, which track the performance of individual facilities in complying with appropriate hand hygiene practice,” Ms Weir said.

“We are excited to launch the inaugural ‘Lismore Base Hospital Hand Hygiene Awards’. The Awards provide an opportunity for the Hospital to acknowledge great performance within clinical departments in relation to compliance with the “5 moments of hand hygiene”.

“Lismore Base Hospital is committed to reaching our goal of full compliance with appropriate hand hygiene by Staff,” Lynne Weir added.

Bruce Parry, Marketing Manager with Summerland Credit Union said Summerland is proud to continue its association with supporting excellence in care at Lismore Base Hospital by sponsoring the Lismore Base Hospital Hand Hygiene Awards”.

• After touching a patient’s surroundings

The Ninth Our Kids Day Out will be held this Sunday 4th May 2014 from 9.00am – 2.00pm at Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre, Ballina.

As always, the day promises lots of fun for the whole family with a range of live entertainment.

Newcastle Permanent will be presenting the “Mr Peabody and Sherman” Show, as well as Ronald MacDonald, NBN Big Dog, Reptile Awareness, The Balloon Kings and much more.

The Our Kids Charity raises money for Lismore Base Hospital’s (LBH) Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery so that children from the Richmond Valley community and further afield can receive specialist medical care locally.

LBH is the region’s major referral hospital and cares for more than 10,000 children a year in its Paediatric Unit, Special Care Nursery and Emergency Department.

This year Our Kids has again invited the Emergency Services – Fire Brigade, Ambulance, State Emergency Services (SES) and Police to attend and display their equipment, including trucks, cars and boats, on a designated area at the park.

The Westpac Helicopter Simulation Truck will also be there to give the children an idea of what it is like being in the helicopter.

Children can see and learn about the vital services that help keep the community safe and rescue people when they are in trouble, as well as meet the Staff from the LBH Children’s Ward.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista said this year we will be presenting the annual Children’s Ward Bravery Award to the daughter of a local family, who spent a lengthy stay in the LBH Children’s Ward.

“Recognition is given to the Fox Family for their courage while their daughter Charlotte was very sick. This is always a difficult time for families, it’s an ordeal than none of us want to experience, so we are pleased Charlotte is now doing really well,” said Ms Battista.

“Staff of the LBH Children’s Ward said Charlotte is a remarkable and brave little girl, even while receiving her treatment she was very brave and deserves to be centre stage at the Our Kids Day Out celebration,” said Rebekka Battista.

“The day promises to be a lot of fun for families and their children who can enjoy free entertainment and meet the Emergency Services,” she added.

So come along, bring the family and a picnic blanket and enjoy the day!

For more information please contact Rebekka Battista:
0438 417 085

or to speak with Charlottes family please contact Aaron Fox
0414 018 450

The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding residents and visitors to the North Coast to protect themselves against mosquitoes, which are increasing in numbers as the season progresses.

Tony Kohlenberg, Senior Environmental Health Officer said while it’s been a dry summer on the North Coast detections of mosquitoes carrying Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus continues to be high, with infected mosquitoes being found in the local traps.

“It is expected that as the temperature cools the mosquito numbers will start to fall, however, at present mosquito breeding is ongoing and the risk of being bitten is high” Mr Kohlenberg said.

Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are common on the NSW north coast and are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways.

On average in each year over the past decade about 500 people living on NSW north coast were diagnosed with either Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus – in about equal numbers (about 250 cases of each are reported on average each year.)

Compared to the NSW average, people living on north coast are five to eight times more likely to be infected with Barmah Forest virus and three to five times more likely to be infected with Ross River virus.

“During late summer and autumn is when we usually see the highest numbers of reported cases of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections occurring so protecting yourself from mosquitoes at this time of year is particularly important”, Mr Kohlenberg added

Simple steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:

When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear. Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin.

“Preventing these viruses depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially when mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk,” Mr Kohlenberg said.

• Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.
• Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
• When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has launched an Information Flip Chart Tool for Health Workers to assist them in supporting women who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

Ellie Saberi, Women and Child Health Program Coordinator said it was time to update the Flip Chart tool from the 2010 version, which was reproduced from the former North Coast Area Health Service Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Program.

This new edition provides current up-to-date information for people working in both government and non-government agencies who encounter a client they know, or suspect is experiencing domestic and family violence.

Chris Crawford, Chief Executive, NNSWLHD said, “The resource will assist our front line workers to recognise and respond appropriately to domestic violence and covers services from Taree to Tweed Heads.

“I am pleased to advise that a website has been developed using the information from the Flip Chart and is available on the NNSWLHD public website by clicking on the following link:

http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/domestic-family-violence/

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), the North Coast NSW Medicare Local (NCML) and the three community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) within the NNSWLHD footprint will sign a new Aboriginal Partnership Agreement following their meeting today at Casino.

The three AMS within the NNSWLHD footprint are Casino AMS in the Richmond Valley, Bulgarr Ngaru AMS in the Clarence Valley and Bullinah AMS in Ballina.

The Lismore AMS will be an observer member, whilst it works towards becoming an Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation.

The Aboriginal Partnership is a forum of Board Chairs and Chief Executives of the Member Organisations, which seek to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people across the NNSWLHD.

The work of the Aboriginal Partnership will include:

Co-operating in the identification of service gaps and the development of shared solutions. Developing agreed positions relating to Aboriginal health policy, strategic planning, equity in service allocation and distribution of resources and enhancements. Negotiating agreed positions to undertake joint projects. Sharing information concerning proposed activities, including intended funding applications that may impact on other members of the Partnership. Monitor National and State Health Reforms. Ensuring that Aboriginal health retains a high priority Promoting a partnership approach.

Bernadette Loughnane, Executive Director for Tweed Byron health Service Group said, “We are very pleased to welcome the new graduate nurses and midwives, who have chosen to take a rural placement and work in our hospitals.”

“Nurses and Midwives are an indispensable part of the health system and are central to the care of our patients in both the hospital and community setting,” Ms Loughnane added.

The Tweed Byron Health Service Group has 27 new graduate nurses and midwives. This year two of the graduates will work in the Mental Health Service, while the other 25 will work across The Tweed, Murwillumbah District, Byron District and Mullumbimby & District Memorial Hospitals.

Annette Symes, NNSWLHD Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said “Nurses and Midwives are a vital part of the health system, who deliver a high level of care in a range of situations, which are often challenging.”

“Our Clinical Nurse Educators and Ward based Staff who mentor nursing graduates play an essential role in orientating the new graduate nurses and midwives to the hospital environment.

“These new nursing and midwifery positions provide opportunities for talented young health professionals to learn and grow as well as strengthening our health system.”

“It is hoped that these nurses and midwives will enjoy their experience working in a rural setting and decide to stay, or consider returning to the area in the future,” said Ms Symes.

This year the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has a total of 83 First Year new graduate nurses and midwives working in our hospitals, which is an increase on the 62 nurses and midwives who came to the LHD last year.

Brian Pezzutti, Chair of NNSWLHD Board said, “We are very pleased to welcome the new graduate nurses and midwives, who have chosen to take a rural placement and work in our hospitals.”

“Nurses and Midwives are an indispensable part of the health system and are central to the care of our patients in both the hospital and community setting,” Dr Pezzutti added.

“In the Richmond area there are 28 fulltime new graduate registered nurses and midwives, who will undertake three placements of four months each. The rotations include working in specialty areas such as operating theatres and mental health, as well as rural locations at Nimbin, Kyogle and Urbenville,” said Narelle Gleeson, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Lismore Base Hospital.

“There are a variety of other sites in the New Graduate Program, which include Ballina District and Casino & District Memorial Hospitals and at Lismore Base Hospital, where the nurses will gain experience working in the orthopaedic, surgical and medical wards,” Ms Gleeson said.

