NSW Health is warning people of the added risks associated with high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) pills recently seized in Northern NSW.

Professor Andrew Dawson, Clinical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, said the dangerous pills, in the shape of light blue ‘LEGO’ blocks, contained double or even triple the common dose.

“While one MDMA tablet/capsule alone can cause life-threatening toxicity, the risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with alcohol or other stimulants, such as methamphetamine or cocaine,” Prof Dawson said.

“Hot weather will also increase the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death.”

Go to the NSW Health website to read the full media release.

For images and more information on the “LEGO” ecstasy drug, see: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/Pages/drug-warning-high-dose-mdma.aspx

With Christmas holiday celebrations underway amid a heatwave, NSW Health is warning people to avoid Salmonella food poisoning, with 168 cases already reported this month.

Ms Keira Glasgow, NSW Health Manager of Enteric and Zoonotic Diseases, said careful food preparation and storage is the best way to avoid salmonellosis.

“Over every Christmas break we see outbreaks of Salmonella food poisoning, which are usually due to food not being prepared and stored properly,” Ms Glasgow said.

“The most common causes of salmonellosis outbreaks are eating food containing raw or undercooked eggs and not carefully separating raw food from cooked food.

“The longer food is left out of the fridge, the more bacteria will multiply. If food that is normally refrigerated has been sitting out for over two hours, you should throw it out.”

Helpful food safety tips include:

Use different chopping boards, trays, utensils and plates when preparing raw
foods, especially meat, and ready to eat food
Thaw frozen food in the fridge, not on the bench as Salmonella bacteria love
to grow between the temperatures of five and 60 degrees Celsius
Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating
Don’t pour raw meat juices from marinades onto cooked food
Wash hands immediately after handling raw foods and before handling cooked
or ready-to-eat food
Don’t prepare food for others if you’ve had symptoms of gastroenteritis until 48
hours after symptoms have passed.
NSW Food Authority CEO, Dr Lisa Szabo, said to reduce the risk of Salmonella poisoning, consumers and food retailers can use commercially produced products instead of handmade mayonnaise and sauces.

“It is also much safer to use commercially pasteurised eggs rather than raw eggs in ready-to-eat products such as desserts and dressings,” Dr Szabo said.

“Businesses in NSW must comply with strict requirements around the use of raw eggs in foods, and the sale of eggs with dirty or cracked shells is prohibited.”

Symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and usually last for four to seven days.

“Most people recover from salmonellosis by resting and drinking fluids but some people including infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems can develop a severe infection,” Ms Glasgow said.

For further information click on the NSW Health Salmonellosis fact sheet.

With temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in parts of Northern NSW on Saturday, the North Coast Public Health Unit (NCPHU) is again reminding people to take necessary actions to keep cool to avoid overheating.

The combined effects of persistent bushfire smoke and soaring temperatures means vulnerable people should take extra precautions, A/ Director NCPHU, Greg Bell, said.

“Hot weather and poor air quality are a recipe for severe illness unless people take simple precautions,” Mr Bell said.

“We are urging people to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, to minimise physical activity, to keep well hydrated and reduce their exposure to smoky air where possible.

“It’s important for vulnerable people with underlying heart and lung conditions or asthma, and pregnant women to heed these warnings.

“Hot weather puts a lot of strain on the body, causes dehydration and can make underlying health conditions worse. It also causes heat stress and heat stroke.

“Compounded by the continued impact of smoky air from bushfires, it’s important that people are prepared.

To stay well in the heat, people should:

stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually from 11am to 4pm,
stay cool, either in an air conditioned location or using fans and keeping curtains shut to help keep the heat out of your home,
minimise physical activity, and
drink plenty of water.
“It’s also really important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives because they may be more vulnerable to the heat.

“Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion,” he said.

Mr Bell said it’s important to get to a cool place quickly if symptoms occur. People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention, in an emergency situation call Triple Zero (000).

More information can be found at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal community members within Northern NSW to be appointed to local community advisory groups within Tweed, Murwillumbah, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Clarence regions.

These groups will provide important advice, feedback and guidance to Northern NSW Local Health District on Aboriginal health matters.

Interested community members should complete the Expression of Interest form, available here.

Please send the complete form to Lyndal Smith, Program Manager Aboriginal Health, via email at Lyndal.Smith@health.nsw.gov.au, or mail to The Tweed Hospital, Bugalwena Service, Cooloon Place, Tweed Heads, NSW 2486.

Expression of Interest closes COB Friday, 31 January 2020.

For more information, contact Lyndal Smith on (07) 5506 7767.

The Mullumbimby Hospital Auxiliary has beaten Santa to the punch, dropping off dozens of hand-made teddy bears and quilts to the Byron Central Hospital.

The bears are given to children admitted to the emergency department to help comfort them during their hospital stay.

The quilts are destined for the Oncology and Women’s Care units, where they’ll help kids to feel warm and safe.

The Auxiliary presented the quilts and bears to Byron Central Hospital last week.

According to Auxiliary President Debbie Butler, some quilts can easily take well over 100 hours to complete.

“Most quilts, I would say, take about 50 hours of work to complete,” Debbie said.

“Though this particular colourful patchwork quilt is all stitched by hand and would have easily taken over 100 hours.”

To date, the auxiliary has delivered more than 100 quilts to the hospital, including double-size quilts for the Women’s Care Unit.

They also make teddies and other soft toy animals to gift to patients each year.

“When you see a child smile when they get one of the bears, or looking safe and warm in a quilt, it really just makes your day,” Mrs Butler said.

A team led by local cancer experts has published a world-first evaluation of a revolutionary radiation therapy treatment that leaves patients cancer-free after two years.

Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare, a radiation oncologist working in Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts, led the evaluation which looked at the effectiveness of a new prostate cancer treatment using a new scan to detect tiny deposits of cancer in patients’ lymph nodes.

“In the past, men with prostate cancer which had spread to lymph glands were thought to be incurable, but modern advances in radiation therapy and PET scan imaging mean we can now offer targeted, curative radiation therapy,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

“For the first time, men can be treated with the aim of totally eradicating the prostate cancer within both lymph nodes and the prostate.”

Providing patients with best-practice cancer care in line with new international treatment guidelines, the team have published their findings on the effectiveness of these new treatments in the European journal, Radiotherapy and Oncology.

“Nobody has ever published how successful this new PET-guided radiation therapy is, until now,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

The evaluation followed the first 46 patients from the Lismore, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour areas treated using this new technique, and found that two years following radiation therapy, all patients were cancer-free.

“Even though these are early results, the findings are remarkable considering that previously these men would not even have been offered curative treatment.”

“The PET-guided radiation therapy was also very well tolerated, with few significant side effects, and patients have been very happy with their outcomes.”

This PET-guided radiation therapy is now offered to all men with lymph node positive prostate cancer referred to the North Coast Cancer Institute in Lismore and the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Over 100 men have now been treated using this revolutionary technique.

The 2019-20 budget for Northern NSW Local Health District is over $875 million, this is an increase of over $37 million on the 2018-19 budget.

NSW Health is urging the community to wash their hands and to stay home if sick amid an unseasonal rise in viral gastroenteritis cases.

The warning has been prompted by a high number of gastroenteritis outbreaks at child care centres across the state and an increase in people seeking treatment for the highly-contagious infection at hospital emergency departments (EDs).

By 17 December, 86 child care centres had reported outbreaks of gastroenteritis to NSW Health when normally around 20 would be reported over the whole month. Almost 550 children and 140 staff have fallen ill during these outbreaks.

The number of people seeking treatment for gastroenteritis at EDs has also risen above usual level

s, with 2,557 people seeking medical attention in the last week. Almost a quarter were children under five years old, and 644 people were admitted for treatment.

Ms Keira Glasgow, Manager of Enteric and Zoonotic Diseases at NSW Health, said gastroenteritis is easily spread by direct contact with an infected person if they haven’t carefully washed their hands, especially after using the toilet or before handling food.

“With Christmas around the corner, it is particularly important to pay attention to hand washing to prevent the spread of infection. Young children often need special assistance to make sure they are washing their hands properly,” Ms Glasgow said.

She said increases of viral gastroenteritis during summer are unusual in NSW, with peaks normally occurring in spring.

“The best defence is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds before handling and eating food, and always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing nappies or assisting someone who has diarrhoea or vomiting.”

Anyone who has been unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea should adhere to the following advice until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased, to prevent spread of infection:

Leave Christmas food preparation to others
Stay home from school or child care
Stay home from work, particularly if it involves food handling, looking after children, the elderly or patients
Avoid visiting hospitals and aged care facilities, to protect the most vulnerable.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. They can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, and sometimes longer.

The main treatment for viral gastroenteritis is rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Most people recover without complications but it can be serious for infants, people with suppressed immune systems and the elderly.

For more information visit the NSW Health website.

Grafton’s Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) is celebrating 10 years in the local community after welcoming more than 500 babies into the world.

The AMIHS provides pregnancy care and early parenting support by Aboriginal Health workers and midwives for Aboriginal women or women with Aboriginal partners.

Grafton AMIHS Midwife Laurel Moore said this celebration is about honouring the great relationships that have developed between staff, clients and new families over the past 10 years.

“We’re proud to have supported hundreds of families over the past decade,” Ms Moore said.

“Our service is much more than just support during labour, rather we build relationships and provide culturally sensitive care right throughout the pregnancy journey and afterwards.

“I still keep in touch with plenty of women, and their children who are now almost 10.”

As part of the anniversary, the team have developed a booklet to share and celebrate the stories of local families who have participated in the service.

“We’ll be gifting the booklets to our clients and to our many local organisations we work closely with.”

A morning tea was held on Wednesday 11 December to help mark the occasion.

“Everyone is welcome to come down and help us celebrate,” Ms Moore said.

AMIHS also has teams based in Lismore, Ballina, Casino, and Kyogle.

A wide variety of projects, from youth food gardens and cookbooks, to fitness challenges, mountain bike training, and girls’ skateboarding sessions will soon be underway across the Northern Rivers thanks to seed funding from a local grants scheme.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) today announced ten recipients of its Youth Health and Wellbeing Grants designed to help young people get active and stay well.

The grants of up to $4000 each are funded by NNSWLHD as part of its Healthy Communities Northern Rivers initiative, a whole of community approach to making it easier for people to lead active healthy lives.

Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said one of the key criteria for the grants was that young people were involved in the planning of the projects.

“It’s important that these projects to get young people active and eating healthy food, come from a youth perspective, because young people know best what will work for them,” Ms Adams said.

“We invited Dr Kate Neale from the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University to be on the grant assessment panel, because of her expertise in youth engagement.”

Other criteria for the grants included value for money, sustainability, innovation, planning and evaluation, and addressing social disadvantage.

The projects focus on healthy eating or physical activity, or both, and are for young people aged 13 to 24 years.

The grant winners are from across the Northern Rivers and include projects to address girls’ physical activity, Indigenous youth health, young people with disability, and social disadvantage.

“There was strong competition for the grants and I would like to commend all the applicants for the work they put into their project ideas,” Ms Adams said.

The 2019-20 budget for Northern NSW Local Health District is over $875 million, this is an increase of over $37 million on the 2018-19 budget.

Youth Health and Wellbeing Grants recipients 2019

 Ballina Coast High – Student Activity Project

Offer strength and conditioning training sessions to students at lunchtime two days a week, delivered by PDHPE teachers. It will give all students access to free gym facilities and organised training sessions. Senior students (Year 11 and 12) will also benefit from the stress reduction and improved mental wellbeing that exercise classes can provide.

Banora Point High School – A Special Cycle Program

This project will allow us to establish a cycling program for Special Education students at Banora Point High School. This program will allow our students to experience the enjoyment of riding, engraining physical activity into our routines and acting as a platform to deliver road safety and travel training learning programs.

Bulgarr Ngaru(Grafton)- Bulgarr Boot Camp

Weekly personal trainer boot camp sessions to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, build strength and increase physical activity in young people and their families. Project will also include health education sessions/workshops.

Byron Youth Service – Aunties cookbook

A BYS girls-only project aimed at supporting self-care, changing attitudes towards food and providing guidance for positive healthy life choices. This BYS project will educate and inspire young women around healthy eating, nutrition and the importance of living a balanced lifestyle through regular physical/social activities and learning how to cook low-cost recipes.

CASPA Education –  CASPA Community Garden project

The project will promote both physical and mental health for the young people and staff members directly involved. The development of the garden will be embedded into the current education appointments for the students attending the centre, and will provide the students with project based learning experiences, opportunities for increased physical activity as well as daily contact with nature.

Kyogle Track and Mountain Bike Club – Access program

The mountain bike access program will provide bikes and safety equipment to enable disadvantaged youth to participate in mountain biking in Kyogle. The club will provide eight (8) weeks of skills sessions for participants and make bikes available for use after the training is complete. Participants will also have opportunity for ongoing involvement with the club leading to increased community connectedness and self-improvement.

Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre –Physical activity workshops

Our project will provide an early intervention pathway to physical and emotional wellbeing for young women. Providing workshops in martial arts – Fight Like a Girl, and skateboarding with the Ladies of Shred. This project is designed to create a safe space for young women to connect with each other through a shared experience of physical engagement.

Rekindling the Spirit – The Lismore Youth Koori Knockout

The knockout is a healthy active lifestyle program targeted at youth. The program will run one afternoon per week for 10 weeks. Each session will include a component of physical activity with a focus on traditional Aboriginal games, sports and movement. We will have a focus on how to incorporate activity into your day-to-day life such as walking or riding your bike to the shops instead of driving or getting the bus. There will also be a session focusing on nutrition and healthy eating.

RTRL Lismore Library – Youth Pizza Garden

This project is designed to encourage local youth to build and maintain a vegetable garden and develop skills in independence, active living and social gardening. Youth will have the opportunity to work together with local garden enthusiasts to create a healthy garden and a social space that will supply healthy food to be used in an enjoyable pizza-cooking experience.

SPRUNG!! – Empowering young persons with disability for healthy living

Sprung!! young adult dancers with disability will work with a peer support trainer to devise a program of healthy living (dance exercise and healthy lunch/snack menus) particularly suited to young people with disability. They will introduce this program as peer supporters throughout the Sprung!! programs and with learning support students in three regional high schools.

People living with Parkinson’s disease in Northern NSW are set to benefit from the appointment of a specialist neurological nurse trained in the care and treatment of people with the neurodegenerative condition.

The appointment of a Parkinson’s nurse to support the Tweed, Byron and Ballina communities was today announced by Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and President of the Parkinson’s NSW Board David Veness. The position is being funded by Northern NSW Local Health District in partnership with Parkinson’s NSW.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said specialised neurological nurses are proven to have many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.

“They provide evidence-based advice and advanced nursing services, and connect people with the support they require in their own community,” Mr Provest said.

“There is also evidence that this model of care helps to reduce the sense of isolation many people with Parkinson’s experience, along with the high rates of depression and anxiety associated with the disease.”

“Where communities have access to a specialist nurse, carers and family members also show significant improvements in their own well-being, with reduced levels of depression. Hospital stays can also be reduced through the intervention of a specialist nurse.”

President of the Parkinson’s NSW Board David Veness said the appointment will make a huge difference for the local Parkinson’s community, with studies showing that health outcomes are poorer for people living with Parkinson’s in regional areas compared to those in the city.

“The prevalence of Parkinson’s has been reported as higher in rural and remote areas, yet most of the specialist services for Parkinson’s are found in capital cities,” he said.

Parkinson’s NSW, in partnership with Local Health Districts in NSW currently funds neurological nurses in two regional areas – Coffs Harbour and Shoalhaven. The nurses play a key role in meeting the needs of people living with Parkinson’s by liaising between patients and specialists, educating aged care facilities, health care professionals, and pharmacists and administering advanced nursing practices.

They also provide support during hospital stays and help with referrals to complementary therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology.

Between mid 2012 and mid 2019 the Northern NSW Local Health District increased its workforce by an additional 843 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 22.4 percent including 115 more doctors, 280 more nurses and midwives, and 53 more allied health staff.

The 2019-20 budget for Northern NSW Local Health District is over $875 million, this is an increase of over $37 million on the 2018-19 budget.

About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative condition of the central nervous system. Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s symptoms include tremors, slow movement, stiffness and loss of balance. Also fatigue, apathy, depression, disturbed sleep, loss of sense of smell, and issues with speech and swallowing. Symptoms can be managed with medication, exercise and other forms of therapy and support. However, as yet there is no cure.

About Parkinson’s NSW
Parkinson’s NSW is a for-purpose organisation striving to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers.

It provides essential services such as counselling, Support Groups, an InfoLine supported by Registered Nurses, education, and fundraising for research. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by Parkinson’s, while advancing towards a cure.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging people in Yamba to look out for measles symptoms, after a resident contracted the infectious disease.

People who visited the following areas on these dates may have been exposed:

Thursday 28 November, Friday 29 November, Monday 2 December or Tuesday 3 December – anyone who travelled on bus routes 1, 2, or 4 in Yamba
Saturday, 30 November – Maclean Golf Course between 8.00am to 1.15pm
Saturday, 30 November – Yamba Fair Shopping Centre, including Coles, butchers, newsagent between 2.00pm to 3.00pm
Sunday, 1 December – Yamba Bowling Club between 5.30pm to 7.00pm
Tuesday, 3 December – Yamba Fair Shopping Centre around 4.00pm.
Acting Director of North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said measles is highly infectious among people who are not fully immunised.

“Measles symptoms include fever; sore eyes, a cough, and a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head to the rest of the body,” Mr Bell said.
“Anyone who was in or has visited the locations listed should watch for symptoms until 21 December. These locations pose no ongoing risk to the public.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles.
“If you develop symptoms of measles, please arrange to see your GP and phone ahead to alert them before arriving at the GP clinic.
Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease. Vaccination is your best protection against this extremely contagious disease.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and highly effective protection against measles, and is available for free for those born during and after 1966 from your GP.

“If you are unsure whether you have had two doses, it is safe to have another dose,” Mr Bell said.
Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

For more information on measles, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Facts….

If you have been wondering how to engage kids in the world beyond their screens, Christmas offers a great opportunity to help them get up and active.

There are a broad range of options for gifts that will get kids moving and having fun outside and indoors.

Health Promotion Manager with Northern NSW Local Health District, Jillian Adams, said active presents such as a bat and ball, hula hoops, bikes, scooters, skipping ropes and sports gear encourage fundamental movement skills.

“Active toys don’t have to be expensive. A packet of chalk is the beginning of a game of hopscotch, and there are hours of enjoyment in a bucket and spade at the beach,” Ms Adams said.

“These are great ideas to add to a charity toy collection, too.

“Another option is to give an active experience – a voucher for adventure activities such as horse riding, surf lessons, kayaking or pedal boats.

“In our region there are all-weather activities too, such as roller skating, indoor rock climbing, ten pin bowling or trampolining.

“Active gifts are a great way to encourage children and young people to try new activities and find out that being active can be lots of fun. It’s even better when parents can be role models for these activities.

“Of course, it’s always important to wear the appropriate safety equipment such as helmets, and elbow and knee pads.  And children with their first bike or scooter or skate boards need to be shown safe ways of riding.