The Clarence Network has 18 new graduate nurses and midwives, who will work at Grafton Base Hospital and two working in Maclean Hospitals. The Tweed Byron Health Service Group has 27 new graduate nurses and midwives. This year two will work in the Mental Health Service while the other 25 will work across The Tweed, Murwillumbah District, Byron District and Mullumbimby & District Memorial Hospitals.

Chris Crawford, Chief Executive, NNSWLHD said “Nurses and Midwives are a vital part of the health system, who deliver a high level of care in a range of situations, which are often challenging.”

“Our Clinical Nurse Educators play an essential role in orientating the new graduate nurses and midwives to the hospital environment, especially the acute care areas such as the Operating Theatre, Acute Surgical and Medical Wards and Mental Health Units.”

“These new nursing and midwifery positions provide opportunities for talented young health professionals to learn and grow as well as strengthening our health system.”

“It is hoped that these nurses and midwives will enjoy their experience working in a rural setting and decide to stay, or consider returning to the area in the future,” said Mr Crawford.

Late last year the Northern Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (NBIRS) and Northern NSW Rural Spinal Cord Injury Service relocated from Lismore Base Hospital to new purpose built accommodation on the Ballina Hospital campus, as an extension of the Rehabilitation Building at a cost of $175,000 that was funded by the State Government.

Liesel Younger, Manager says the move to Ballina has been a very positive outcome for sharing of resources and improving the continuum of care for patients being discharged back into the community from Rehabilitation Units. The colocation at the Ballina District Hospital has also allowed for the creation of Specialist Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Outpatient Clinics.

In 2013, the Northern NSW region received a funding enhancement from the NSW Ministry of Health for an additional Rural Spinal Cord Injury Coordinator. This supported the recruitment of a Spinal Cord Injury Coordinator for the NNSWLHD, who is now co-located with the NBIRS at the Ballina Hospital Rehabilitation Unit.

The NBIRS is staffed by three Rehabilitation Coordinators, one of whom is based at Maclean Community Health, providing a valuable service to the Clarence Valley community.

The Service also employs a part time Neuropsychologist, a Visiting Medical Neuropsychiatrist, a Rehabilitation Specialist, a fulltime Manager and Administration Officer.

Dr Brian Pezzutti, Chair, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) said the increase in people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and brain injury in their own communities has meant that metropolitan specialist units are unable to offer comprehensive follow up treatment, or to meet the needs of many people, including rural people with long established injuries.

“The NBIRS and Rural Spinal Cord Injury Service (RSCIS) in NNSWLHD has increased the opportunities for people living in rural areas with a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury to have access to local services.”

Chris Crawford, Chief Executive NNSWLHD said these services exist so that people with a traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, their families and carers have equitable access to a range of rehabilitation services that aim to improve the quality of life through increasing independence, self-determination and community participation.

“It also means that local rural clinicians have access to a brain injury and spinal specific service for specialist consultation, support and linkages to key metropolitan services. This enables rural clinicians to manage the increasing number of patients locally, or be linked into specialised services for their patients if needed,” Mr Crawford said.

“Northern NSW has a high population of people living with a spinal cord injury in the region and there is a high demand for services provided by the Rural Spinal Cord injury Coordinator.

The NNSWLHD also benefits from the specialist multidisciplinary Sydney based team, who fly to the region annually to conduct a four day clinic for local patients. Due to the high demand, a second clinic is being held in Grafton this year,” Ms Younger said.

Allan Tyson, NNSWLHD Board Member said, “We are very pleased to welcome the new graduate nurses and midwives, who have chosen to take a rural placement and work in our hospitals.”

“Nurses and midwives are an indispensable part of the health system and are central to the care of our patients in both the hospital and community setting,” Dr Allan Tyson added.

“This year the Clarence Network has 18 new graduate Nurses and a Midwife, who will work at Grafton Base Hospital. Two of the Nurses will be located at Maclean Hospital over the next 12 months.

Last year’s group has recently completed their new graduate contracts and some of them have been successful in gaining permanent employment at Grafton Base Hospital. This is good news for our hospital because it maintains our future workforce,” said Dr Tyson.

The new graduate nurses will gain experience working across a wide range of areas within the hospital, including the operating theatre, recovery, paediatric, renal, orthopaedic, surgical and medical wards,” Dr Allan Tyson said.

Chris Crawford, Chief Executive, NNSWLHD said “Nurses and midwives are a vital part of the health system, who deliver a high level of care in a range of situations which are often challenging.”

“Our Clinical Nurse Educators play an essential role in orientating the new graduate nurses and midwives to the hospital environment, especially the acute care areas such as the Operating Theatre, Acute Surgical and Medical Wards and Mental Health Units.”

“These new nursing and midwifery positions provide opportunities for talented young health professionals to learn and grow as well as strengthening our health system.”

“It is hoped that these nurses and midwives will enjoy their experience working in a rural setting and decide to stay, or consider returning to the area in the future,” said Mr Crawford.

This Saturday 8th March, women across the globe will celebrate International Women’s Day, focusing this year on ‘Inspiring Change’.

For North Coast women, positive change can be as simple as committing to some simple changes in their daily lives, like participating in breast screening and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which could save their lives.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) women in high-income countries like Australia, are almost twice as likely to survive breast cancer than women from low income countries, due to the availability of screening for early detection and advancements in treatment and care.

Early detection significantly increases the chance of survival from breast cancer to as much as 97% and for women aged 50-74, a mammogram every two years can detect a breast cancer long before it can be felt or seen.

Jane Walsh, Director of the BreastScreen NSW North Coast said, “In Australia we are fortunate to have a free breast screening program. However, almost 50% of women aged 50-74 in NSW are failing to have this potentially lifesaving test.”

“This International Women’s Day we want to encourage those 50% of women to think about what personal action they can take to reduce the impact of breast cancer across the community and inspire others to do the same.”

Ms Walsh said, “Women can take action to reduce their cancer risk. On the North Coast we have local services for BreastScreen situated at Lismore and Tweed Heads, and an appointment takes as little as 30 minutes. BreastScreen also has a mobile van that visits the North Coast for local women.”

“Other actions women can take starts at home. Evidence shows that by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol and not smoking, women can reduce their risk of breast cancer, as well as a range of other cancers.

“We are encouraging woment to get together with their friends and go for a walk, or get your family together for some healthy activity. And most importantly, if you are between the ages of 50 and 74, have a mammogram every two years,” said Ms Walsh.

Women who reside on the North Coast aged 50-74 are encouraged to call 13 20 50 to book an appointment at the North Coast BreastScreen service.

For more information and for current dates and locations of mobile vans please visit:

www.bsnsw.org.au

Northern NSW Local Health District is supporting DonateLife Week, Australia’s national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation.

From Sunday 23 February to Sunday 2 March 2014, Australians are being urged to discover the facts about organ and tissue donation and to register their donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Most importantly, we are asking everyone to ‘have the chat’ with loved ones to make sure their donation decision is known.

Donation Specialist Dr Mike Lindley-Jones said, “In the same way that we discuss what we want to have happen in the event of our death, we also need to talk about whether we would like to become an organ and tissue donor. It’s a conversation we can have today, that helps prepare our loved ones should they be offered the opportunity to proceed with organ and tissue donation.”

“With one organ and tissue donor able to transform the lives of 10 or more people, it’s a conversation that could one day save lives,” said Dr Lindley-Jones

In Australia, the family will always be asked to confirm the donation decision of the deceased before donation for transplantation can proceed. Families that have discussed and know each other’s donation decisions are much more likely to support organ and tissue donation proceeding.