The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that only one in four children and one in 10 adolescents are getting enough daily physical activity.

“It is important that kids do activities that will get them ‘huffing and puffing’ every day, and strengthening and developing their muscles and bones,” Ms Adams said.

“When you are thinking of gift giving, what could be better than a gift which helps your child move towards better health and fitness?”

A final year Emergency Medicine trainee with The Tweed and Lismore Base hospitals has taken out top honours in this year’s Emergency Fellowship Clinical Exam with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).

Dr Hussain Kadim was awarded the Buchanan Prize at a ceremony earlier this month, after receiving the highest score in the two-day practical exam, the final component of the training program for medics on their way to becoming a specialist Emergency Physician and member of the College.

Now that he’s finished his training, Dr Kadim says he’s keen to stay in the Tweed Valley and work in a senior emergency role.

“For me, a good day in the ED is the best possible experience you can have as a doctor,” Dr Kadim said.

“I love that emergency medicine allows us as clinicians to rapidly assess and treat our patients, and we’re often able to quickly alleviate our patient’s symptoms. I also enjoy the teamwork involved in delivering good emergency care.

“Having to deal with many different kinds of patients means learning new things every day, and the variety also helps keep things in perspective. One day after having to tell a family that their loved one had passed away, my next patient was a seven-year-old girl in good spirits but with a sore arm from a sports injury. It was a reminder that there is more to life than death and dying, and that helped to make sense of what I had experienced that day.”

Originally from London, Dr Kadim worked in Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care for several years, before taking a sabbatical year and then resuming the 5-year ACEM training program at The Tweed Hospital.

Dr Kadim says that the support network and input from other senior doctors throughout his training has been extremely helpful in getting him to this point.

“Everyone who has been involved in my training has been incredibly supportive and influential, ranging from specific tips for the exam, to resources, to debriefing difficult days,” Dr Kadim said.

“I was working in Sydney for eight years, and it’s the same everywhere I’ve been. Men and women who care about what they do and want to support the next generation of doctors in training. It’s a phenomenal community to be a part of.”

Activities are being held around the country in the first week of December to mark Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week (ATSIHAW) and stimulate conversations about HIV prevention and the importance of regular testing in the community.

This year, a symposium for local Aboriginal health and community workers will highlight the latest research, surveillance trends, prevention, treatment and management of HIV, including other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (Hep B and Hep C).

The symposium is the result of a partnership between Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, Bullinah Aboriginal Heatlh Service, ACON Health Northern Rivers and North Coast HARP (Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts).

Presentations will cover local initiatives in Northern NSW in blood borne virus and STI prevention and treatment. Keynote speakers include internationally acclaimed Aboriginal researcher, Dr James Ward, Associate Professor and Head of Infectious Diseases Research in Aboriginal Health at the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute and Dr Chris Bourne, Head of NSW STI Programs Unit at the Centre for Population Health, NSW Health.

“Despite efforts to reduce STIs, HIV and blood borne viruses, these conditions continue to occur disproportionately among Aboriginal peoples,” Dr Ward said.

“This is not acceptable nor defensible. We must prioritise our efforts toward Aboriginal peoples now as communities, as health care providers and as program and policy managers to turn around HIV, hepatitis C and chlamydia occurring at 2, 5 and 3 times the national diagnosis rate among non-Indigenous peoples.

“Innovative research and programs on the ground which are influenced and controlled by Aboriginal peoples will be the first and best solutions to solving these complex issues.”

NSW has made significant progress towards the goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2020, with a 13 per cent drop in the number of new diagnoses in NSW between January to September, compared to the previous five-year average.

The NSW Government has committed $22.4 million in 2019-20 to strengthen testing, treatment and prevention with 47 state-funded Sexual Health Clinics also making
testing easily accessible.

The symposium will be held at the Ballina Surf Club on Monday 2 December from 9am – 3pm.

Attendance is free. To register, visit https://atsihawballina.eventbrite.com.au

Lismore Base Hospital’s new North Tower has been completed ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone in the $322 million Stage 3 redevelopment project.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC inspected the eight-storey building today, ahead of it being handed over to the Northern NSW Local Health District.

“The construction company John Holland and Health Infrastructure have done a fantastic job completing the project two months ahead of schedule,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The early hand-over gives hospital management and staff greater opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new building and carry out the necessary preparations before it opens to the public via a staged process beginning in February next year.”

Construction of the North Tower commenced in May 2018, with an average of 115 people working on the site each day, amounting to more than 305,000 workforce hours.

“Construction of the North Tower has generated 745 jobs on site, which have been a wonderful boost for the local economy,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Between May 2018 and September 2019, 745 workers were employed including 61 apprentices, 162 workers who participated in structured training or upskilling, 17 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander workers, and 19 women working in trade roles.

North Tower, to be known as F Block, will include two inpatient wards (one medical and one surgical), an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), pharmacy, imaging, day surgery and endoscopy units, hospital administration facilities, security office, and admissions department.

The $322 million redevelopment project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2021.

The NSW Government has invested more than $10 billion since 2011 to build, upgrade and redevelop hospitals and health facilities across NSW. An additional $10.1 billion is being invested over the next four years to continue current projects and start upgrading or building a further 29 hospitals and health facilities.

NSW Health is encouraging people at risk who’ve never been tested for HIV or haven’t had a test for more than a year, to get one done in HIV Awareness Week.

NSW has made significant progress towards the goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2020, with a 13 per cent drop in the number of new diagnoses in NSW from January to September, compared to the previous five year average.

Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said this HIV Awareness Week (23 – 30 November) in the lead up to World AIDS Day (1 December), is a good reminder to take a test.

“HIV testing is easy, private and discreet and there are a variety of HIV testing options available including free tests,” Dr Chant said.

“HIV testing is available at your GP or a sexual health service and is confidential.

“The Dried Blood Spot​testing kit is also a private and discreet way to test for HIV and you don’t even need to see your doctor. A test kit is delivered to you and results are sent by text, email or telephone.”

People at risk of HIV, particularly men who have sex with men, can now use a combination of prevention methods to reduce their risk including taking HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)​ and using condoms, which are available for free​.

Between January to September 2019, 159 men who had sex with men were diagnosed with HIV in NSW. Of these men, 45 per cent had not had a test in the past 12 months and 18 per cent had never had an HIV test.

“A late HIV diagnosis can be life-threatening and increases the chances of passing on HIV to sexual partners. Early diagnosis means you can receive treatment, live a long, healthy life and prevent transmission to others,” Dr Chant said.

“We are seeing a reduction in transmission as more people are seeking early testing and treatment, and are taking steps to prevent HIV transmission including the use of PrEP.”

The NSW Government has committed $22.4 million in 2019-20 to strengthen testing, treatment and prevention with 47 state-funded Sexual Health Clinics also making testing easily accessible.

For information on HIV testing, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/hiv-test or call NSW Sexual Health Infolink​ on 1800 451 624 (Free-call).

Expectant mothers at The Tweed Hospital can now access the latest in ultrasound technology, thanks to a huge donation by the local hospital Auxiliary.

The new GE-Voulson E6BT19 Ultrasound Machine was donated to the hospital at a cost of $74,730.50.

The state of the art machine offers both 3D and 4D technology, gives better picture detail during ultrasound, and can perform umbilical artery Doppler studies for babies who are small for their gestation age.

“With the addition of maternal fetal medicine clinical support, this now means that we can provide extra antenatal support locally, reducing the need for referrals to hospitals in the Gold Coast and Brisbane,” said Dr Steve Abbey, Clinical Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Tweed Byron Network.

“We are humbled by the generosity of the Auxiliary toward our department,” Dr Abbey said.

“They have been providing support for women in many ways and over many years.

This is another example of their dedication to the community and the hospital, for which we are most grateful.”

Members of the Auxiliary attended the hospital this week to witness the new machine in action.

“We really want to thank the community for their support in helping us buy this equipment,” Annette Alexander, Auxiliary Secretary, said.

“We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

The Northern NSW Local Health District 2019 Annual Public Meeting will now be held on Tuesday, 10 December 2019 from 2pm to 4pm at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club.

The meeting was previously scheduled for 13 November but was postponed due to the bush fire situation.

All residents are invited to attend the meeting, which will include presentations from Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, and Board Chair, Dr Brian Pezzutti on a range of matters including the health district’s performance and achievements over the past year, plans for the future, and an update on the Tweed Valley Hospital development.

There will be an opportunity for the community to ask questions, and staff with more than 45 years’ service in the health district will also be recognised.

If you had already registered for the original date and plan to attend on 10 December, you DO NOT need to re-register.

If you had already registered for the original date and are unable to attend on 10 December, please let us know on (02) 6624 0333 or email nnswlhdengagement@health.nsw.gov.au

If you have NOT already registered and would like to attend on 10 December, please register online by 3 December via Eventbrite: https://nnswlhd_10dec_meeting.eventbrite.com.au

Afternoon tea will be provided following the meeting.
Attendance is free, but registration is encouraged for catering purposes.
For more information, contact Ged May, Community Engagement Manager on (02) 6624 0333.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding people to continue to be vigilant about their health, and to take precautions while bushfire smoke affects air quality in Northern NSW.

Acting Director North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell said the fine particles in smoke can affect the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems and aggravate existing health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system.

“For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat. However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are more likely to be sensitive to the health effects of smoke,” Mr Bell said.

“People with these conditions should avoid outdoor physical activity when there’s smoke around.”

“Smoke exposure can lead people with lung disease or chronic bronchitis to develop shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, many days after smoke is inhaled.

“People should closely monitor their symptoms and follow their asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) action plan.”

Mr Bell advised residents to stay indoors until the air clears and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy outdoor work where possible.

“Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions need to be vigilant with their medication or treatment programs,” Mr Bell said.

“If symptoms do not settle, contact your doctor.”

Residents who may have lost medication due to bush fires, or who don’t have their Medicare, DVA or Centrelink card, should speak to their pharmacist.

“In many circumstances, they may be able to provide additional supply,” Mr Bell said.

“In accordance with emergency supply provisions, you can receive a 3-day supply of many medications without a prescription.”

In the event of an emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero (000).

For more information, visit the NSW Health air quality web page at:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfiresmoke…

There are a range of mental health support options for those affected by the bushfires in northern NSW.

Please see the flyer for support options.

Across the region, students are starting to celebrate the end of exams, with parties and ‘schoolies’ week, but for many parents it can be less than relaxing as they worry about how to keep their teenagers safe during the celebrations.

For the past 20 years a local health promotion program, ‘RRISK’, has been helping young people make informed choices about driving and celebrating safely.

RRISK stands for Reduce Risk – Increase Student Knowledge, and the program is all about helping teenagers remember the important messages of planning ahead, knowing the facts about drugs and alcohol, and looking after friends.

In November, the RRISK Program is being delivered to more than 2,000 Year 11 students across the North Coast, with keynote speaker Paul Dillon, Director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA).

RRISK also provides support for parents, carers and professionals, with Mr Dillon hosting tailored sessions to help sort out fact from fiction on a range of current alcohol and drug trends and information on helping young people stay as safe as possible when partying.

The free community seminars are open to all parents and interested community members.

Wednesday 13 November, 2019, 5.30pm – South Grafton High School

(includes free barbecue- RSVP to sthgrafton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au or phone 6642 1466)

Monday 18 November, 2019, 6.30pm – Tweed River High School

(RSVP to tweedriver-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au or phone 07 55243007).

Paul Dillon is also facilitating a professional development day for teachers and health professionals on Friday, 15 November, 2019 with an emphasis on school-based strategies. Please contact Lauren Stafford for more details lauren.stafford@health.nsw.gov.au.

The Northern NSW Local Health District’s Annual Public Meeting which was scheduled to be held tomorrow, Wednesday 13 November, has been postponed.

Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said the severe/extreme bush fire conditions across the District led to the decision.

“Many of our communities are facing drastic fire predictions, and we need to be focused on supporting our region in every way possible,” Mr Jones said.

“Our Board and Executive haven’t taken this decision lightly, but it’s important that we acknowledge these severe conditions and ensure that we’re not putting any extra pressure on staff or community members who may have been intending to travel to the meeting.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and look forward to rescheduling the meeting for another date in the near future.”

More information will be provided once a new date has been set.

If you have any questions, please contact Ged May, Community Engagement Manager on NNSWLHD-engagement@health.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6620 2217.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is advising residents in the state’s north to take precautions while bushfire smoke affects local air quality and hot weather is forecast.

Fine smoke particles affect the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems and can aggravate existing chronic health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system.

Acting Director of North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said the particles can cause health problems such as itchy or burning eyes, throat and nose irritation and illnesses such as bronchitis.

“We urge people with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions to be aware of the effects of exposure to bushfire smoke and to take steps to protect their health,” Mr Bell said.

“Smoke exposure can lead people with lung disease or chronic bronchitis to develop shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, many days after smoke is inhaled. We recommend these people closely monitor their symptoms and follow their asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) action plan.”

Mr Bell advised residents, particularly those sensitive to smoke, to stay indoors until the air clears and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy outdoor work where possible.

“Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions need to be vigilant with their medication or treatment programs,” Mr Bell said. “If symptoms do not settle, contact your doctor.”

Mr Bell also advised residents to take precautions during the predicted hot weather.

“Remember to drink plenty of water, stay in cool areas or visit air conditioned locations, and look out for neighbours and family members who may be vulnerable.”

Healthy adults may also feel the effects of fine smoke particles that can irritate the lungs, but generally any symptoms will clear after the smoke disappears.

In the event of an emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero (000).

For tips on dealing with hot weather, visit:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx
More information about bushfire smoke is available at:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/air/Pages/air-factsheets.aspx

The Northern NSW Local Health District is urging people to look out for measles symptoms after a person from Queensland visited Mullumbimby while infectious.

People who visited the following areas on these dates may have been exposed:

Saturday, 2 November in the afternoon – Mullumbimby IGA Sunday, 3 November, approximately 1:30pm – Liberty Petrol Station Mullumbimby

For more information on measles visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/key-facts.aspx

Acting Director of North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell said the locations do not pose an ongoing risk, but anyone who was in these areas at the same time as the infected person should watch for measles symptoms until 21 November.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person
with measles,” Mr Bell said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should arrange to see their GP and limit their exposure to others, including patients at the GP clinic.”

Mr Bell encouraged everyone in the Mullumbimby area to ensure they had received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles,” Mr Bell said.

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another.”

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when someone who is infectious with the disease coughs or sneezes.

While the risk of infection is low in fully-vaccinated people, health experts urge anyone who comes into contact with a person with measles to watch for symptoms.

The NSW Government is investing $130 million in the 2019–20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

The 2019 Premier’s Awards ceremony was held in Sydney last night, recognising the exceptional work being done by individuals and teams in the delivery of the Premier’s key priorities.

These priorities focus on building a strong economy, providing high-quality education, creating well connected communities, providing world class customer service, and tackling long standing social challenges. With over 200 nominations received from across the NSW public sector, there was a strong field of high performing finalists.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian congratulated the award winners and finalists.

“Almost 400,000 people work for the NSW Government, helping to shape this great state while providing vital services to its citizens,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I thank each and every one of you for your professionalism and commitment to delivering the best outcomes for NSW.

“These awards acknowledge the importance of our public service and I congratulate all the award recipients and finalists.”

The 2019 Premier’s Award winners are:

Building a Strong Economy individual winner:

• John Dinan, Roads and Maritime Services, Transport

Each year, the Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future public sector leader who exhibits outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work. This award is given in honour of Anthea Kerr, who passed away suddenly at 38 years of age. At the time of Anthea’s death, she was an Assistant Director General at the Department of Finance and Services, a role which was the culmination of an outstanding career of over 16 years in the NSW public sector.

The winner of the 2019 Anthea Kerr Award is:

Jane Turner, Sydney Local Health District, Health

Details on all the winners and finalists, as well as the Premier’s Priorities can be found at: http://premiersawards.nsw.gov.au/winners.html#winners-announced

Tackling Longstanding Social Challenges team winner:

• Work and Development Order Scheme, Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Customer Service & Legal Aid NSW, Stronger Communities

Tackling Longstanding Social Challenges individual winner:

• Elizabeth Ervine, Aboriginal Housing Office, Planning, Industry & Environment

Providing World Class Customer Service team winner:

• Improving the Emergency Department Patient Experience, Ministry of Health, Health WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Providing World Class Customer Service individual winner:

• Professor Kate Curtis, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Health

Creating Well Connected Communities joint team winners:

• Bella Vista Public School shared sporting facilities, School Infrastructure NSW, Education
• North West Metro, Sydney Metro, Transport

Providing High-Quality Education team winner:

• School improvement through HSC performance, West Wallsend High School, Education

Providing High-Quality Education individual winner:

• Mark Trebley, NSW Ambulance, Health

Building a Strong Economy joint team winners:

• Aboriginal Employment Strategy, Public Service Commission, Premier and Cabinet
• Revitalising Newcastle, Transport for NSW, Transport

Healthy ageing and digital technologies are just some of the key topics being explored at the sixth annual Northern NSW Health Community Engagement Event at Ballina on 21 November.

A joint initiative of Northern NSW Local Health District and North Coast Primary Health Network, the one-day forum will bring community and health professionals together to discuss what a healthy future will look like, facilitated by award-winning health broadcaster, Dr Norman Swan, of ABC Radio National.

Topics on the table include living healthier lifestyles, healthy aging, involving communities in healthcare priority decisions, Aboriginal health and wellbeing, and the growing role of technology in health care.

“This annual community health day is one of the key forums for community and health representatives to share ideas and discuss ways to improve the health care system,” Wayne Jones, Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, said.

“The vision of Northern NSW Local Health District is for a healthy community through quality care, but good health is dependent on many intersecting factors.  We’re looking forward to hearing from the community and organisations who are helping improve health services and helping people make better choices to improve their own health every day,” Mr Jones said.

Julie Sturgess, North Coast Primary Health Network’s Chief Executive, added that the community health day is about empowering community members to have a say on what’s important to them in creating a better future for people living on the North Coast.

“This event will be an opportunity to learn about different initiatives that are happening in our region, and to find out how you can get involved.

“Now more than ever, we need to be looking at how we can do things differently to improve access to and the quality of health and social services. By coming together at events like these, we are encouraging a strong community voice to help inform decisions that are being made locally. We hope to see many community members on the day,” said Ms Sturgess.

When: 21 November 2019 from 9.30am to 3.30pm

Where: Ballina RSL, 1 Grant Street, Ballina

Morning tea and lunch provided.

Attendance is free, but you need to register as spots are limited.

Register online https://nnswcommunityhealthday.eventbrite.com/ or phone (02) 6624 0333 or (02) 6618 5437.

Patients in Northern NSW hospitals are reporting their hospital care as being among the best in the state, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information report.

Results from the 2018 Adult Admitted Patient Survey released today show that patients in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) continue to report high levels of satisfaction with their hospital experience, staff and facilities.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Wayne Jones said if asked by family and friends about their hospital experience, 84 percent of patients said they would speak highly, while 76 percent rated their overall care as very good, both results equalling the highest in NSW.