Dr Lindley Jones said, “Even if you have previously made a decision about organ and tissue donation, DonateLife Week is a great opportunity to remind your family about your donation decision, and to ask and know their decision. Any day this week is a good day to have the chat with your family and close friends.”

To encourage family discussions within the Tweed Valley a street banner with the DonateLife message has been erected in Warf St, Tweed Heads for the duration of DonateLife week.

Less than one per cent of all hospital deaths occur in the specific circumstances where a person can be considered for organ donation, although many more have the potential to become tissue donors. To optimise every opportunity for potential donation, have the chat that saves lives this DonateLife Week.

Pathology North – Lismore was previously located at 76 Uralba Street Lismore and has now relocated to a new facility at 60 Hunter Street Lismore.

This move is part of the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital, resulting in a new Pathology building being built on the Lismore Base Hospital campus.

Pathology North – Lismore can be accessed by the general public via the Lismore Base Hospital Public Care Park entrance off Hunter Street.

An ongoing measles outbreak in the Philippines has prompted an urgent reminder for people travelling to the Philippines to check they and their children are fully immunised for measles before their departure.

Greg Bell, North Coast Deputy Director of Public Health, said measles is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised.

“Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing, and is one of the most contagious infections known,” Mr Bell said. “Complications can range from swelling of the brain and pneumonia to ear infections and diarrhoea.

“In recent weeks there have been 10 cases of measles reported in NSW. Seven were associated with travel to the Philippines – including 3 young children who were admitted to hospital. Cases from the Philippines have also been reported in Western Australia and Queensland.

“NSW Health urges everyone planning on travelling to the Philippines to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations before they travel. Anyone born during or after 1966 should have two doses of measles vaccine (at least 4 weeks apart). Even one dose gives around 90% protection.

“Children should receive measles vaccine at 12 months and a second dose at 18 months. Babies who are travelling before their vaccines are due can be given the first dose as early as 9 months of age.

“Children over 18 months who have not had their second dose of measles vaccine can be vaccinated now.

“People returning from the Philippines should be on the lookout for symptoms of measles, which starts with a fever, cough, sore red eyes and a runny nose for several days before a blotchy rash appears. People who have these symptoms should see a doctor – but call ahead to protect others in the waiting room. Let the GP know that they could have been exposed to measles in the Philippines.”

For more information on measles, please go to:

NSW health Measles warning issued for travellers to the Philippines

Ten new Doctors and seven, of whom are Rural Preferential Doctors, commenced their Internship at Lismore Base Hospital. The new Doctors have completed their university studies and are ready to embark on a challenging career in medicine.

Over the past week the Interns have been kept busy with a full orientation program to the hospital before commencing work in different areas of the hospital.

“The first two years of postgraduate training of Doctors is vital for developing a highly skilled workforce and we are hopeful that some of the Doctors who come to the North Coast will return to work here in the future,” said Dr Ian Fielding, Executive Medical Director for Northern NSW Local Health District.

The Doctors, four of whom grew up in the area (Ballina, Ewingsdale, Lismore and Bangalow), have chosen to come to Lismore and will work in different areas of the hospital. In addition to the local Doctors, there are three international Interns (Hong Kong, Malaysia and Canada), who recently completed medical school in Australia and have also commenced.

During the next two years, the Doctors will be assigned to work for a term in the Emergency Department, Medical and Surgical, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatric and Orthopaedic Wards, Operating Theatre and Psychiatry, where they will gain experience in all of these areas.

“It is hoped that these Doctors will enjoy their experience working in a rural setting and decide to stay, or take with them a lasting impression of the area and consider returning to work here in the future,” said Dr Katherine Willis-Sullivan, Director of Medical Services for the Richmond Network.

Dr Steve Diamond, Director of the Prevocational Training Program said, “The Rural Preferential Program provides Doctors with a real opportunity to experience all the North Coast has to offer. It is a beautiful area to live in and has a growing population, so there are a lot of work prospects for these Doctors.”