“These results are a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our staff,” said Mr Jones.

“Their commitment to patient-centred care shows through year after year and it’s great to see this continuing to be reflected in the positive experiences of our patients.”

More patients in NNSWLHD (85 percent) rated their nurses as ‘very good’ than anywhere else in the state, while at Casino and District Memorial Hospital the figure was 90 percent.

Across NNSWLHD, 90 percent of patients felt they were ‘always’ treated with dignity and respect, the highest result in NSW.

The District also recorded the equal highest proportion of patients (83 percent) reporting their wards or rooms were ‘very clean’.

At Byron Central Hospital, this figure was 93 percent, the highest individual hospital result in the state.

“Every one of our staff rely on someone else doing the best they can to ensure our patients receive excellent care and having such dedicated domestic services staff has a really positive effect on the patient experience,” Mr Jones said.

“This year’s results are heartening because they build on the positive patient experience results from the 2017 Adult Admitted Patient Survey.

“In 2018 we saw record numbers of patients coming through our doors, but our staff are continuing to prioritise patient-centred care, and treating our community with compassion and dignity.”

Between mid-2012 and mid-2019, the NNSWLHD increased its workforce by an additional 843 full time equivalent staff, an increase of 22.4% including 157 more doctors, 280 more nurses and
midwives and 114 more allied health staff.

The 2019-20 budget for Northern NSW Local Health District is over $875 million, this is an increase of more than $37 million on the 2018-19 budget.

INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL RESULTS

BALLINA DISTRICT HOSPITAL: Recorded a significantly higher result than NSW for time spent in the Emergency Department, with 90 percent of patients reporting it was ‘about right’ compared to 67 percent for NSW. 83 percent of patients reported the wards or rooms were ‘very clean’ compared to 71 percent for NSW.

BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL: Recorded the highest result in the state (93 percent) for cleanliness of the wards or rooms, and 83 percent of patients rated their nurses as ‘very good.’

CASINO & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: Had a significantly higher result for cleanliness of toilets and bathrooms, with 81 percent saying they were ‘very clean’, compared to 63 percent for NSW. 90 percent of patients rated nurses as ‘very good’. 82 percent of patients said care at the hospital was ‘very well organised’ significantly higher than the NSW result of 66 percent, and 85 percent of respondents would speak highly of their experience to family and friends.

GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL: 85 percent of patients rated their nurses as ‘very good’. 80 percent of patients said toilets and bathrooms were ‘very clean’, while 76 percent of patients rated their overall care as ‘very good’.

LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL: Had a significantly higher result for cleanliness of the wards or rooms, 85 percent said they were ‘very clean’, and 75 percent of patients rated their care as ‘very good’ overall. 83 percent of patients rated their nurses as ‘very good’.

THE TWEED HOSPITAL: 77 percent of patients rated their overall care as ‘very good’ significantly higher than the NSW result of 67 percent, and 87 percent rated their nurses as ‘very good’, also significantly above the NSW result.

MACLEAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL: Had a significantly higher result for cleanliness of the wards or rooms, with 88 percent saying they were ‘very clean’ and 97 percent of patients reporting that emergency department staff were ‘always’ polite and courteous. 86 percent of patients said they would speak highly of their experience to family and friends.

MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL: Had significantly higher results than the NSW average for nine questions. 91 percent of patients rated their nurses as ‘very good’, the equal second highest result for any hospital in NSW, and 81 percent rated their overall care as ‘very good.’ 93 percent would speak highly of their hospital experience to family and friends and 87 percent said hospital wards and rooms were ‘very clean’. 76 percent said they felt involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

Traditional schoolyard games are getting a new lease of life, thanks to a new education program teaching indigenous games to early and primary years’ educators in Northern NSW.

Local primary children can now learn how to throw a Kolap, roll a Koolchee and keep a Kai in the air, as well as many other games from years gone by.

The Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion unit has been training local primary school teachers and early-years educators in Yulunga Traditional Indigenous Games at workshops across the region this year.

Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said Yulunga Traditional Indigenous Games are designed to get kids active, while also connecting with indigenous culture.

“Yulunga means ‘playing’ in the language of the Kamilaroi people of North-western NSW,” Ms Adams said.

The Indigenous games have been collected from around Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, with permission from traditional owners, and the program resources have been developed by the Australian Sports Commission.

“Local Bundjalung Elders took part in the launch of our training sessions, and shared insights into how games have been played in this region.”

Along with ball games, the activities include boomerang throwing, jumping, running, climbing, hitting, throwing, and water games.

“The traditional Indigenous games have been adapted to be played with modern equipment – for example, using tennis balls and foam noodles instead of woomeras and spears.

“Close to 400 teachers have attended the Yulunga Traditional Indigenous Games workshops in the Northern Rivers and they have proved so popular that extra sessions have been added this term to meet the demand,” Ms Adams said.

The program is being delivered in collaboration with the NSW Office of Sport.

A new and creative way to inform future doctors about career path options

Navigating the path from medical school to fully-fledged doctor can be a maze of choices and options,
with many forks in the road. With over 23 specialities, 81 fields of speciality practice and 86 speciality
titles, young medical trainees must, at some point, choose what area of medicine is for them.

To help make this choice, the Regional Training Hubs network is launching a new podcast today called
‘Destination Medicine’. The initial series of eight episodes will include a range of conversations,
featuring current doctors, specialists and medical students discussing career choices, what they enjoy
about their area of expertise and why they’ve chosen to work in various locations.

“The podcast is a great source of information and inspiration, presented in a creative way to help our
emerging doctors make informed career decisions,” Dr Sue Velovski, Clinical Director Northern NSW
Regional Training Hub, Lismore, said.

“It is important to allow trainees to realise that their training in regional and rural centres does not
jeopardise their career in medicine. In fact, in many cases, it will enhance their future prospects in
their chosen field.”

The network of Regional Training Hubs was created in 2017 by the Federal Government to promote
and help organise specialist training in regional areas.

“We work across the organisations involved in medical education and training, from university to
various workplaces; including public and private hospitals,” Dr Velovski said.

“We are all working to improve the coordination of all stages of medical training, from medical
student to fellowship, so our future doctors maximise their opportunities and hopefully gain as much
of their medical training as possible within our regional and rural areas. Destination Medicine is just
one of those initiatives.”

‘Destination Medicine’ will be officially launched today at this year’s Rural Medicine Australia
Conference on the Gold Coast, with the first four episodes of series one available to download later
today, via www.destinationmedicine.com.au or any podcast app. The first four episodes are:

Episode 1 – Dr. Justin Gladman
Title: Throw your hat into the ring
Description:
Justin Gladman is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people and is living the dream of working and living in
his home town of Broken Hill for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. In this episode of Destination
Medicine find out how by putting the right support systems in place and having a lot of determination
and drive can make that journey a lot less bumpy.

Episode 2: Dr. Theresa Pitts
Title: A General Paediatrician’s perfect career choice
Description:
Theresa Pitts was fortunate enough to receive a John Flynn Scholarship whilst she was studying
medicine and spent two weeks each year of her degree on the beautiful Flinders Island with the local
GP; and that’s when her love for country medicine was confirmed. In this episode of Destination
Medicine find out the benefits of working as a Paediatrician in the country and the joy of no traffic
lights!

Episode 3: Dr. Tim Duncan
Title: Lights, action, and far reaching places – a mega-directional career in medicine
Description:
Tim Duncan is an aeromedical retrieval specialist, a GP Anaesthetist and a film maker. Only two years
after graduating from medicine, Tim felt disconnected from who he really was and took a break from
medicine to study film. Before pursuing a career in film, Tim decided to do one last locum at Katherine,
in the Northern Territory. After a car accident on a silent and remote highway, Tim thought his life
may be coming to an end. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Tim will share a story with us, that
was both life affirming and life changing.

Episode 4: Dr. Teena Downton
Title: The Rural Generalist path to professional and lifestyle fulfilment
Description:
Teena Downton’s specialisation is a great example of the diversity you can have in your work, as a GP,
based in the country. You may have heard of the term ‘Rural Generalist’ but what does it mean and
what pathway do you take to be one? In this episode of Destination Medicine get ready to be
motivated as Teena speaks about the many hats she wears from working at the local Emergency
Department to being involved in the delivery of 150 babies!

The last four episodes will be released on the following dates:
6/11/2019 – Dr. Joel Riley – “Go where the disease is for a meaningful impact in your career”
20/11/2019 – Dr. Tim Baker – “Taking emergency medicine around the world and back”
4/12/2019 – Dr. Sarah McLain – “Being brave”
18/12/2019 – Dr. Sally Butchers – “Sally takes surgical career off the beaten track”

The Board and Executive of Northern NSW Local Health District invite you to our 2019 Annual Public Meeting.
 

 Wednesday, 13 November, 2019

10am – 12pm AEDT

Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club

131 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, NSW, 2487
 

The meeting will include:

– An overview of the health district’s performance, achievements and plans for the future

– A community update on the Tweed Valley Hospital Development

– Presentations to health services staff with 45+ years’ service

– Opportunity for the community to ask questions

A light lunch will be provided following the meeting.

For catering purposes, please register by 5 November 2019.

For more information, contact Community Engagement Manager Gerald May

on (02) 6624 0333 or at nnswlhd-engagement@health.nsw.gov.au

NSW Health is urging consumers who have any CORE Powerfoods frozen microwave meals to either dispose of them or return them for a refund, due to a link to several people with Salmonella gastroenteritis.

Core Ingredients is conducting a recall of Core Powerfoods frozen meals, 310g or 350g – Going Nuts, Deep South Chilli, Muay Thai Meatballs, Holy Meatballs, Naked Chicken, Seismic Chicken, Old School, and Smokey Mountain Meatballs.

The products have been available for sale at IGAs in NSW, ACT, VIC and NT; Independent retailers in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, NT and WA; and Coles nationally. The Best Before are from 26/08/2020 – 4/10/2020 inclusive.

At least 10 NSW residents are believed to have developed Salmonella infection after consuming this product and investigations are ongoing.

NSW Health is working closely with other states and territories to investigate other infections of this unusual Salmonella type, Salmonella Weltevreden, that are thought to be associated with this product. The cause of the contamination is still under investigation.

NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said salmonellosis can be quite severe and people sometimes have to be hospitalised to manage dehydration, particularly in young babies, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.

“Salmonellosis symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting,” said Dr McAnulty.

“Symptoms usually start around six to 72 hours after the contaminated food is eaten and usually last for four to seven days, but can continue for much longer.

“It is important that people do not prepare food for others while they are unwell with salmonellosis and as a precaution for 48 hours after symptoms have passed.”

Dr McAnulty said food must be cooked thoroughly to kill Salmonella bacteria. Microwaves are a quick and convenient way to cook food, however, if they are not used correctly, they can cook food unevenly.

“Frozen food may not be ready to eat and should always be cooked thoroughly following manufacturer instructions. The longer food is left at room temperature the more the Salmonella bacteria will multiply. Refrigerated food should be kept at less than five degrees Celsius and hot food should be kept above 60 degrees Celsius,” he said.

Cases reside across NSW, including in greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Northern NSW and the Murrumbidgee.

For information about the recall go to:
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/Core-Powerfoods-frozen-meals.aspx

For more information on Salmonellosis go to:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Salmonellosis.aspx

Natural disasters and extreme weather events can have a big impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of those affected, but help is available.

North Coast Primary Health Network and Northern NSW Local Health District are encouraging anyone affected by the recent bushfires to seek mental health support and to look out for their loved ones.

Northern NSW residents can access free Healthy Minds counselling through Connect to Wellbeing, on 1300 160 339 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

“Feeling distressed or overwhelmed is normal following a natural disaster, but there are services available to help you cope, and things you can do to make recovery easier,” Rural Adversity Mental Health Program Coordinator, Steve Carrigg said.

“We encourage people to reach out for the support on offer, and take these simple steps to look after their mental health.”

Spend time with family and friends Try to get back into a routine as soon as possible, but don’t push yourself too hard. Take time out, but don’t isolate yourself Accept help and support when it is offered.

If you require immediate support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. For children under 12 years, call the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

In an emergency, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For more information on how you can prepare for emergencies, both physically and mentally, visit the Red Cross website.

North Coast Primary Health Network CEO Julie Sturgess said the stress of experiencing a bushfire can leave people at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety, even if they are not directly dealing with loss of property and/or possessions.

“Free face-to-face counselling with a mental health practitioner, such as a psychologist or mental health social worker, will provide people with strategies and techniques to manage their mental health,” Ms Sturgess said.

A serious fall left 15-year-old Connor Meldrum fighting for his life in March this year, and his recovery journey has been long and tiring. Connor suffered multiple skull fractures and damage to his brain, and spent almost three weeks in Intensive Care in Brisbane, followed by months of intensive rehabilitation.

Now, Connor’s family are paying tribute to the medical and retrieval team from the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter who rescued Connor and helped save his life.

“We knew that we would like to thank them but didn’t know how, so we asked them what we could do,” Kim Goodrick, Connor’s mum, said.

“They said there was one piece of equipment which would have helped in Connor’s rescue, called a portable video-laryngoscope.”

A portable video-laryngoscope is a video camera that helps to show the patient’s airway and allows for a breathing tube to be inserted without having to move the patient’s head and neck and potentially cause further injury.

Thanks to a fundraising page set up by a family friend, and the generosity of family, friends colleagues and complete strangers, the community quickly raised $15,000 to purchase this much needed piece of equipment.

“As a family, we would like to thank our generous donors and will always be grateful that this amazing service is available in our area as without it, we have no doubt that Connor wouldn’t be alive today,” Kim said.

Dr Matt Verdolini from Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department said the device will greatly improve the care and safety when treating patients requiring advanced airway management.

“Thank you so much to you all for generously donating the funds to purchase this piece of life-saving medical equipment,” Dr Verdolini said.

For more information, please contact Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator on 0438 417 085.

An initiative that helps patients reduce knee and hip joint pain, while removing the need for surgery in the majority of cases, has won the inaugural Secretary’s Award for Value Based Healthcare at the 2019 NSW Health Awards.

The ‘My Aching Joints’ initiative, led by Chris Hanna, Dr Jason Tsung, Dr Brett Lynam, Luke Schultz and Evan Bryant, provides timely and seamless access to care and improves osteoarthritis joint pain and function in two out of three patients.

The project was developed in collaboration with North Coast Primary Health Network and uses evidence based intervention to target a patient’s modifiable health and lifestyle factors, like weight-loss and physical activity to reduce joint pain while improving function.

Participating patients self-manage their physical activity program and are kept informed on their treatment through a single point of contact between their physiotherapists, GPs, and orthopedic surgeons.

Project leader Chris Hanna said he and the team were thrilled to have received statewide recognition.

“This project has been a huge success in the Tweed Valley, so to receive this award at a state level is a huge bonus for us,” Mr Hanna said.

“It also gives us an even better foundation for rolling out this program statewide in the future.

“We emphasize patient empowerment through helping them to better understand joint pain. This, combined with ongoing support from clinicians reduces the need for surgery in most cases,” he said.

In this year’s NSW Health Awards, there were 37 finalists competing for 12 award categories.

In 2019–20 the NSW Government is investing a record $26.7 billion on health and infrastructure, including a $24 billion recurrent budget and $2.7 billion capital budget.

Registered Nurse Sally Smith, from The Tweed Hospital was honoured with the Excellence in Nursing Graduate Award at the seventh annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards in Sydney on 1 October.

Sally was one of 13 nurses and midwives acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to the New South Wales health system.

Sally was nominated by her colleagues for her strong team and work ethic, her excellent ability to build positive rapport with patients, and for being a role model on the wards.

“I was honoured to be named as a finalist and to have been announced as the winner was very unexpected and thrilling at the same time,” Sally said.

Sally praised the unwavering support from everyone at The Tweed Hospital, especially the team on the Surgical 1 ward.

“Graduate nursing is a challenging yet rewarding experience, and to have my efforts recognised at this level by my peers and senior management is a little overwhelming,” Sally said.

“I am looking forward to a long and rewarding career with NSW Health and am excited to see what the future holds.”

The winners were chosen from among 43 finalists, including nine from regional and rural NSW, across 12 categories ranging from excellence in practice, to clinical leadership and innovation in research.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard presented the awards to the 2019 winners at the ceremony in Sydney.

“These nurses and midwives go above and beyond to provide excellent care to patients and help make our NSW public health system what it is today – world class,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Some have devoted lifelong careers to healthcare, others are launching their careers – and all of the 2019 award winners have made an outstanding contribution to the busiest public health system in Australia.”

More than 53,000 nurses and midwives work full-time and part-time in NSW Health hospitals and health services.

The NSW Government is investing $2.8 billion to recruit 8,300 extra frontline staff over the next four years, including an additional 5000 nurses and midwives.

The winners in all categories were:

Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery – Assistant in Nursing/Midwifery: Meenakshi Baveja, The Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Excellence in Nursing – Enrolled Nurse: Neil Keenan, Campbelltown Hospital and Joshua Paroz, Campbelltown Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District (joint winners)

For more information on the 2019 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards visit the NSW Health website, here.

• Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery Graduate Award: Sally Smith, The Tweed Hospital, Northern NSW Local Health District
• Excellence in Nursing – Registered Nurse: Kerry Devine, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District
• Excellence in Midwifery – Registered Midwife: Susan Guinane, NSW Health Pathology, NSW Health
• Excellence in Nursing or Midwifery – Clinical Leadership: Jane Barr, Sydney Hospital & Sydney Eye Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
• Excellence in Nursing or Midwifery Management: Brian Lane, Camden and Campbelltown Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Excellence in Innovation – in Education: Rowena Mitchell, South East Regional Hospital, Southern NSW Local Health District
• Excellence in Innovation – in Research: Michelle Barakat-Johnson, Sydney Local Health District
• Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthcare: Elise McCarthy-McPhan, Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
• Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award: Marion Hawker, Greater Newcastle Sector Community and Aged Care Services, Hunter New England Local Health District
• Consumer Appreciation Award: Matt Tinker, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District.

If you’re affected by the recent bushfires in Northern NSW, there are things you can do to take care of your physical and mental health.

Fine particles from bushfire smoke can affect heart and respiratory systems, and aggravate existing chronic health conditions. For information about the health effects of bushfire smoke and how to protect yourself, view the advice from the North Coast Public Health Unit.

Looking after your mental health is important, and extreme weather events and natural disasters can have a big impact on those affected. On our website you can find more information about who to call and what services are available.

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

A new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine weighing 6.5 tonnes has been installed at Lismore Base Hospital this week as the $320 million redevelopment continues.

The state of the art Philips Elition X 3T MRI will be part of the new Imaging Department within the North Tower that is currently under construction.

This new MRI will bring innovative technology to the region, providing the opportunity for 50 per cent faster scan times at 60 per cent greater resolution than the old machine, which has served the hospital since 2012 and has taken around 9.6 million images.

Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton, said the existing MRI currently in use was not suitable to be transferred into the new building, as it was nearly due for replacement.

“We’re taking this opportunity to purchase a new machine, one that can scan without the need for patients to hold their breath and it can correct for movement much better than the old machine,” Mr Hatton said.
“These new features can reduce the amount of rescanning by 70 per cent.

“The inbuilt immersive audio visual features including synchronised video and music also means an improved experience for all patients. This, combined with an 80 per cent noise reduction, also makes the MRI better for children and claustrophobic patients.”

The MRI was lifted in through the side of the building by a crane due to its size and weight.

A specially designed room has been built to house the MRI, with copper lining to shield images from radio frequency interference when in use.

The new North Tower, to be known within the hospital as “F Block”, will provide increased inpatient capacity, a greater range of critical care services, and improved facilities for patients and staff.

The North Tower construction is on target for completion in December 2019, followed by a commissioning period and staged relocation of existing departments during the first quarter of 2020.

Falls are a common problem for older people and are often the reason people are admitted to hospital or move to a nursing home or hostel. But most falls can be prevented.

‘Stepping On’ is a free, exciting and friendly community program for people aged 65 years and over to help build knowledge, strength and confidence to prevent falls and stay active and independent.

“Stepping On is a free seven-week program that combines gentle strength and balance exercises with educational sessions” Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager Jillian Adams said.

A Stepping On program is being held in Ocean Shores in October 2019.  Those interested in attending can call the Stepping On Coordinator on 6620 2553 to register or find out more.

BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women to get together with a friend to book a mammogram in the lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to boost screening rates and save lives.

More than one in eight women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but almost half of women aged 50-74 are not getting their recommended two yearly mammograms.

BreastScreen NSW North Coast Director, Jane Walsh said that by taking the time to talk to a friend about screening and arranging to go for a mammogram together, you could not only save her life, but your own.

“We know there are many reasons why women might be missing their recommended mammogram – they put it off because they are too busy, they are nervous about going, or nervous about the results,” Ms Walsh said.

“By encouraging a friend to go with them, women can ensure that making the appointment becomes a priority. It also means that they will have someone to support them on the day,
and as they get the results.”

Figures from the Cancer Institute NSW, show that in Northern NSW Local Health District, 288 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow explained that around 60 per cent of breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50-74, which is why screening is so important for women in this age group.

“Our research shows that a lot of women believe that breast cancer will never happen to them. We want women in Northern NSW, particularly those between the ages of 50 and 74, to be aware that breast cancer can happen to them, but that if caught at the earliest stage, can be successfully treated in almost all cases,” Professor Currow said.

“A regular mammogram every two years is the best way for women in this age group to find breast cancer early. By detecting breast cancer early, breast screening not only saves lives but also reduces the likelihood of a woman needing invasive treatment, such as a mastectomy or chemotherapy.

“We have come a long way with cancer treatment but the reality is still that the more extensive the cancer is, the more it can diminish quality of life.”

An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free and takes about 20 minutes in total. In addition to 46 BreastScreen sites, BreastScreen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, including in rural and remote areas.

During October, the BreastScreen Mobile Unit will be visiting these locations:

Kyogle: now until 8 October (Stratheden Street) Bonalbo: 8 – 14 October (Woodenbong Street) Urbenville: 14 – 16 October (Bowling Club)

To book a mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW, please phone 13 20 50.

You can search for your nearest BreastScreen NSW service or book online by visiting book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

• Uki: 16 – 23 October (Norco Street)
• Brunswick Heads: 23 -24 October (Banner Park)
• Byron Bay: 28 October – 21 November (Cnr Middleton and Lawson Streets)

Schools and community organisations across the Northern Rivers are invited to apply for grants of up to $4000 to support health and wellbeing projects for young people.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is funding the $40,000 grant program, as part of the Healthy Communities Northern Rivers initiative.

The grants are designed to inspire projects that make it easier for young people aged 13-24 to be physically active and eat healthy food.

Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said many of the behaviours that increase the risk of chronic disease – smoking, drinking alcohol, eating junk food and low levels of physical activity- start in adolescence.

“Teenagers may not care much about the risk of chronic disease in the future, so our focus is on how to increase their wellbeing and help them feel good now,” Ms Adams said.

“One of the criteria for the grants is that young people are involved in planning the projects. The ideas need to come from young people, because they know what sort of activities will work best for them.”

The grant program was launched at a Youth Health and Wellbeing event in Ballina on 24 September which highlighted the latest research about the links between physical activity and wellbeing for young people, and showcased innovative youth programs.

Healthy Communities Northern Rivers was established by NNSWLHD in 2018 to bring government, non-government and community organisations together to address rising levels of chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

The youth grants are part of the Healthy Communities Northern Rivers action plan for building communities that make it is easier for people to make healthy choices, such as being physically active and eating healthy food.

For grant application forms – visit the Health Communities Northern Rivers website: https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/health-promotion/healthy-communities.

Strategic Plan

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Board and Executive Team are delighted to present the NNSWLHD Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024. Our vision of A Healthy Community Through Quality Care underpins this Plan. It provides an overarching framework for working together with our community and service partners to deliver quality and safe health services to the communities of Northern NSW.

It provides a robust framework to drive our six new Strategic Priorities over the next five years. They are:

Value, Develop and Empower Our People Our Community Values Our Excellent Person-Centred Care Empowering Aboriginal Health

These Strategic Priorities position the District to achieve our purpose to Work Together to Deliver Quality Health Outcomes Across Our Communities. The NNSWLHD Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024 maintains a strong emphasis on community and clinician engagement, and on ensuring our patients (and their carers and families) are at the centre of every decision we make.

We will develop more details plans such as the Health Care Services Plan to set out the pathway for achieving our vision and Strategic Priorities.

• Integration Through Partnerships
• Effective Clinical and Corporate Accountability
• Champions of Innovation and Research.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is being recognised on the global stage as a leader in cancer treatment, with world-first programs that improve healthcare for regional patients.

Radiation Oncologist with North Coast Cancer Institute Lismore, Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare, is involved in projects evaluating new techniques in prostate cancer treatment, which he showcased at an international conference last week.

A/Prof Shakespeare presented two papers at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) annual meeting in Chicago, which attracts around 10,000 delegates from around the world.

“The first paper was an evaluation of patient involvement in choosing their cancer treatment through shared decision-making with their oncologist,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

Patients involved in the research were provided with a decision aid to help them choose between two radiation therapy options in the cure of prostate cancer.

“This high degree of patient involvement is a world first, putting the patient at the centre of their care planning alongside their treating specialist.”

A/ Professor Shakespeare’s second presentation discussed the outcomes of world-leading research involving men from the North and Mid North Coast areas using PET scans to help target radiation therapy to the prostate and lymph nodes.

“In the past, men with prostate cancer which has spread to the lymph glands were thought to be incurable, but modern advances in radiation therapy and PET scan imaging mean we can offer curative radiation.”

“The early results show that after two years, 100 percent of patients had their prostate cancer controlled, with minimal side-effects.”

“It brings new hope for men whose prostate cancer has escaped from the prostate, that there is a potential for a cure,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

NNSWLHD has a strong focus on clinical trials and quality assurance programs, building on its research and innovation capacity since NCCI first opened in 2010.

“Everything that we do in research is about helping the people in our community by providing world-class locally-based services,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia, but looking after your heart health can be as simple as 1, 2, 3.

This World Heart Day, 29 September, you can be a Heart Hero by making three simple promises to yourself and your loved ones which will lower your risk of cardiovascular disease:

To eat well and drink wisely, To exercise more, and To say no to smoking

To learn more, visit www.worldheartday.org or www.heartfoundation.org.au

#worldheartday

To mark World Heart Day, members from the Casino Cardiac Rehabilitation Group recently met at Crawford Square to exercise on the outdoor gym equipment.

The group is part of the Healthy Heart Program run by Casino Community Health, which helps local residents get their health back on track after a cardiac episode, under the care of a multi-disciplinary team lead by Cardiac Nurse, Lisa Warne.

“The majority of our clients have had heart attacks, have had stents put in or have had open heart surgery for bypass or valve replacements,” Lisa Warne, Casino Community Health Cardiac Nurse, said.

“Some have irregular heart rhythms, pace-makers or internal defibrillators, but we assist them to get moving and stay on course to a healthier future.”

The multidisciplinary team includes a Dietitian, a Pharmacist, an Occupational Therapist, a Social worker, our Physiotherapist, Exercise Physiologist and Cardiac Nurse.

“This World Heart Day, we’re encouraging individuals to be aware of what they can do to reduce their risk of getting heart disease,” Lisa said.

“By making three simple promises to eat and drink well, exercise more and stop smoking, you’re on your way to having a healthier heart and reducing your risk of heart disease.”

Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, today visited Lismore and Tweed to officially open $1.8 million refurbishments to patient environments and common areas in the Kamala Child and Adolescent, Tallowwood Adult Mental Health, and Tweed Kurrajong Mental Health Unit.

The improvements were designed in conjunction with patients, carers and staff.

“Having mental health consumers and staff guide the design of the refurbishment has resulted in the best outcome, and has allowed patients to have their voices heard,” Mrs Taylor said.

“New landscaping, interior design and colourful spaces are supporting better care and recovery for patients in Lismore’s Mental Health Units,” Mrs Taylor said.

The Tallowwood works include upgrades to the reception and waiting area, patient lounge, bedrooms, bathrooms, five courtyards and three kitchens.

Improvements in the Kamala Unit include the redevelopment of the sensory room, patient bedrooms, bathrooms, nurses station, two courtyards, and the creation of a relaxation nook.

Artist Xana Denruyter created stunning murals of native plants for the Tallowwood courtyard and scenes of local beaches for the Kamala courtyard.

In Tweed, improvements include a new gym, sensory room, refurbished media room, quiet family room. improved activity areas, and two courtyards.

“It’s been a privilege to work with our staff and consumers in designing these renovations,” Northern NSW Local Health District General Manager, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol, Dee Robinson, said.

“The renovations build on the work being done at the clinical and operational levels to improve the care we provided to patients in Northern NSW.”

This project is part of the $700 million State Wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

North Coast NSW residents are being reminded to avoid handling or touching injured or dead flying foxes or microbats.

In the last month, 10 people have been bitten or scratched after handling flying foxes or microbats across the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts.

Assistant Director North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said members of the community should not handle flying foxes or microbats unless they have been trained, vaccinated against rabies and use the proper protective equipment.

“If you find an injured or distressed flying fox or bat, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Call your local wildlife rescue service,” Mr Bell said.

“Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), while very rare, is a serious infection similar to rabies, that has been found in flying foxes and microbats, including on the North Coast.

“If you are bitten or scratched by a flying fox or bat, immediately wash the wound gently but thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine, and consult a doctor as soon as possible to assess the need for further treatment.”

NSW Health provides post-exposure rabies vaccinations for people in NSW who have been bitten or scratched by bats. This is in addition to routine management of the wound, with proper cleaning reducing the risk of infection.

“In the event of an extreme heat stress or starvation event affecting bat populations, people should follow the directions given by wildlife rescue coordinators,” Mr Bell said.

For more information regarding safely handling flying foxes, visit the NSW Health website https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/flying-foxes.aspx

For more information on Australian Bat Lyssavirus, visit the NSW Health website https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Rabies-Australian-Bat-Lyssavirus-Infection.aspx

Extreme weather events can have a big impact on those affected. If there has been a disaster or extreme weather event in your area, there are things you can do to take care of yourself and your mental health.

Those affected by the recent bushfires can access free face-to-face counselling through the North Coast Primary Health Network by calling Healthy Minds on 1300 160 339 (new number) between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

If you need to talk to someone, you can call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, or someone else’s, you can call the Mental Health Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 011 511.​

Below are more Mental Health resources.

How are you going? And what can you do?

Natural Disaster Mental Health Fact Sheet

Online Help for Mental Health

Mental Health Phone Services

Taking Care of Yourself Following a Natural Disaster

Podcast: Disasters, Trauma and Mental Health

Part of the Lismore skyline since May 2018, the tower crane at Lismore Base Hospital is today being dismantled, concluding another step in the $320 million redevelopment of the hospital.

The tower crane was erected to assist with the construction of the new multi-storey North Tower.

Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton, said the tower crane has been a visual reminder to the community of the redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital.

“The removal of the crane signifies that we are one step closer to the completion of North Tower,” Mr Hatton said.

“This is another exciting milestone for the staff, patients, and visitors at Lismore Base Hospital.”

The new North Tower, to be known operationally within the hospital as “F Block”, will provide increased inpatient capacity, a greater range of services, and improved facilities for patients and staff.

It will contain a new larger Intensive Care Unit, new Perioperative and Endoscopy units, new Imaging department, new Pharmacy, Admissions, and Security departments, and two new Inpatient Units.

The North Tower construction completion is forecast for late 2019, followed by a commissioning period and staged relocation of existing departments during the first quarter of 2020.

Once fully occupied, the next phase of the Stage 3 redevelopment will see a range of refurbishment works undertaken within vacated spaces in the existing hospital buildings.

NSW Health is urging parents and carers to keep young children at home if they are sick amid a rise in viral gastro cases.

NSW Health’s Acting Manager of Enteric and Zoonotic Diseases, Keira Glasgow, said the warning has been prompted by an increase in gastroenteritis outbreaks at childcare centres across the state and a high number of children aged under 5 seeking treatment at emergency departments.

“Nearly 100 childcare centres reported outbreaks of gastro in August, double the average for this time of year, and at least 820 children and 165 staff have fallen ill,” she said.

“The number of children seeking treatment for the highly-contagious infection at EDs has also risen above usual levels, with 609 children seeking medical attention in the last week.”

Ms Glasgow said gastro was often spread by direct contact with an infected person. Viral gastroenteritis is usually caused by norovirus or rotavirus.

“It spreads easily between people if they haven’t carefully washed their hands after using the toilet or before handling food,” she said.

“The best defence is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds before handling and eating food, and always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing nappies or assisting someone who has diarrhoea or vomiting.

“Infants or children in childcare or school who develop vomiting or diarrhoea should stay at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.”

People whose work involves handling food or looking after children, the elderly or patients, should not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped to avoid spread of infection. Anyone not involved in these occupations should stay home for at least 24 hours.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. They can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, sometimes longer.

The main treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover without complications, however gastro can be serious for infants, people with suppressed immune systems and the elderly.

Anyone recovering from gastroenteritis should avoid visiting hospitals and aged care facilities to avoid spreading the infection to those most vulnerable.

For more information visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/gastroenteritis/Pages/default.aspx

The North Coast Public Health Unit is advising all residents to protect their health as smoke from bushfires in the north of the state are affecting air quality. People with respiratory and cardiac issues in particular are being urged to stay indoors.

Fires scattered across the region are affecting air quality. Depending on prevailing winds, smoke from Southern Queensland is also affecting air quality in the region.

Fine smoke particles can affect the human heart and respiratory system and can aggravate existing chronic health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system.

Assistant Director of the North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said the fine particles could cause various health problems such as itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis.

“We urge people with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions to be aware of the health effects of being exposed to bushfire smoke and to take steps to protect their health,” Mr Bell said.

“Not everyone who is exposed to bushfire smoke will have health problems and most healthy adults will find symptoms clear without any long-term consequences.

“However, smoke exposure can lead people with lung diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis may develop shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, possibly even days after smoke is inhaled.

“We recommend these people closely monitor their symptoms and follow their asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) action plan.”

People sensitive to smoke should avoid strenuous outdoor activity while it is visibly smoky and can reduce their exposure by staying indoors with the doors and windows shut.

“Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with chronic respiratory conditions need to be vigilant with their own medication or treatment programs,” Mr Bell said.

“If symptoms do not settle, contact your doctor.”

In the event of an emergency, always remember to dial Triple Zero (000) and always follow directions and advice provided by Emergency Services.

The new Evans Head HealthOne facility has reached a high point in the construction phase with a traditional topping out ceremony on Friday 6 September marking the completion of the roof structure.

Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis, joined community members and health officials onsite to celebrate this important milestone.

Mr Gulaptis said a ‘topping out’ ceremony is a building tradition which places a tree at the top of the structure once construction reaches its highest point, and marks the completion of the roof structure.

“For the Evans Head ceremony, a small native shrub will be displayed and later planted as part of the facility’s landscape plan,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“This is a terrific modern, integrated health facility within easy reach in the centre of town and will enable the introduction of a number of additional health services in the popular coastal town.”

The new HealthOne will deliver:

chronic diseases management and lifestyle groups cardiac rehab and respiratory groups child and family therapy groups including Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy dietetics and diabetes education services.

“New, tailored health services will be provided on site, thanks to the clinical rooms, gymnasium and treatment spaces planned for the new HealthOne facility.

“Retaining the health facility on the current site is a great outcome for the community, being ideally located close to existing GP services which will link into the services provided by the HealthOne,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The new Evans Head HealthOne, on the site of the old Community Health Centre in the centre of Evans Head, is expected to be open in 2020.

Mr Gulaptis said the pre-existing Community Health Centre was at capacity and was not equipped to provide these modern health services.

“These capital investments support world-class health care in regional areas, but also create jobs and support economic growth.

The Northern NSW Local Health District is urging people to watch for measles symptoms as a Byron Bay child has been diagnosed with the infectious disease.

The child developed symptoms four days after returning from a trip to New Zealand and visited the following locations in and around Byron Bay while infectious:

Friday 30 August
Attended the Byron Bay and/or Suffolk Park shopping areas during the day.

Sunday 1 September (Fathers’ Day)
Attended the Harvest Deli & Bakery in Newrybar between about 10am and 11am.

Attended the Elements Resort and Spa in Byron Bay between about 5.30pm and 7.00pm.

Director of the North Coast Public Health Unit, Paul Corben, said the locations do not pose an ongoing risk but anyone who was in the locations at the same time as the child should watch for measles symptoms until 20 September 2019.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles,” Mr Corben said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should arrange to see their GP and limit their exposure to others, including patients at the GP clinic.”

Mr Corben encouraged everyone in the Byron Bay region to ensure they had received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles,” he said.

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another.”

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when someone who is infectious with the disease coughs or sneezes.

While the risk of infection is low in fully-vaccinated people, health experts urge anyone who comes into contact with a person with measles to watch for symptoms.

The NSW Government is investing $130 million in the 2019–20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

For more information on measles visit:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/key-facts.aspx

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a fabulous night of fun and entertainment at ‘A Ball for All’ on Saturday 12 October at Casino RSM Club.

Casino and District Memorial Hospital (CDMH) are hosting their first such event in over four decades, and it’s shaping up to be a wonderful night.

“It’s a rare opportunity to bring the health service, the community, and our local partners together in a fun and social setting, complete with delicious food and fabulous music,” Ellen Palmer, Executive Officer/ Director of Nursing at CDHM said.

“We invite everyone to come along and join us, celebrating our healthy community spirit we have here in Casino.

“It’s also a great chance to say thanks to our dedicated Hospital Auxiliary and get to know more about the services we offer and how you can be involved.

The event is open to all Northern NSW Local Health District staff, as well as community members, family and friends.

Funds raised at the event will go towards purchasing a CentrellaSmart+ palliative care bed to provide additional comfort and safety for patients reaching the end of their lives and who are under palliation.