18 new Interns, all of whom are Rural Preferential Doctors, commenced work at The Tweed Hospital. The new Doctors have completed their university studies and are ready to embark on a challenging career in medicine.

Over the past week the Interns have been kept busy with a full orientation program to the Hospital before commencing work in different areas of the hospital.

“The first two years of postgraduate training of Doctors is vital for developing a highly skilled workforce and we are hopeful that some of the Doctors, who come to the North Coast will return to work here in the future,” said Bernadette Loughnane, Executive Director for the Tweed Byron Health Service Group.

The Doctors, four of whom grew up in Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland have chosen to come to Tweed and will work in different areas of the hospital. In addition to the local Doctors, there are two international students (Singapore and Canada), who recently completed medical school in Australia have also commenced.

During the next two years the Doctors will have a wide variety of training opportunities, which include rotations to Critical Care, Medical specialties, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and General Practice.

“It is hoped that these Doctors will enjoy their experience working in a rural setting and decide to stay, or take with them a lasting impression of the area and consider returning to work here in the future,” Dr Michael Hills, Director of Medical Services for the Tweed Byron Health Service said.

Dr Hugo Poncia, Director of Prevocational Education and Training said, “The Rural Preferential Program provides Doctors with a real opportunity to experience all the North Coast has to offer. It is a beautiful area to live in and has a growing population, so there are a lot of work prospects for these Doctors.”

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and Southern Cross University (SCU) have entered into a unique arrangement following the appointment of Kathleen Fahy, as Professor of Midwifery at The Tweed Hospital and Murwillumbah District Hospital.

In a first for regional NSW Hospitals and Universities, Professor Kathleen Fahy, Head of Midwifery at SCU and Head of the Gold Coast campus, will take on the honorary position for two days per week, based at The Tweed Hospital from mid-January.

The appointment was announced today by NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Chris Crawford and SCU Vice Chancellor, Peter Lee. The arrangement has been made possible through the support of SCU’s School of Health and Human Sciences.

Mr Crawford said, “NNSWLHD Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Annette Symes and the Dean of Health, Professor Iain Graham, have been working together in order to provide opportunities to develop research and practice improvement projects for the nursing and midwifery throughout the Northern NSW Local Health District and we are delighted that this is being achieved.”

“Professor Fahy is the first Professor to be established under this strategic directive. She is eager to get to work with the midwives and staff in the birthing centres and her first priority will be to lead these projects,” Ms Symes said.

“I want to be able to integrate with the maternity staff so that I am easily accessible to discuss midwifery practice concerns. My role will include presenting workshops and seminars. Additionally, I want to support staff to initiate and participate in practice improvement projects,” Professor Fahy said.

Professor Iain Graham, Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences said, “It is an exciting development for the University and the move is part of establishing a Professors-in-Residence scheme.”

“The aim of the scheme is to support the integration of health practice, research and education in order to improve patient care outcomes. The Professors-in-Residence scheme is a concept that is well established in the United Kingdom and United States. The scheme enhances the existing Health Clinics that are available to the public on both the Gold Coast and Lismore campus of SCU.”

“We are grateful to the NNSWLHD for its cooperation, particularly Annette Symes and her team from the Nursing and Midwifery Directorate,” Professor Graham said.

Ann Schefe, Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Tweed and Murwillumbah Hospitals, is very supportive of the initiative, “I am looking forward to working alongside Professor Fahy to help promote integration of midwifery practice with an aim of enhancing outcomes for our patients and to strengthen our collaborative practices with Southern Cross University.”

The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding residents and visitors to the North Coast to protect themselves against mosquitoes which are increasing in numbers as summer progresses.

Senior Environmental Health Officer, Tony Kohlenberg, said local mosquito numbers increase in summer and autumn.

“Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus infections are common on the North Coast with an average of 240 cases of each virus reported to the Public Health Unit each year”.

These viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in ponding water, swampy areas and around waterways.

The symptoms may include tiredness, aching muscles, swollen painful joints and fevers. Some people may develop a rash, usually on the trunk and limbs and this may last for 7-10 days.

Symptoms usually develop about 7-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Many people with the infection do not develop any symptoms of the disease.

The majority of people with Barmah Forest virus or Ross River virus infection recover completely in a few weeks. Others may experience symptoms such as joint pain and tiredness for many months. There is no specific treatment for these infections.

Simple steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:

When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear. Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.

“Avoiding infection with these viruses means avoiding mosquito bites, especially in the warmer months of the year when mosquitoes are most active,” Tony Kohlenberg said.

Fact sheets are available from the NSW Health website at:

www.health.nsw.gov.au

• When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.

Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD) major hospitals remain open 24 hours a day throughout the holiday period.

Although there is a decrease in demand for elective surgery during the holiday season while patients spend the festive season with their families, hospitals will continue to provide emergency medical attention.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Chris Crawford said it is important that the community knows that patients can still expect to receive high quality care from our Staff across the North Coast and that patients, who need surgery will receive it.

“The decrease in demand for elective surgery also allows our Surgical Staff to take a well-earned break and spend time with their families during the holiday period,” Mr Crawford said.

All NNSWLHD major hospitals will progressively resume normal activity for elective surgery during January 2014 with elective surgery back to normal by the end of January.

What are your health resolutions for the New Year? If they include reaching a healthy weight, cutting down on alcohol or giving up smoking, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) can help.

With more than half of the Northern Rivers adults and a quarter of the children overweight or obese, it isn’t surprising that many people will be making resolutions to lose weight and get healthier in 2014.

Jillian Adams, Manager of NNSWLHD Health Promotion said, “We have free scientifically-proven programs to help people lose weight, improve their diet, get fitter, quit smoking and drink more responsibly.”

For NSW residents who are 18 years and over, the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service offers free telephone based health coaching calls. The health coaching calls run for six months and are conducted by a University qualified Health Professional who will assist in:

Developing personal goals Creating action places Maintaining motivation Identifying problem areas and creating solutions for successful lifestyle change.

If you are concerned with the amount of alcohol you drink, do the Drink Check survey and get some advice at Healthy North Coast website at:

www.healthynorthcoast.org.au/drinkcheck

Ms Adams said, “The program has already provided help to people all over NSW to lose weight and reduce their waist circumference. These results can reduce the risk of chronic disease as well as increase participant’s quality of life and self-esteem.”

Call Get Healthy on:

1300 806 258

or go to:

www.gethealthynsw.com.au

The free Go4Fun Program is designed for children aged between 7 and 13 years of age and who are above their healthy body weight. The Go4Fun program helps children to become fitter, healthier and happier.

“The program has achieved outstanding results so far. Kids come along to play fun games with Play Leaders and Parents come along to learn about ways to make it easier to feed their children healthy food and provide alternatives to screen time,” Ms Adams said.

Go4Fun Programs will run in Evans Head, Goonellabah, Pottsville, Grafton and Murwillumbah this term if enough children are enrolled. There will also be an Indigenous program run in conjunction with Bullinah Aboriginal Medical Service.

“It is a really supportive program where parents share successes and help each other with the challenges of parenting. The leaders have a wealth of tips and tricks to make feeding kids simpler and healthier,” said Ms Adams.

Parents can get in touch with their local Go4Fun program by calling:
02 6620 7504 or free call 1800 780 900

or registering online at:

www.go4fun.com.au

CHEGS exercise and qigong classes are a great low-cost way to improve or maintain your fitness levels. Check for a class near you at:

www.chegs.org.au

People, who are considering quitting smoking, should call: 137848 (13QUIT)
or visit:

www.icanquit.com.au

for help and advice.