An auction and other fundraising activities will take place on the night.

Tickets are $100 each, and include drinks and canapés on arrival, two course meal, and lucky door prize. Live music provided by Pink Zinc.

Tickets can be purchased at Casino RSM Club, Canterbury Street, Casino.

For more information, please phone Leigh Hooton on 6660 0500 or email leigh.hooton@health.nsw.gov.au.

See the event page on Facebook here – https://www.facebook.com/events/443930709535854/

Addressing the health needs of new and emerging communities is the key focus of Multicultural Health Week to ensure equitable access to health care and health information for these communities.

In today’s launch event, NSW Health’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant stressed the importance of the 2019 Multicultural Week theme: Health Literacy of new and emerging communities.

“Health literacy is recognised as a critical issue for health services. Health literacy refers to how people understand information about health and health care; how they apply that information to their lives; how they use it to make decisions and act on that information”, Dr Chant said.

New and emerging communities are defined as communities which are:

Recently settled compared with more established culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities; Smaller in number of residents but with significant increase in the past 5 to 10 years; Lacking sufficient infrastructure and resources compared with more established CALD communities; Experiencing significant barriers in accessing health care and/or poorer health outcomes; and Isolated in their geographical area.

Winners of the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS) Awards to recognise excellence in multilingual health communication have also been announced.

“Congratulations to all the award winners and finalists. We celebrate your valuable contribution to promoting the health and wellbeing of multicultural communities in NSW”, Dr Kerry Chant said.

Resources produced by winners and finalists will be available on the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service website – www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA: Jesusa Helaratne, MHCS Media Manager M. 0409 864 881

Examples of new and emerging language groups across the state include communities who speak Bangla, Kurdish Kurmanji, Mongolian, Nepali, Tamil, Tibetan and Urdu.

Lisa Woodland, Director, NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS), urged all health organisations to routinely include consumers, families and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds when developing, implementing and evaluating programs, projects and resources.

“This Multicultural Health Week, we ask health professionals working with new and emerging communities to read our new factsheets, tailored for each Local Health District. We also ask communities to access the new video, entitled “Assessing healthcare in Australia”, in over 20 languages with accompanying translated health information”.

These resources are available to download for free on www.multiculturalhealthweek.com.

Achange in how community nursing services are delivered in Alstonville will see home visiting services increased.

Director Clinical Operations for Northern NSW Local Health District, Lynne Weir, said the flexibility of home visiting services meant that staff and resources could be better allocated to deliver care directly to residents, rather than from a fixed clinic site.

“By reallocating resources to increase our capacity for home visiting, our community health staff will be able to provide more flexible care to the community, Ms Weir said.

“Residents can continue to access services locally on an as-needs basis.”

The Alstonville Community Health clinic in Main Street, Alstonville will close on 27 September 2019.

The change will not affect nursing staff hours, as Community Health staff work within a network of multiple facilities.

“We have seen decreasing numbers of clients attending the fixed clinic, and the change to home visiting will provide a better model for delivering community and child and family health nursing service to the Alstonville area,” Ms Weir said.

Residents in Alstonville can access Child and Family Health Nursing, or Community Nursing services, by phoning the Lismore Community Health Service on 6620 2967.

Residents in the area can access immunisation clinics via their local General Practitioner, as well as Lismore Community Health, Ballina Community Health and Goonellabah Child and Family Health.

NSW Health is urging people to remain vigilant to the symptoms of flu with changing weather conditions, as August is usually the peak month for spreading flu in NSW.

NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Disease, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said we had an unusually early start to the flu season and it is still not over.

“While the flu season may have passed its peak a few weeks ago, this is often the time when we see substantial spread of the virus,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“So far this year we have seen a moderate season but the flu is still around and people can’t afford to be complacent.

“There have been 21 additional deaths reported this week, including three in people under the age of 60 years, bringing the annual total to 168 confirmed influenza deaths.”

The latest weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows 5,286 flu cases for the week ending 18 August, down from 6,536 notifications the previous week, taking the yearly total to 84,557.

Dr Sheppeard said it’s important everyone remembers to take simple precautions against the flu.

“The most effective steps include staying at home if you are sick, washing your hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“Remember it’s not too late to vaccinate. The flu can affect people of all age groups, even those who are fit and healthy.”

Dr Sheppeard said 2.5 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines have been distributed across NSW, including over 212,000 doses for children six months to three years, and 1.18 million doses for people 65 years and over. A free vaccine is still available for eligible people who have not yet had their shot.

Flu shots are free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

The NSW Government continues a strong investment on statewide immunisation programs including $2.6 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.5 million immunisation and influenza awareness campaign.

The NSW Government will invest about $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

The Northern NSW Maternity Services Committee is seeking a community member  who has an interest in the development of maternity services across the Northern NSW Local Health District.

The Maternity Services Committee plays an important role in the coordination and development of Maternity Services across the Northern Rivers – from Tweed to Grafton, supporting maternity care provision through consistent and standardised systems, including policy, practice and education.

The Committee includes health professionals from across all maternity facilities and services, including midwives, obstetricians, paediatricians and district executive
members.

To ensure that members of our community are partners in the design, delivery and review of our services, the committee is seeking a member who can represent the local community.

Your role will include contributing a consumer perspective to health service documents and resources, as well as providing advice on how we can improve services to optimise families’ experiences.

The Committee meets on the third Thursday every two months, between 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm. You can join either face-to-face, by teleconference or through Skype. Members are appointed for two years.

To submit an expression of interest, please complete the online questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CWM63SN.

The closing date for submissions is 4.30 pm, Friday 13 September 2019.

For more information please contact Ms Shannon Morris, Clinical Midwifery Consultant, on (02) 6620 2116, 0437 802 295 or by email at shannon.morris@health.nsw.gov.au.

The North Coast NSW Human Research Ethics Committee is seeking a new member from our local community with experience in pastoral care.

The North Coast NSW Ethics Committee plays an important role in assessing research proposals to ensure studies are appropriately designed to protect the wellbeing of participants.

The Committee is currently seeking a member who provides a pastoral care role to the local community, such as an Aboriginal elder or minister of religion. Pastoral care is emotional and spiritual support that can be found in various cultures and traditions, including both distinctly non-religious and religious forms of support.

If you’re involved in a pastoral care role and would like to have input into the ethics around research carried out in hospitals and health services, now is your chance!

The Committee meets monthly by teleconference or video-link, and members are appointed for three years. Members volunteer their time and are not offered remuneration.

The Committee is made up of people from various roles and backgrounds including: researchers, lawyers, and health professionals, along with local community members such as healthcare consumers.

To submit an expression of interest, please email your CV to the Executive Officer, North Coast NSW Human Research Ethics Committee (NCNSW HREC) at NNSWLHD-Ethics@health.nsw.gov.au.

The closing date for submissions is 4.30 p.m, Friday 13 September, 2019.

Submissions will be considered by a selection committee.

For more information, contact Rebecca Lavery, Executive Officer, NCNSW HREC on (02) 6672 0269 or visit the Northern NSW Local Health District website’s research pages .

North Coast Public Health Unit is urging people with heart and respiratory conditions to take caution, with high air pollution levels in some areas of Northern NSW as a result of significant bushfire activity in the region, and in Lismore the fire in green waste piles at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre.

Communities around Grafton, Lismore and Casino and the surrounding areas may be particularly affected in the coming days.

Assistant Director of Public Health North Coast, Greg Bell, said children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke.

“If you have asthma you should follow your Asthma Action Plan and take your relieving medication where necessary and if symptoms get worse, seek medical advice,” Mr Bell said.

“Smoke may aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and cause irritated eyes, coughing and wheezing.
“Stay indoors, close windows and follow your health plan.

“To minimise any effects of smoke or air pollution, people should also consider avoiding vigorous exercise, seeking out air-conditioned premises and even consider moving away from the direct path of smoke whilst fires are still active.”

“It’s also a good idea for people with known health conditions to check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regular updates on current fires,” Mr Bell said.

In case of emergency always remember to dial triple zero.

For more information about bushfire smoke and health, visit the NSW Health website:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfire-smok…

Northern NSW Local Health District (LHD) is warning people to get vaccinated and take other steps to guard against Q fever, as drought and dusty conditions may increase the risk of the disease spreading.

Assistant Director of the North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said so far this year there have been 16 confirmed cases of Q fever in the Northern NSW area. In 2018 there were 28 confirmed cases of the disease in the area.

Mr Bell said the region typically averages between 25-35 cases each year.

“Q fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by inhaling dust particles contaminated by infected animal secretions that does not just affect farmers or people who deal with livestock,” Mr Bell said.

“The infection is carried by cattle, goats, sheep and other domesticated and wild animals, so people who work on the land are most at risk.

“However, the bacteria can easily be carried on farm tools or work clothes and brought into the family home.”

Mr Bell said across Australia there has been an increase in Q fever cases over the past several years and the emergence of the disease in groups who do not regularly work on farms or abattoirs, such as Aboriginal people, itinerant workers and contractors.

Mr Bell urged residents to be aware of Q fever symptoms, which often appear like severe flu, and which can mean that the infection is under-reported.

“People can experience high fevers and chills, sweating, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains and extreme fatigue,” Mr Bell said.

“Chronic lethargy can remain for months after treatment.

Mr Bell said a single dose vaccine is recommended for people who work in high risk occupations and anyone over 15 years who has the potential to be exposed to Q fever.

“Q fever occasionally affects children, and as the vaccine is not recommended for those aged under 15, it is very important parents know how to protect children from Q fever.”

The following steps can protect against Q fever:

washing hands and arms thoroughly in soapy water after any contact with animals wearing a properly fitting mask when handling or disposing of animal products or when mowing or gardening in areas with livestock or native animal droppings wearing protective clothing and thick gloves when working with high risk animals or animal products removing and washing dirty clothing, coveralls, boots and equipment in outdoor wash areas to prevent exposing other household residents washing animal urine, faeces, blood and other body fluids from equipment and surfaces and properly disposing of animal tissues including birth by-products.

The NSW Government is investing around $1 million to help protect farmers and other people in rural areas who work with animals from Q fever.

The NSW Government is working with the NSW Farmers’ Association, the NSW Country Women’s Association, SafeWork NSW, and other primary industry stakeholders to develop and disseminate the Q fever education campaign.

In 2018 NSW Health launched an online learning module to help GPs diagnose Q fever and vaccinate susceptible people. In the first 12 months over 400 GPs enrolled in the course.

For more information on Q fever, go to the NSW Health website.  

Far too many women in Northern NSW may be unaware of their risk of breast cancer, despite the fact that 9 in 10 women diagnosed don’t have a family history.

More than two-thirds of women (65 per cent) surveyed by the Cancer Institute NSW think they are not at risk of developing breast cancer because they don’t have a family history.

Director of BreastScreen NSW North Coast, Jane Walsh, said this lack of personal susceptibility to breast cancer demonstrates the need to continue urging women locally to have a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW every two years.

“The risk is real for every woman aged 50 to 74. One in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and less than 10 per cent of them will have a family history,” Ms Walsh said.

“That’s why all women in this age group should be screened for breast cancer, regardless of whether they have a family history.

In 2019, it’s expected more than 288 women in the Northern NSW Local Health District will be told they have breast cancer and there will be about 41 women who will die from breast cancer.

“By detecting breast cancer early, breast screening not only saves lives but also reduces the likelihood of a woman needing invasive treatment, such as a mastectomy or chemotherapy. We have come a long way with cancer treatment but the reality is that the more extensive the cancer is, the more it can detrimentally affect quality of life.

“Including a visit to BreastScreen NSW every two years to have a mammogram as part of your regular health checks, means it is likely to become a ‘routine” and you will continue. The key is to get the momentum started.”

Ms Walsh said that when it comes to reducing breast cancer risk, it is also vital to focus on lifestyle factors within a woman’s control.

“Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking are all things that can significantly reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer,” Ms Walsh said.

In addition to two fixed BreastScreen sites at Lismore and Tweed Heads, BreastScreen NSW has a mobile van in Northern NSW that provide services to people across a variety of locations, including rural and remote areas.

The mobile BreastScreen van is currently in Maclean and will move to Evans Head in late August. This makes it easier for some women to access the service.

To book a mammogram today at your nearest BreastScreen NSW service phone 13 20 50 or book online by visiting breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Former Tweed Heads flight attendant and Indigenous woman, Katrina Rendell, was always fit and active until she discovered she had kidney disease about three years ago.

Receiving dialysis at The Tweed Hospital, Katrina encouraged others to become an organ donor while there’s still the chance to make a choice.

“I implore people to take responsibility and make the decision to become an organ donor before you’re in an unfortunate situation where your loved ones have to guess what your wishes are,” Katrina said.

This DonateLife week is a great opportunity to talk about organ and tissue donation with friends and family, and the difference it can make to someone on a transplant waiting list.

“This is life-changing stuff. Visiting The Tweed Hospital three times a week for a five-hour long dialysis treatment is not an easy road, but I am grateful that it maintains my life. Every time I come here, it extends my life. I would die in a week if not for this.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are nine times as likely as non-indigenous Australians to be receiving kidney dialysis. Figures from June 2018 show that only 13 percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people registered for Renal Replacement Therapy received transplants, compared to 51 per cent of non-Indigenous Australians.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people requiring a kidney transplant are more likely to benefit from a transplant from an Aboriginal person, due to a better match. However, for cultural reasons, some people find it a difficult topic to talk about,” Dr Mike Lindley-Jones, Northern NSW LHD Donation Specialist Medical, said.

“Registering to become an organ and tissue donor gives hope to those whose lives depend on receiving a transplant.”

Joining the Australian Organ Donor Register gives hope to the 1,400 Australians, like Ms Rendell, who are currently awaiting a life-saving or life-changing organ or tissue transplant.

“One person can change the lives of eight people by becoming an organ donor. It’s an incredible and an amazing gift and has the ability to change the lives of so many people. I would be so grateful for that gift myself,” Katrina said.

In the last decade, more than 11,000 Australians have had their lives saved as a result of a transplant.

To join the Australian Organ Donor Register, or for more information visit donatelife.gov.au.

DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August 2019.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is encouraging people living with hepatitis C in the community to take advantage of new highly effective cures, as part of Hepatitis Awareness Week.

NSW is moving closer to eliminating hepatitis C, with research showing more than 22,000 people across the state have been cured of the virus, using new easy-to-take treatments.

NNSWLHD HIV and Related Programs Manager Jenny Heslop is urging anyone in the region who believes they may be living with hepatitis C to get tested and treated.

“These new medications are very effective, with a cure rate of 95 per cent,” Ms Heslop said.

“The treatments can be prescribed by any GP, and can cure the virus within 8 to 12 weeks.

“They also have minimal or no side-effects,” Ms Heslop said.

Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said NSW is moving toward the elimination of hepatitis C.

“We’re aiming to eliminate hepatitis C within the next 10 years,” Dr Chant said.

“Thanks to groundbreaking medications, the elimination of hepatitis C is now an achievable goal.”

Around 29 per cent of people estimated to be living with hepatitis C in NSW, or 23,652 people, have now been treated. About 58,000 people across the state are yet to seek treatment.

For each patient cured, the NSW healthcare savings are $1,612 per year. This equates to $82 million in savings and more than 22,000 patients cured since the new treatments became available in 2016.

Hepatitis NSW CEO, Stuart Loveday, said the new oral pill treatments are revolutionary compared to the previous combination pill and injection treatments which took longer, had more side-effects and lower cure rates.

“It’s so important that people see their GP to get treated if they think they might have hepatitis C. Initially, there are almost no symptoms but if left untreated, hepatitis C can ultimately result in significant liver disease,” Mr Loveday said.

Hepatitis Awareness Week runs from 22 July, concluding with World Hepatitis Day on 28 July. For more information on testing, treatment, and prevention for hepatitis C call the Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 803 900 or visit hepc.org.au

Meningococcal infection does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria. Close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.

“It more commonly occurs in people aged between 15-24 years as they tend to be involved in more intimate social activities such as kissing,” said Dr Sheppeard.

Vaccination is the best means of protection against meningococcal disease. Vaccination for meningococcal disease types A, C, W and Y, is available on the National Immunisation Program for infants at 12 months of age and for adolescents in Year 10 through the School-based Vaccination Program offered to all high schools across NSW.

Any adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who miss the vaccine in school are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP. However, as there are several strains of meningococcal disease, and vaccination does not cover all strains, even vaccinated people need to be on the lookout for symptoms.

The latest Annual Immunisation Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with close to 95 per cent of five year olds fully vaccinated.

The NSW Government will invest around $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program Budget, including Commonwealth and State vaccines.

With the Lismore Base Hospital Redevelopment Project reaching its final stages, it’s about time to decide what is going on the walls, and what better than a themed piece by a local artist.

Well-known Widjabal artist Oral Roberts was commissioned by Lismore Base Hospital Senior Anaesthetist Dr David Scott and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, where Dr Scott recently finished his tenure as president.

The artwork, which is set to hang in the new North Block theatre complex that is opening in 2020, fittingly depicts a sleepy koala in a local landscape

Oral Roberts signs the back of the artwork.

Dr Scott said this was Oral’s interpretation of care provided by local Anaesthetists.

“I’m a big fan of Oral’s artworks, and this one in particular is brilliant,” he said.

“If you look at it in person it looks almost three-dimensional. I think Oral has done a fantastic job representing the work we do in the region.

“After showing this piece off in the hospital today it seems like there is already competition about where to hang it!”

Oral grew up on the NSW North Coast and now lives in Ocean Shores. His works reflects his close connection to the Bundjalung land and culture. His paintings are known for their strong connection to spirit and to the native animals he paints.

NSW Health is urging families to remember its simple hygiene precautions while enjoying the school holidays and get a flu jab to prevent the virus hitching a ride home.

NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Disease, Dr Vicky Sheppeard says minimising the spread of flu only requires a few simple steps from everyone.

“Sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands thoroughly, stay at home if sick, and remember it’s never too late in to get a flu shot,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“The actions are easy to do but not always easily remembered so again, we urge everyone to be conscious that the flu is still about in this holiday period so take care.”

Along with most other parts of Australia, NSW is feeling the effects of an early start to the flu season.

The latest weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows 6234 flu cases for the week ending 7 July, up from 5590 notifications the previous week and four additional deaths, bringing the annual total to 70 confirmed deaths.

Dr Sheppeard said 2.4 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines have been distributed across NSW, including over 190,000 doses for children 6 months to 3 years, and 1.18 million doses for people 65 years and over.

Basic hygiene is particularly important if you are visiting elderly relatives at aged-care facilities, with the best option being to avoid visiting if you’re sick. In the year to date there have been 126 confirmed influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities, 14 of which were reported this week.

Flu shots are free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

“There has been strong demand, but there are sufficient supplies of free Governmentfunded vaccines available for eligible people. So during the school holidays we are again encouraging parents and carers of children from 6 months up to five years old to take advantage of the free flu vaccine.”

The NSW Government continues a strong investment on statewide immunisation programs including $2.6 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.5 million immunisation and influenza awareness campaign.

The NSW Government will invest about $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

A sod-turning ceremony has marked the countdown to the start of construction on the state-of-the art Tweed Valley Hospital.

Health Infrastructure’s Chief Executive and project team joined Northern NSW Local Health District, hospital staff and political representatives to celebrate the major milestone.

The NSW Government is investing $582 million in health for the Tweed-Byron region. As part of this investment the new hospital will deliver world class healthcare services for the community closer to home.

Delivery of new services – like radiotherapy and interventional cardiology – means over 5,000 people a year will no longer need to travel outside the region for life-saving treatments.

Local Tweed civil construction business, CD Excavations, has been awarded the first early works contract to carry out roadworks and the initial site preparation. This is one of more than 60 construction packages to be awarded for the new hospital.

Early works include preparation of the site for construction of the hospital buildings, including creation of permanent and temporary site access, bulk excavation, piling and retaining walls and in-ground services.

Health Infrastructure has now lodged a request with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to commence the Stage 2 State Significant Development application process. The request will seek approval for the detailed design, construction, and commissioning of the hospital buildings.

Construction is on track to be completed in late 2022 with the hospital opening its doors to its first patients in 2023.We invite you to view the Tweed Valley Hospital construction animation.

Category Winners for the 2019 NNSWLHD Quality Awards.

 Overall Winner and Winner of People’s Choice Best Poster

Winner: Leading humanity in our care – Emma-Jane Davies and the Staff of LBH Emergency Department.

People’s Choice Best Presentation

Winner: “My Aching Joints” – Chris Hanna, Dr Jason Tsung, Dr Brett Lyman, Luke Schultz.

Delivering Integrated Health Care

 Winner: “My Aching Joints” Rescuing the OA Hip and Knee – Chris Hanna, Dr Jason Tsung, Dr Brett Lyman, Luke Schultz.

 Runner up: Integrated Aboriginal Chronic Care together we can – Marilyn Tolman & Ragina Rogers

Patient Safety First

 Winner: Falls Prevention, Reducing Injury and Harm to Paitents – Sebastian Pilon & Staff C7 LBH

 Runner up: Review by 2 in Clinical Review – Louise Thurston, Geaogie Haywood, Gloria Vann, and Michael Corbett.

Keeping People Healthy

Winner: Helping U 2 Quit Clinic – Denise Hughes, Christine Sullivan.

Health Research and Innovation

Winner: Sweet Smiles: A Feasibility and Acceptability study – Kate Collins

Runner up: Effective&functional features of online education – Kathryn De Souza, Anne Moehead.

Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services

Winner: Leading humanity in our care. Reducing seclusion and restraint in the ED – Emma-Jane Davies and the Staff of LBH Emergency Department.

Runner up: New Leaf Program – Drea Quinlan, Jess Jeffreys, Tamahra Manson.

Clinical Practice Improvement

 Winner: End of Life Care Project – Anna Law

Runner Up: Improving DV identification and response in the ED – Vivienne Raymant, Kathleen Shaw, Ellie Saberi.

Runner Up: Reducing the treatment margin for potential benefits for bladder cancer – Kathleene Dower.

We are redesigning the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) website! We want a new structure and look to make it easier for people to find the information they are looking for.

We’re seeking input from community members, health consumers and staff about the function and design of our current site. This feedback will inform how we design our new site. This process is known as user testing.

To get involved, register your interest and we will contact you to get started.

Through user testing, we want to discover:

1.  How easy or difficult it is to find certain information on our current website
2.  What information people in NNSWLHD are looking for online
3.  How people in NNSWLHD search for information about health services and medical conditions online
4.  What barriers there are to accessing health information offered on our website quickly and easily
5.  How often people in NNSWLHD use the internet and how reliable their connection is
6.  What format would people prefer information about health services and medical conditions to be in
7.  What would make it easier for people to navigate our website
8.  What facilities or names people associate with and recognise locally, i.e. hospitals, the LHD as a health agency, NSW Health.

What will be required from participants?

Participants will complete a two-stage process:

1. Complete a series of short online tasks to find certain information on our current website. We will give you a scenario and ask you to complete the task at a time that suits you. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.

2. Attend a workshop in Lismore to discuss the results of your task, and contribute to a discussion about redesigning our website. You can also complete this part via telephone if you are unable to attend the workshop in person.

Community workshop: Tuesday 23 July from 12.00pm – 1.30pm at Lismore Base Hospital.

Staff workshop: Friday 26 July from 10.30 – 12.00pm at Lismore Base Hospital

To participate, register your interest and we will contact you with a task to complete.

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your input!

Another piece of the $320 million Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment puzzle has been put in place this week, with  an 18-tonne generator being lifted up to its permanent home today.

The giant piece of equipment will provide back-up power for the new North Tower, once it is commissioned, during those times when mains power supply is interrupted.

The construction of the North Tower is currently progressing to schedule and is due for operational commissioning in early 2020.

The generator was trucked to Lismore in the early hours of Friday morning, 5th July, with a 450-tonne crane – one of only two of its kind in NSW – also arriving overnight to lift the generator up to the seventh floor of the hospital’s South Tower.

“The seventh floor of E Block (South Tower) mainly houses plant and equipment, and will soon be home to the new generator,” Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton, said.

“Once in place, the generator will be integrated into the back-up power systems for the new North Tower.

“This is a very exciting day for the hospital, as it is not every day you have a 450-tonne crane parked outside your front door to lift a 16-tonne piece of equipment into place.”

Uralba Street from Dibbs Street to Hunter Street is closed to traffic from 4am to 8pm on Friday. Traffic controllers are in place to provide access to the hospital for Ambulance and emergency cases, visitors and patients.

“I request staff, patients, and visitors coming to the Lismore Base Hospital to please follow the instructions from the traffic controllers,” Mr Hatton said.

The new multi-storey North Tower will provide increased inpatient and outpatient capacity, a greater range of services, and improved facilities for patients and staff.

The Stage 3 redevelopment is scheduled for completion mid-2021.

ATTENTION: Tomorrow, Friday 5 July, road access to Uralba Street in front of Lismore Base Hospital’s main entrance will be closed between 4am and 8pm.

PATIENT, VISITOR, AND AMBULANCE ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED. Traffic controllers will be in place.

The closure is due to the installation of a new generator to the level 7 E-Block external balcony on the hospital redevelopment project.

For more information on the redevelopment visit http://www.lbhredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) are collaborating to address the issue of the escalating use of opioid medications in the management of non-cancer pain.

While opioids can be very effective in relieving short-term pain, when used inappropriately they can give rise to dependence, addiction and death. 

A collaborative project between the NNSWLHD and NCPHN aims to increase public awareness of this problem, engage the community in seeking solutions, and provide additional education for clinical staff. 

A series of education workshops were recently held to bring together General Practitioners, Pharmacists, hospital staff including medical, nursing and allied health, and community staff to discuss alternatives to opioids in the management of pain and collaborative cessation plans for occasions when opioids need to be used.

NNSWLHD Project Coordinator Dr Abbey Perumpanani said most of the opioid-induced deaths nationally are considered accidental (85%), with just one-tenth recorded as intentional, mirroring what is seen locally.

“Opioid overdose deaths and errors are increasing, particularly among older Australians who are being prescribed opioid analgesics for pain conditions,” Dr Perumpanani said. 

“What complicates the picture for this group is that they may be on a number of medications, as well as have underlying health complications such as cardiac or breathing problems. These factors undoubtedly increase the risk of overdose. 

“More people are also surviving accidents, major surgical interventions and medical treatments. This in turn leads to an increasing prevalence of chronic pain and an increasing number of prescriptions to manage that pain.

“Through this project we hope to use a two-pronged approach to address the issue of opioid overdose and misuse in our community by engaging both consumers and health professionals.”

The Agency for Clinical Innovation, through its Pain Management Network, also has resources to help patients and clinicians improve their pain management strategies.

The 2018-19 Budget commits $225.3 million to alcohol and other drug health-related services.

Babies born in Grafton will now be able to travel in state of the art comfort and care, after an incredibly generous donation helped purchase a new transport cot for Grafton Base Hospital.

The transport cot is used to transport vulnerable sick or premature babies who require a transfer to another hospital in a safe and protected space. It’s also used to transport babies within the hospital, for example, from operating theatres to the Maternity Unit.

“This is an incredibly important piece of equipment for Grafton’s Maternity and Women’s Care unit,” Maternity Unit Manager, Tina Morrison, said.

“It provides a protected, safe, warm environment for our tiniest, most vulnerable patients.”

Grafton Toyota Dealer Principal, Michael Anstee, spearheaded the fundraising campaign, raising the initial funds in collaboration with other local businesses. When local woman, Marie Preston, heard about the cause, she generously donated $22,000 to turn the vision into a reality.

The new $30,000 cot is a more sophisticated and spacious version to replace the ageing cot which has moved hundreds of babies.

“It’s wonderful to be able to upgrade this essential piece of equipment, it’s the Rolls Royce of transport cots for babies in the Clarence Valley,” Tina said.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued support of community partners like Toyota, who help us continue the wonderful work of caring for women and babies in our community.”

Local charity, Our Kids, helped purchase the cot for Grafton Base Hospital.

“We live in such an incredible, generous community and because of this, Our Kids has been able to expand our footprint to help Grafton Base Hospital, meaning our kids stay local when needing medical care,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, said.

Casino is the latest town to join the international community fitness phenomenon, parkrun, with more than 160 people taking part in the town’s first event at Queen Elizabeth Park over the weekend.

Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said parkrun is a great way for people to get out and get active, and be involved in a community event.

“Parkrun has grown over the last 15 years from a single event in a UK town, to thousands of weekly events in 21 countries around the world,” Jillian said.

“It is a free, weekly 5km walk or run for everyone, forever.”

Participants register once, before their first run, and are given a barcode that they can then use to join events anywhere a parkrun is held.

“This is an event for people of all ages and levels of fitness,” Jillian said.

“While it is called parkrun, people can run, jog, or walk at their own pace and for their own reasons – whether that’s serious training for an event or a social walk with friends.”

In the Northern Rivers there are parkrun events every Saturday morning in Grafton, Yamba, Lismore, Ballina, Kingscliff and now Casino, with thousands of registered members. All locations start at 7am, except Kingscliff which starts at 8am.

“It takes a grass roots community effort with a strong volunteer base to get a new event established. Congratulations to all the organisations and individuals who worked to set up the Queen Elizabeth Park event.”

“Northern NSW LHD is a proud supporter of parkrun and we encourage other towns to get involved,” Jillian said.

Anyone wishing to join parkrun must register online before their first event.

For event details and registration information go to www.parkrun.com.au.

The NSW Government approved the Stage 1 State Significant Development (SSD) application for the new Tweed Valley Hospital on 14 June.

Following extensive community and government agency consultation on the Tweed Valley Hospital, the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the overall hospital concept, and consent to undertake early works on the Cudgen Road site, has been approved.

To find out more about the Tweed Valley Hospital, visit the project website.

With flu cases still on the rise, people are reminded that simple hygiene such as regularly washing hands will help stop the spread of the potentially deadly virus.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, said while the flu vaccine is still the best protection, simple hand hygiene is also important.

“Basic hygiene can help prevent flu and other infections spreading in the community, so it’s really important to cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands regularly,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“If you are unwell with the flu, stay at home and minimise contact with other people if possible, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly. Avoid visiting aged care facilities and child care centres until you have recovered.

“It’s also not too late to vaccinate and we’re encouraging everyone, particularly pregnant women and parents of young children, to arrange flu shots for themselves and their children as soon as possible.”

Dr Sheppeard said NSW Health is working hard to stop the spread of the flu but members of the community can also make a difference.

“Just using soap and water to wash your hands regularly or an alcohol-based antibacterial hand gel is a very effective way of killing germs that could be passed on or ingested.”

The latest weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows 2969 flu cases for the week ending 9 June, up from 2382 notifications the previous week and 49 confirmed deaths.

The NSW Government is spending a record $22.75 million on statewide immunisation programs which will assist with flu prevention this season. This includes $2.6 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.5 million immunisation and influenza awareness campaign.

The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

Flu shots are also free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

Families with children receiving cancer treatment often face a difficult journey and time spent away from home. Thanks to a local charity, this journey will now be a little bit easier.

Our Kids are providing Welcome Home Packs to families who have had to travel out of Northern NSW for children to receive their treatment.

Often this can place significant strain on local families, as parents juggle their other caring responsibilities with looking after their sick child. Treatment can sometimes last for up to two years or more.

The Board of Our Kids, led by Chair Suzette Pearce, recognised a need to support families during this time, and worked with local oncology nurse practitioner, Kris Liebke to come up with a solution.

The Our Kids Oncology Welcome Home Pack includes supermarket vouchers for food to restock cupboards, petrol vouchers to help with transportation costs, a voucher for clothes, a voucher to a local restaurant and an age appropriate gift for the child.

Recognising the psychological strain that cancer treatment also places on families, the Welcome Home Pack also includes a step by step guide on how to request and access tailored counselling support.

The information is designed to inform families of the services available to them, so they can work with their doctor to develop a shared care plan that’s right for their circumstances.

Clinical Psychologist, Matt Wagner, is one local practitioner who has come on board, offering his expertise as part of this initiative.

The estimated value of each Pack is around $1,000.

Byron Bay Coffee, a generous supporter or Our Kids and Our House, has also donated $5,000 to help sponsor the Welcome Home Packs.

By removing some of the financial burden, the packs will allow families to concentrate on re-establishing themselves back in their own community.

“I believe that these packs from Our Kids will make a very significant and real difference to local families,” said Kris Liebke, Nurse Practitioner Oncology/Haematology at the Lismore Base Hospital Cancer Care and Haematology Unit.

“Most importantly, they tell the families that their local community cares.”

Suzette Pearce, Chair of Our Kids, said they are continually looking for opportunities to support families with children who are undergoing medical treatment within the community.

“By giving these families a Welcome Home pack we hope that they will feel that they are not alone and that their community is here to support them.”

If you would like to know more about the Welcome Home Pack project or would like to join Bryon Bay Coffee and sponsor a pack, please contact Our Kids on 6620 2705.

Northern NSW Hospitals are continuing to perform well despite an increase in activity in what are already busy hospital Emergency Departments across the district.

The Bureau of Health Information’s latest quarterly report has found 53,799 people were seen in emergency departments across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) between January and March 2019 – an increase of 1265 patients, or 2.4 per cent on the same quarter last year.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said staff should be proud of their high levels of performance and quality care during unprecedented levels of activity across the board.

“Our staff are doing an incredible job delivering the best level of patient care possible in increasingly busy conditions,” Mr Jones said.

“There were more than 1,260 extra presentations to our emergency departments in the first quarter of 2019, and an increase of almost 30 per cent in resuscitation cases – the highest priority emergency.”

“Despite these presentation increases, we still saw 77.6 per cent of patients treated on time and our median time for patients waiting in the emergency department only deteriorate by 2 minutes to around 2 hours.”

Patients arriving by ambulance to emergency department increased by 5.1 per cent on the same period last year.

With the additional emergency department presentations came an increase in need for surgery during the quarter.

Across Northern NSW, 3376 elective surgeries were performed between January and March 2019, an increase of 2.7 per cent (or 88 more procedures) compared to the same period last year. This included a 9 per cent increase in urgent elective surgery with a 20.8 per cent increase in urgent surgery at The Tweed Hospital alone.

Mr Jones said that while increased emergency presentations do place an added strain on hospital capacity which impacts on elective surgery, 99.9 per cent of urgent procedures were still preformed on time.

“We did see an increase in wait time for elective procedures at some of our sites,” Mr Jones said.

“The increase in emergency procedures means we need to prioritise resources and that bumps some non-urgent elective surgery procedures down the list.

“We are working hard to bring down the number of people on the waiting list and are developing a plan with our surgeons to address this.”

Despite an increase in elective surgery at Lismore, which was up 13.6 per cent, there were 51 fewer people (2.6 per cent) on the waiting list at the end of the quarter compared to the same time last year.

Between mid-2012 and mid-2018 NNSWLHD has increased its workforce by an additional 655 full time equivalent staff – an increase of more than 17 per cent, including 140 more doctors and 183 more nurses.

“With our capital works and infrastructure projects underway across the district, we are planning for the forecast growth in patient numbers and to deliver health care the community can be proud of,” Mr Jones said.

The NSW Government’s $582 million investment in local health services includes the new Tweed Valley Hospital as well as interim upgrades at the existing Tweed Hospital, and the $320 million redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital is nearing completion.

Those works, as well as future redevelopments at Ballina and Grafton, will set up the region to deliver the care needed for local residents in decades to come.

The 2018-19 budget for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is over $833 million, this is an increase of nearly $47 million on the 2017-18 budget. This is the highest increase in annualised expense budget out of all rural NSW Health Districts.

In 2018-19 the NSW Government is investing a record $22.9 billion in health, representing a $1.1 billion increase over the 2017-18 Budget. This includes $19.2 billion towards improving services in hospitals in NSW this year.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY

Ballina: saw an 8.1 per cent increase in presentations, to a total of 4661. Despite the increase in presentations 81.5 per cent of patients left the ED within four hours, a stable result.

Byron Central: experienced a 5.1 per cent increase in presentations, 287 more patients. 79.5 per cent of patients started treatment on time and 82.2 per cent of patients left the ED within four hours. There was also a 41.7 per cent increase in resuscitation category patients, from 12 to 17 cases.

Casino: Had fewer presentations in total, down 70 cases to 3327 for the quarter, compared with 2018. The percentage of patients whose care was transferred from ambulance to emergency department staff within 30 minutes improved by 4.3 percentage points to 91.7 per cent, surpassing the state target. Access performance was also above target, with 87.9 per cent of patients leaving the emergency department within four hours.

Grafton: A three per cent increase in the number of presentations compared with the same period in 2018, at 6618 people. 80.3 per cent of patients started treatment on time, the same as this quarter in 2018. 79.5 per cent of patients left the ED within four hours.

Lismore: 4.5 per cent increase in the number of presentations compared with the same period in 2018, up to 9398. Lismore also saw an increase in resuscitation cases, up 76.7 per cent to 53 cases. The percentage of patients whose care was transferred from ambulance to ED staff within 30 minutes improved by three percentage points to 85.1 per cent.

Maclean: saw an 8.7 per cent increase in presentations, up to 3481, over the quarter compared to 2018, as well as a 13.7 per cent increase in the number of arrivals by ambulance. The number of resuscitation cases more than doubled, increasing from 7 to 16. 77.9 per cent of patients were treated on time and 85 per cent left the ED within four hours.

Murwillumbah: Emergency department presentations remained stable at over 4500 this quarter. 86.8 per cent of patients were treated on time and 87.7 per cent left the ED within four hours.

Tweed: Saw 13,491 ED presentations, 10 fewer than the same quarter last year. It also recorded a 7.1 per cent increase, from 2053 to 2199, in arrivals by ambulance. 79.7 per cent of patients were treated on time and 76.6 per cent left the ED within four hours.

ELECTIVE SURGERY PERFORMANCE

Ballina: 98.8 per cent of patients received their surgery on time this quarter, with 100 per cent of urgent procedures performed on time. There was also a 5.5 per cent drop in patients on the wait list at the end of the quarter (16 fewer).

Casino: 99.3 per cent of all 168 elective surgery procedures were performed on time for the quarter and 1.8 per cent fewer patients (- 5) were on the wait list.

Grafton: Decrease of 12.5 per cent, to 501, of patients having elective surgery this quarter, and 100 per cent of all patients received elective surgery on time.

Lismore: 1246 elective surgeries were performed at Lismore this quarter, representing a 13.6 per cent increase on last year (149 more). Despite the increase in activity, there were 51 fewer patients (-2.6 per cent) on the waiting list at the end of the quarter. There was also a slight increase in the percentage of elective surgeries performed on time compared to last year, to 93.6 per cent.

Murwillumbah: Surgery activity increased to 395, or 3.9 per cent more, procedures performed for the quarter (15 more). 100 per cent of urgent surgery was done on time.

Tweed: 3.1 per cent more elective surgeries were performed, up to 857 from 831, during the quarter, including a 20.8 per cent rise in urgent elective surgery. Despite this increase in demand, 84.2 per cent of all surgeries, and 99.6 per cent of urgent surgeries were performed on time.

The state’s latest cancer report card, released yesterday, shows patients in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) continue to rate their cancer treatment experiences among the state’s best.

The Cancer control in NSW: Statewide report 2018 is one product of the Cancer Institute NSW’s Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes program, which analyses and reports on key cancer control indicators.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said lessening the impact of cancer on people in NSW remains a top priority.

“In 2019, more than 2400 people in Northern NSW LHD will be told they have cancer and there will be about 700 cancer deaths. However, survival has continued to improve for most cancers, as has the number of people taking part in life-saving cancer screening,” Mr Jones said.

Patient experience data shows that patients in Northern NSW have some of the most positive experiences of cancer care in NSW.

Data from the Bureau of Health Information shows the North Coast Cancer Institute – Lismore Cancer Care and Haematology Unit, was recently rated by patients as among the top three performing outpatient cancer clinics in NSW, with 92 per cent of patients surveyed rating the care they received as ‘very good’.

 Across the LHD, 88 per cent of patients rated the care they received in cancer outpatient clinics as ‘very good’ and 93 per cent would speak highly of their experience to their friends and family.

“Our clinicians and staff are providing world-class care to patients in Northern NSW,” Mr Jones said.

“We have a state of the art facility in Lismore, and we’re looking forward to the Tweed Valley Hospital coming on board which will include an integrated cancer care service.

“It’s all part of our vision to create a healthy community by providing quality care.”

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor David Currow said every LHD across the state was working towards reducing the impact of cancer.

“There is still much work to do in reducing unwarranted variation in cancer care and outcomes. The Cancer Institute NSW will be working with local health services to build on these findings and improve the cancer care, support and information we provide,” Professor Currow said.

“Improving cancer outcomes is a critical undertaking that we’re pursuing in partnership with clinicians, researchers and policy makers. This is a team effort across the entire health sector, both government and non-government, to ensure people with cancer receive the best care no matter where they live and where they are treated.”

Northern NSW Local Health District spends over $23 million each year on cancer services across the district.

Northern NSW Local Health District is encouraging people who have never been tested for HIV or haven’t had a test for more than a year, to get tested as part of HIV Testing Week from the 1-7th June.

NSW is continuing to progress towards the virtual elimination of HIV transmission, with the latest report finding 22 per cent fewer notifications in the first three months of 2019, than the average for the same period over the previous five years.

The NSW Health HIV Strategy Data Report shows in 2018, NSW had the lowest annual number of notifications on record. At the same time, HIV testing in NSW has continued to increase.

Manager HARP North Coast, Jenny Heslop, said the results are encouraging but reminded individuals to get tested regularly.

“HIV Testing Week is a good reminder to get regularly tested. Men who have sex with men should get tested at least once a year and men with multiple partners, up to four times per year,” Jenny said.

“Tests are available at your local GP or sexual health service. There’s also a new Dried Blood Spot testing kit which is private and discreet and there’s no need to visit a doctor. The test is delivered in the mail and results are then sent by text, email or over the phone.

“People at risk of HIV infection, particularly men who have sex with men, should also take proper precautions to protect themselves. This includes taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and using condoms.

In the first three months of 2019, 52 men who had sex with men were diagnosed with HIV in NSW. 52 per cent had not had a test in the past 12 months and 17 per cent had never had an HIV test.

“Getting diagnosed late can be life-threatening and increase the chances of HIV being passed on to sexual partners. Being diagnosed early means you can receive treatment and live a long and healthy life and testing is discreet, confidential and often free,” Jenny said.

The NSW Government has committed $21.9 million in 2018-19 to strengthen testing, treatment and prevention with 47 state-funded Sexual Health Clinics also making testing easily accessible.

To find out where to get tested call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

HIV Testing Week runs from 1 – 7 June. For more information about testing and prevention including PrEP go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/HIV-test

Cancer survivors in Northern NSW will have a unique chance to ask all the questions they’ve ever wanted answered on intimacy and sex at a special women-only event in Ballina next week.

The first ever Ladies’ Night for cancer survivors is being held at Ballina RSL on Monday 27 May, from 5.30-8.30pm. The event is free.

Guest speaker, Kerrin Bradfield, is an accredited Clinical Sexuality Educator with 15 years’ experience in the field of sexuality education, health promotion, psychosexual therapy and relationship therapy.

“Surviving cancer is a reason to celebrate, however it also comes with challenges and fears, and for many women an important part of healing can be reconnecting with their sexuality,” Kerrin said.

“Sexuality is a key part of our wellbeing, just like our mental or physical health, but is often overlooked by health professionals or dismissed as something that women shouldn’t prioritise.

“There is a lot of mythology around about female sexuality and pleasure that can also be really unhelpful when trying to find a new normal,” Kerrin said.

The event is being hosted by the Richmond Breast Care Nurse service, part of Northern NSW Local Health District, with the generous support of Primex.

Richmond Network Community Health Manager, Lisa Beasley, said the event was the first of its kind for the local area.

“This is a great chance for women to come together, ask questions in a safe space, and talk about their experience or what to expect during and after cancer treatment,” Lisa said.

“Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone blocking medications can cause early menopause, which in turn can have a profound effect on sexuality.

“We have specialised cancer care nurses who provide support to women in Northern NSW throughout their treatment, but this event is a special occasion to cover issues that many women feel embarrassed about bringing up in a one on one situation.”

Northern NSW Local Health District spends over $23 million each year on cancer services across the district.

The event is free. Canapés will be provided. To RSVP, phone Karen on 0439 438 576 or Monica on 0429 097 071 or email richmondBCN@health.nsw.gov.au.

When Coraki resident, George Thompson, wanted to have a voice in the future of health services in his local community, he joined the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) as a volunteer community representative.

After becoming a carer for his wife after she suffered a stroke, George also saw an opportunity to share his own experiences and contribute to building better health services.

“I decided to volunteer as a community representative because of the interest I developed in health matters as a result of my own experiences with health services,” George said.

“I also felt my career experiences in various areas of government would enable me to make a worthwhile contribution.

It’s now been 10 years since George first put up his hand to get involved, and in that time he has been a part of numerous health initiatives in the region, such as the construction of the Coraki Campbell HealthOne, the NNSWLHD Health Literacy Project, and the establishment of a working group focusing on reducing opioid pain medications.

“I have found my involvement very rewarding. I have learnt a lot and met some great people,” George said.

“I encourage anyone to get involved and make a difference.”

During National Volunteer Week, from 20-26 May, NNSWLHD is inviting community members interested in sharing their experiences and helping improve health services to get involved by joining one of the new consultative committees that are being established across the region.

The new groups will provide advice, feedback and guidance to the health service on a range of plans and initiatives.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said there was a long history of community advisory committees within the LHD, but the health service is renewing its approach to improve the opportunities for community members to get involved.

“You might not have thought of volunteering on a committee, but these groups are such an important part of how we make sure our community is involved in decisions
and plans that affect them,” Mr Jones said.

“Involving patients, carers and the community is vital to help improve our services.”

Community advisory groups are being established in most areas within the NNSWLHD footprint.

“We are looking for a mix of people to participate in committees and special interest groups. I encourage anyone to consider joining our network to share opinions and contribute to building a better health service and a healthier community,” Mr Jones said.

For more information and to lodge an online expression of interest, visit the Northern NSW Local Health District website or the NNSWLHD Facebook page.

Expressions of interest close 5pm, Friday 21 June 2019.

Northern NSW Local Health District is seeking applications by Aboriginal community members to join the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Executive.

We have extended the closing date to Friday, 31st May 2019. So please let your friends and family know!

If you want to provide advice on health service planning, development, delivery, evaluation and prioritisation with a view to attaining equality of health status and life expectancy for Aboriginal communities, then the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Executive is for you.

For an application kit, please contact Lyndal Smith, Program Manager Aboriginal Health, via email on Lyndal.Smith@health.nsw.gov.au

Patients at Murwillumbah District Hospital (MDH) will have six more reasons to smile thanks to a generous donation of new life-saving equipment from the hospital’s volunteer-run Coffee Shop.

Profits from the coffee shop help buy equipment for the hospital – this time in the form of six Lifepak 1000 Automatic External defibrillators (AED), which are known for their portability and user-friendliness.

The six units will be placed at the Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit, Recovery, Outpatient Clinic, and the Coffee Shop.

Nurse educators on site have been busy rolling out an education programme to train clinical staff in the use of the new devices. These new machines are an upgrade to replace older models which had been in use for many years.

MDH Deputy Director of Nursing, Kylie Wilmen, said the lifesaving equipment is greatly appreciated.

“Without the support of the amazing team who volunteer their time for our coffee shop, these donations would not be possible,” Kylie said.

“All of the staff at Murwillumbah would like to say a big thank you to all the team at the coffee shop.”

An AED is a sophisticated, yet easy to use device that can automatically analyse a heart’s rhythm and assess if an electric shock is necessary to help re-establish a heartbeat. The units are worth almost $2,500 each.

Northern NSW Local Health District’s annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, held this week in Ballina, is the night-of-nights for nurses and midwives in Northern NSW.

The awards recognise the significant contribution these highly skilled staff make to the health and wellbeing of our region, with nominees and attendees coming from right across the district to celebrate.

This year’s ceremony, falling between International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, also saw the introduction of a new ‘Consumer Appreciation’ category, which for the first time encouraged members of the community to nominate a nurse or midwife for their outstanding care.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees at this year’s ceremony,” Katharine Duffy, Director Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health said.

“I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate all our nurses and midwives across the LHD that these awards represent.

“I was delighted with the number of nomination from our community in response to our new Consumer Appreciation Award. This recipient of this award was Debra Young, a midwife from Lismore who made a significant difference to one of our families during the birth of their child.”

Debra Young receiving the award.

Ms Peta Crawford, Nurse Manager Community and Patient Care Initiatives, presented the award and read out the nomination from the couple who nominated Debra who cared for them before, during and after the birth of their son. As a result, there were very few dry eyes in the room.

“I feel honoured and humbled to receive this award,” Debra said.

“I have the best job of all, I have the privilege of being part of the most incredible journey of a woman to motherhood.”

In 2018/19 the NSW Government is investing $35.3 million in a New Parents Package to support pregnant women and babies, including 100 more midwives to support maternity services and additional nurses for more postnatal home visits ($157 million over four years).

The NSW Government has also committed to a record boost of 5000 nurses and midwives, which will include at least 402 new staff for Northern NSW LHD, including 282 nurses and midwives, 32 doctors, 38 allied health staff and 50 hospital support staff.

For the full list of award winners, visit the NNSWLHD website.

Art depicting local aboriginal maternity stories will be donated to Grafton Base Hospital as part of celebrations for International Day of the Midwife.

Local artist Tanya Rose, who is donating the artwork, created the painted belly casts with local women while they were pregnant.

“I’m pretty excited about it. I’ve been working towards this for some time,” Ms Rose said.

“I find the pregnant form beautiful and people can look at it and see that beauty,” Ms Rose said.

The belly casts feature a variety of different images and symbols, with one featuring a tree of life against a landscape of sea, plains, mountains and sky.

“It’s mother earth, she’s big, bold and textural. The family tree is depicting the life cycle and the beauty and form of a pregnant body.”

Tina Morrison, Grafton Base Hospital’s Midwifery Unit Manager, said it was a truly meaningful gift.

“With this year’s International Day of the Midwife theme being ‘changing the world one family at a time’, this is the perfect gift,” Tina said.

“These artworks mean a lot to our maternity staff, as well as to the mothers who had casts made of their bellies and went on to have their babies here.”

This year’s annual Nursing and Midwifery Innovation Forum will showcase best-practice innovations in person-centred care developed by nurses and midwives across the Northern NSW Local Health District.

The forum will focus on ‘transforming practice for our patients’, with the keynote address being given by NSW Health’s Deputy Secretary, Susan Pearce.

Ms Pearce’s address will focus on the role of nursing and midwifery in improving patient experience.

“Nurses and midwives contribute so much to our health system. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, caring for our patients, and I look forward to discussing how they can continue to lead the way in improving the experience of our patients and their carers,” Ms Pearce said.

As well as sharing the achievements and innovations of our nurses and midwives, the event is also a platform for celebrating their great work, with the annual NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards ceremony held after the forum.

“This is our flagship event on the Northern NSW Nursing and Midwifery Service calendar, providing an opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our nurses and midwives across Northern NSW,” Director Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health, Katharine Duffy, said.

“This year is particularly exciting with a new consumer appreciation award being given.

“This award recognises a nurse or midwife who has demonstrated outstanding person-centred care, with the nominees put forward by members of the community.”
Other speakers at the Forum include:

Karen Kumar, Partner at Hicksons Lawyers, presenting on the technological advances in clinical documentation. Adjunct Professor Katharine Duffy, Director, Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Wayne Jones, Chief Executive NNSWLHD.

The forum will coincide with celebrations for International Day of the Midwife, which was on 5 May, and International Nurses Day on 12 May.

The NSW Government has committed to the largest Australian healthcare workforce boost with an extra 5000 nurses and midwives across regional and metropolitan areas over four years, as part of a $2.8 billion investment in frontline staff.NSW now employs a record 51,890 nurses and midwives, and this year a record 2500 graduate nurses and midwives began their careers at 130 hospitals and health services.

Thanks to the generosity of our local community, three new special deliveries have recently arrived at the Lismore Base Hospital Special Care Nursery.

With one third of the babies born in the Northern Rivers coming through the Lismore Base Hospital Special Care Nursery, specialised equipment means these smallest of patients can get the best care possible.

Leo Senese and Kai Hansen from Morgans Financial have been supporting a campaign to purchase additional Cosytherm Infant Warming Mattresses, each worth $7,500, by pledging to match all community donations up to a combined total of $7,500.

When the call for donations went out through The Northern Star, a local couple Mr and Mrs Heaton saw the article and generously donated $7,500 to purchase one of these mattresses.

Thanks to proceeds from the Gill Crawford Lismore Golf Day and the generosity of other local businesses, combined with Morgans Financial and the Heaton’s donations, three Cosytherm Infant Warming Mattresses have recently been purchased and are now regularly in use.

“The Cosytherm mattresses are a unique way for babies to be kept warm to assist in their growth. The addition of these to the nursery means more babies can be taken out of the humidicribs earlier and nursed closer to their mothers, which is a wonderful outcome for our babies,” said Dr Chris Ingall, Paediatrician and founder of Our Kids.

“With the extra warmth these mattresses provide, the babies will put on weight and go home just that little bit sooner,” Dr Ingall said.

Morgans Financial have been supporting Our Kids for over five years, and are also the naming partner for the Our Kids Annual Winter Ball coming up in May. Throughout this partnership, they have donated more than $30,000 to help support the work of Our Kids.

For more information about Our Kids or to donate, contact Rebekka Battista on 0438 417 085.

The Northern NSW community is being reminded to get their flu vaccine with the launch of the 2019 flu campaign today.

“With more than 9,600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year, incuding more than 500 in Northern NSW, people should call ahead to their GP or pharmacist to get their flu jabs,” Paul Corben, Director North Coast Public Health Unit, said.

“One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the State.”

Pregnant women, young children and the elderly will be a major focus of this year’s flu campaign.

Free flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Hospitalisation rates for influenza are highest in young children with recent national figures showing about 100 per 100,000 in those aged six to 23 months.

Mr Corben outlined the importance of the vaccine to the community.

“While we might all take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly,” Mr Corben said.

“In 2017, we had a significant flu season where more than 650 people died across the state.

“We cannot afford to be complacent.”

The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

Free flu vaccines for children aged from six months to under five years of age are being provided under the NSW Government’s $2.6 million program.

In addition to booking a flu shot, people are reminded that to help reduce the spread of flu, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and stay home if sick.

Flu is much more serious than a cold and spreads easily. In 2017, over 650 people died in NSW from it. An annual flu shot is your best protection against the flu. The flu shot is safe and does not give you the flu.

Free flu shots are available for;

pregnant women, children from 6 months to under 5 years, all Aboriginal people from 6 months of age, people with serious health conditions, including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease, and all people 65 years and over.

How is it prevented?

Flu vaccination each year before winter arrives is the best way to prevent flu.

Healthy respiratory hygiene also helps to prevent the spread of flu.

Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze Stay at home if you’re sick Wash your hands frequently

How is it spread?

Flu viruses are mainly spread by droplets made when an infected person coughs or sneezes Flu can also spread after touching surfaces where infected droplets have landed Flu can be spread to someone by an infected person even before their symptoms begin Adults with flu are infectious from the day before their symptoms start until 5-7 days later Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.

Seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following occurs:

shortness of breath or rapid breathing chest pain confusion or sudden dizziness persistent vomiting fever and chills cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue (feeling very tired) nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults)

Talk to your doctor or health worker for more information.

It’s in your hands.

Health.nsw.gov.au/flu

What is flu?

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of influenza virus that cause infection in humans – types A and B – and many sub-types or strains. Flu can occur throughout the year but flu activity usually peaks in winter.

Flu is a vaccine-preventable illness but a new vaccine needs to be given each year because flu viruses change (mutate) constantly. A new flu vaccine is prepared each year to best match the strains predicted for the coming flu season.

What are the symptoms?

People with flu typically experience some or all of the following symptoms for at least a week:

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Wayne Jones and Board Chair Dr Brian Pezzutti were joined by Mayor Robert Mustow, health officials, members of the community, and Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis who dug the first official hole.

Evans Head HealthOne is scheduled to open in April 2020, bringing a modern health facility with extra health services to the area.

The new health facility is located close to existing GP services which will link into the services provided by the HealthOne and will have space for car parking.

The new HealthOne will deliver:

chronic diseases management and lifestyle groups; cardiac rehab and respiratory groups; child and family therapy groups including Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy; and

Community health services have been temporarily relocated just down the road from the old Community Health Centre.

The new temporary location is Shop 1/33 Woodburn Street, Evans Head.

• dietetics and diabetes education services.

We all want our kids to be healthy, happy and active, but for many parents it’s a battle to get kids off screens and outside, as well as getting them to eat the right foods.

The free Go4Fun program can help.

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

Gavin Dart, the acting Health Promotion manager for Northern NSW Local Health District, said Go4Fun is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends, play fun and active games, and improve their overall health.

“Parents or carers are also involved and each week there are practical tips on how to prepare simple nutritious meals that kids will enjoy,” Mr Dart said.

“By the end of the 10-week program, children’s self-esteem is lifted, they are more physically active and keen to try new healthy foods.”

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

In Term 2, Go4Fun is being held at Banora Point. The sessions are on Wednesday afternoons from 4-6pm.

For more information, contact Go4Fun on Free Call 1800 780 900, or visit the website at www.go4fun.com.au.

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

The first sod was turned on the new Grafton Base Hospital Ambulatory Care Centre today, marking the start of the $17.5 million project.

Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, joined health officials and community members on site today to officially mark the start of construction on the new Ambulatory Care Centre.

The centre will include a new two-storey building with new undercroft loading dock, new links to the existing hospital campus and a new public drop off zone.

Mr Gulaptis said the project was about providing health services, not just for the community of Grafton, but also for people living throughout the region.

“Construction of the new Ambulatory Care Centre is due to be completed in early 2020,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Staff and other stakeholders have been involved in designing the building to ensure the space reflects the needs of the community now and well into the future.”

The Ambulatory Care Centre will provide a range of clinical services, including:

Oncology, chemotherapy and haematology services Renal Dialysis Unit

Pictured are, from left: Clarence Health Service Business Manager Tony Creighton, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, Clarence Community and Allied Health Manager Jane Wear, Clarence Health Service General Manager Dan Madden and Consumer Representative and volunteer Mike Gillespie.

• Physiotherapy Department
• Occupational Therapy
• Podiatry
• Speech Pathology
• Paediatric Outpatients Clinic
• Specialist General Medicine Outpatient Clinics
• Fracture and Osteo-Refracture Clinics
• Dietetics and Nutrition Outpatient Clinics
• Obstetric and Gynaecology Clinics
• Outpatient clinics for patients with chronic conditions including Cardiac and Respiratory Rehabilitation services, Diabetes education and Diabetes Foot Clinics.

NSW Health is encouraging anyone travelling overseas to ensure they are vaccinated against measles as part of a new campaign launched today.

There have been 36 people diagnosed with the disease in NSW since December 2018, the majority of whom have been travellers who have entered or re-entered Australia and unknowingly been infected with measles.

The campaign targets overseas visitors, Australian travellers heading overseas and international university students who may go home for the holidays.

It has also been translated into four languages, specifically chosen to target the multicultural population who may travel to their country of origin and not consider themselves at risk because they are visiting family and friends in a familiar location.

NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard explained the importance of the campaign to all travellers.

“Measles by its very nature is an extremely contagious, potentially deadly disease,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“As a consequence, many overseas travellers may be exposed to the disease despite not travelling to a country where it is currently endemic simply by coming into contact with a fellow traveller in the airport or on a transit flight.

“Measles virus can stay in the air for short periods of time, so if people enter a room shortly after an infected person has left, they could still become infected.”

The campaign is also focusing on childcare centres around the state and NSW public schools.

Anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses of the vaccine or had measles is eligible for the free vaccine.

“If you’re not sure if you have had two doses, which provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people, it is safe to get another jab, particularly if you’re heading overseas,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“Anyone with an infant younger than 12 months should see their GP prior to travel, as the child may be a candidate for early vaccination from six months of age.”

Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, spotty rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

Anyone who develops any of these symptoms after returning home, should call ahead to inform their GP so arrangements can be made to limit their contact with other people in the surgery.

Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including
Commonwealth and state vaccines.

The latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with more than 95 per cent of five year olds vaccinated against measles.
For more information for travellers visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/default.aspx

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 late in the season.

“Mosquito numbers have increased in early autumn as the season has gradually become wetter,” Tony Kohlenberg, Senior Environmental Health Officer, said.

Barmah Forest virus has recently been detected in mosquitoes in the North and Mid-North Coast areas. Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are common on the North Coast and are transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

“These infections can cause symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints. The symptoms usually resolve after several days but some people may experience these symptoms for weeks or even months,” Mr Kohlenberg said.

Avoiding mosquito bites will be especially important now and until at least after Easter, when higher tides are expected and many people may be enjoying outdoor activities such as camping or fishing in areas with high mosquito numbers.

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. Botanical based products (e.g. eucalyptus, citronella etc.) provide only limited periods of protection. Light mosquito coils or use vapourising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects have been proven to be ineffective in reducing mosquitos. Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens. When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.

“Preventing these viruses depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially as the mosquitoes have become active after recent rain, warm temperatures and high tides,” Mr Kohlenberg said.

The NSW Arbovirus Surveillance Program monitors mosquito numbers and virus activity in collaboration with local authorities to provide warnings to the community.

Fact sheets are available from the NSW Health website.

An interview with NSW Health’s Director of Environmental Health, Dr Richard Broome, is available here.

NSW Health is reminding people on the north coast to remain alert for signs and symptoms of measles which may arise from the two cases confirmed in relation to the North Coast XPT trains on Friday 5 April and on Saturday 6 April 2019.

“People who were travelling on the train at those times and who therefore may have been exposed to the two cases reported in the media earlier this week could still develop symptoms up until 24 April 2019,” Director North Coast Public Health Unit, Paul Corben said.

“We ask everyone to remain alert for symptoms of measles, and for people born during or after 1966 to take this opportunity to check their vaccination status and see their doctor for free vaccination if they haven’t had two doses of the MMR vaccine.”

On Friday 5 April a person now confirmed to have measles travelled while infectious on the 7:08am North Coast XPT from Sydney (Central) to Maitland, arriving at 10:00am.

On Saturday 6 April a second person who was infectious with measles caught the 7:08am North Coast XPT from Sydney (Central), transferred to the Coach Service 175 at Casino at about 7:10pm and arrived in Brisbane (Roma Street) at 9:45pm. There are no known links between these cases.

Mr Corben said anyone who travelled on the North Coast XPT that left Sydney at 7:08am on either 5 or 6 April to any destination on the north coast or on the coach service between Casino and Brisbane on 6 April may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP to ensure they’re not in the waiting room with other patients.

Across NSW, 36 people have been infectious with measles since Christmas.

The latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with more than 95 per cent of five year olds vaccinated against measles and around 92 per cent of five year olds on the north coast.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus which is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.

“NSW already has record immunisation rates but the community is not fully covered and measles is highly contagious and can stay in the air even after the person has left the room,” Mr Corben said.

Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, spotty rash spreading from the head and neck to the body.

Preventive injections can be given to highly-susceptible people up to six days after exposure to measles.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and gives effective protection against measles,” Mr Corben said.

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another.”

While the risk of infection is low in fully-vaccinated people, health experts urge anyone who comes into contact with someone who has measles to remain alert for symptoms. They should limit their exposure to others and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

For more information on measles visit: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/default.aspx

Local charity, Our Kids, was recently able to play a very special role in the life of one premature baby.

Sarah, a third child for Megan and Michael Ulrick from Urbenville, was born by emergency Caesarean section at Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) at 33 weeks, after a routine check-up raised concerns for both mum and bub.

Baby Sarah and mum, Megan, were able to remain at LBH after the birth, with Sarah being looked after in the Special Care Nursery to help monitor her vital signs and growth.

To help supplement Sarah’s nutrition in the days and weeks after birth, Megan and Michael were keen to source donor breast milk. They were keen to keep Sarah in Lismore and close to family.

The team of doctors, nurses and midwives at Lismore Base Hospital worked together to arrange access to pasteurised human donor milk from the Queensland Milk Bank at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, with the generous support of Our Kids.

“Accessing donor breast milk from Brisbane was a way to protect Sarah’s small stomach and intestines, and also keep her in Lismore without transferring her to Brisbane,” LBH Special Care Nursing Unit Manager, Jo Ezzy, said.

“With the assistance of Our Kids we were able to courier the donor milk from hospital to hospital, which was a great relief for all involved,” Jo said.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista, said this was the first time Our Kids had been able to assist in such a unique way through their Community Grants funds.

“The money raised by Our Kids not only buys equipment for our hospitals to help keep kids local when needing medical care, but we also issue grants to families to help with the care of their sick children and keep them local,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator said.

Since the donor milk was provided, baby Sarah has been doing well and has been frequently visited in hospital by her two brothers Jack and Kaleb, who are thrilled with having a baby sister, and happy she stayed close to home.

For more information about the Our Kids Community Grants, which are sponsored by Far North Coast Law Society, please contact the Our Kids office on 6620 2705.

Are you an artist or designer from the Bundjalung, Githabul, or Yaegl people? Or know someone who is?

 The Northern NSW Local Health District Aboriginal Health Unit is looking for an original piece of work and story that depicts our theme of “Working together to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing”.

 Kirsty Glanville, Associate Director of the Aboriginal Health Unit, said the competition was an opportunity to connect with local communities and find a design that represents the local region for everyone.

 “The artwork we’re looking for will help raise the profile of our unit and the services we provide to our Aboriginal communities throughout the lands of the Bundjalung, Githabul, and Yaegl people,” she said.

 “It will be something we’re proud to have on our shirts, for example, and something the Aboriginal community will recognise and trust when they see our health services.”

 The prize for the winning artist is $5000. Submissions must be original and include a title, description, or story relating to the theme.

 Entries close 26 April, 2019.

 For an entry form or more information, contact Aboriginal Health Workers, Laurel Rogers, at laurel.rogers@health.nsw.gov.au or 6620 7557; or Ellis Bradshaw at ellis.bradshaw@health.nsw.gov.au or 6620 2740.

One in three people over 65 will have a fall this year, and some will have multiple falls.

Falls can lead to long term hospitalisation, loss of independence, the need for supported care and even premature death.

But the good news is most falls can be prevented.

Gavin Dart, Acting Health Promotion Manager at Northern NSW Local Health District, said we can help ourselves prevent falls as we get older by doing balance and strengthening activities every day.

‘Stepping On’ is a free and friendly community program for people aged 65 years and over to help build knowledge, strength and confidence to prevent falls and stay active and independent.

“Stepping On is a free seven-week program that combines gentle strength and balance exercises with educational sessions” Mr Dart said.

 A Stepping On program is being held in Mullumbimby in May 2019.  Those interested in attending can call the Stepping On Coordinator on 6620 2553 to register or find out more.

Media contact:  Lee Duncan 0447 902 641

Clarence Health Service Community Advisory Group: Expressions of Interest

Would you like to use your experience as a patient, carer or health consumer to improve health services in the Clarence region?

We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals living in the Clarence Valley (includes Grafton, Maclean, Yamba and Iluka areas) for appointment to the Clarence Health Service Community Advisory Group (CAG).

This new community group will provide advice, feedback and guidance to the health service on a range of activities.

What will be expected of me?

The CAG will meet up to four times per year. Each meeting is expected to last two hours. Contribute your opinion and share your experiences while thinking about how to improve health services for your community. Use your networks to gather and distribute information.

How to apply

If you are an interested patient, carer or community member, please complete the online expression of interest form by clicking here. For more information or if you would like assistance, please contact Gerald May, Community Engagement Manager, (02) 6624 0333 or NNSWLHD-Engagement@health.nsw.gov.au

Expressions of interest must be received by 5pm, Friday 10 May 2019.

Our staff will provide support and advice to you. You will have the opportunity to be a voice for patients, carers and your community in influencing and shaping the heath service. An opportunity to broaden your knowledge of local health services. CAG members will receive a small payment to cover travel and out of pocket expenses.

What can I expect?

Strong communication and good working relationships between General Practitioners and hospital medical staff are just two of the key factors which combine to ensure patients in NSW receive best-practice medical care.

Recently, more than 20 doctors from the Grafton Base and Maclean District Hospitals and Clarence Valley General Practices participated in a medical conference aimed at improving collaboration between departments and strengthening working relationships.

While hospital staff and local GPs are in constant communication, usually over the phone and via secure electronic methods to provide patient information and treatment updates, it’s not often that medical professionals from both the acute and primary health care settings have the opportunity to meet in a relaxed environment.

“Although we communicate frequently, it is very rare that we meet face to face outside of the workplace,” Maclean Emergency Physician, Dr Dean Robertson said.

The conference, held at Angourie Rainforest Resort, included a social dinner, a keynote presentation, case discussions, clinical updates and an interactive simulated emergency scenario, in which a team of doctors and nurses worked together to manage an emergency situation in real time with limited resources.

The keynote speaker was local sailing legend and first woman to single-handedly circumnavigate the world, Kay Cottee.

Kay’s inspirational story sparked a lively and passionate discussion and highlighted the importance of having an effective team, even in what may seem to be a solo mission.

The event was developed by emergency specialists from Grafton, and supported by Northern NSW Local Health District and the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM).

If you have been cared for by an outstanding nurse or midwife in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), now is your chance to celebrate them.

The annual NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the contribution and dedication of nurses and midwives working in hospitals and health facilities across the District.

This year, for the first time, a new Consumer Appreciation Award is inviting members of the public to nominate nurses or midwives who have demonstrated outstanding patient care or contributed to improved health outcomes in Northern NSW.

“These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge our nurses and midwives for their significant contributions to their patients and their profession,” Katharine Duffy, Director Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health, said.

“I encourage anyone who has had a great experience with a nurse or midwife anywhere across our region to help us celebrate the great work they do by nominating them for the Consumer Appreciation award.”

The awards feature 13 categories in total, providing an opportunity to celebrate staff in a wide range of roles including assistants in nursing, new graduate nurses and midwives, right up to educators and managers.

“The awards also recognise nurses and midwives who are leaders in the fields of research and education, those at the forefront of clinical practice and helping steer the future of nursing and midwifery in our region,” Ms Duffy said.

Nominations are now open, and close at 5pm on 12 April. To submit a Consumer Appreciation nomination, visit the NNSWLHD website.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Ballina on 7 May 2019, coinciding with the annual NNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Innovation Forum.

In 2018/19 the NSW Government is investing $35.3 million in a New Parents Package to support pregnant women and babies, including 100 more midwives to support maternity services and additional nurses for more postnatal home visits ($157 million over four years).

NSW Health is again warning people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after two young travellers became the latest people infectious with the highly-contagious disease.

The travellers likely acquired the infection while holidaying in the Philippines in mid-March. They were unwell and infectious during their return flights to the Gold Coast via Singapore.

They spent time in the following areas while infectious:

Saturday 30 March

Scoot flight TR6, which departed Singapore on Friday 29 March and arrived at Coolangatta International Airport at 8:10am Travelled from Coolangatta International Airport to Pottsville via Uber

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another.”

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.

While the risk of infection is low in fully-vaccinated people, health experts urge anyone who comes into contact with someone who has measles to remain alert for symptoms. They should limit their exposure to others and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

The latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with more than 95 per cent of five year olds vaccinated against measles.
For more information on measles visit: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/default.aspx

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging people who were on the Scoot flight TR6 and at the same locations as the travellers to be alert for symptoms of measles until 22 April. It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles.

Greg Bell, Acting Director of Public Health for the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts, said while those locations do not pose an ongoing risk, people who may be susceptible to measles and were there on the same days, should contact their local public health unit for advice on 1300 066 055.

“The local public health unit is working with the medical centre and hospital to contact other patients who were present at the same time as the infectious people and offer preventive treatment as appropriate,” Mr Bell said.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP to ensure they’re not in the waiting room with other patients.”

Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the body.

Preventive injections can be given to highly-susceptible people up to six days after exposure to measles.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles,” Mr Bell said.

Thursday 4 April

The Tweed Hospital Emergency Department.

Wednesday 3 April

Attended a Main Street Medical centre in Murwillumbah Visited Coles Murwillumbah Visited Singhs Fruit and Veggie Market Murwillumbah Visited Magic Mountain Health Food Murwillumbah The Tweed Hospital Emergency Department

Tuesday 2 April

Visited shops in Pottsville and Cabarita, including IGA at Pottsville and Woolworths at Cabarita

Get ready to block your ears on Thursday morning, because there is going to be an almighty crunch as thousands of children around NSW simultaneously bite into fresh vegetables.

The Big Vegie Crunch is part of Vegetable Week, an annual event promoting vegetables to kids and families. Only around 5% of children in NSW eat enough vegetables.

This year, children from 56 schools and 78 Early Childhood Learning Centres in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) will join with tens of thousands of other children across the state in an attempt to break the record for simultaneous vegie eating.

The Acting Manager of Health Promotion for NNSWLHD, Gavin Dart, said the aim of the Big Vegie Crunch is not only to get kids excited about breaking a record, but to encourage them to try different vegies every day.

“It’s recommended that children between 4 and 12 years eat around five serves of vegetables a day, but very few children are doing that.

“There can be lots of reasons that kids don’t eat vegetables – they may not have access to them, they don’t like the taste, or think they are boring.

“Events like this help kids have fun while learning about food with their friends, and they may try different vegies and find they enjoy them.

“We encourage kids to ‘Eat The Rainbow’ which is one of the best ways to make sure they are getting the different vitamins and minerals packed into vegetables of different colours,” Mr Dart said.

Students at Biala Special School in Ballina are among those aiming to break the Big Crunch record.

Principal Bhavni Stewart said Biala school is proud of its vegie garden, which has created a deeper connection and understanding of the ‘paddock to plate’ journey of food.

“Both our Primary and High School students are cooking recipes based on the food they pick and are tasting a range of herbs on top of their dishes,” Ms Stewart said.

Media contact: Lee Duncan 0447 902 641

Grants of up to $200,000 are available for funding projects in your community that support physical and mental wellbeing, by enabling healthy and active lifestyles.

An example for healthy communities could be youth outreach programs to build digital connections to mental health resources, or new community gardens to grow your own healthy food or learn how.

Start thinking about projects to benefit the community where you live. New playground equipment or sports facilities for the kids, paths or ramps to improve access, a community garden to reinvigorate an empty space – these are all things that can revitalise a community and enable healthy and active living.

How does it work?
You can participate in My Community Project as an:
• Applicant – propose a community project for funding
• Project sponsor – support a local project proposed by someone in your community. A project sponsor must be an incorporated, not-for-profit organisation or other agency that is located within the project’s area
• Voter – vote for the projects within your electorate that you’d like to see funded.

How and when can I apply?
Project applications will open on 2 April 2019 and must be supported by a project sponsor. Project applications will close on 15 May 2019.

How do I vote for projects?
Voting will be open for four weeks from 15 July to 15 August 2019. Everyone living in NSW aged 16 years or older will be able to vote for the projects in their electorate.
More information

For more information, visit My Community Project.

My Community Project is an initiative of the NSW Government.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is now inviting submissions from the community to identify potential viable and sustainable future uses of the Coraki Conference Centre property.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is now open, and will close on Wednesday 27 March 2019.

The two-stage process will require respondents to provide an initial submission as part of Stage 1 by Wednesday 27 March.

Proposals will be assessed against the criteria identified in the EOI document and shortlisted proposals will progress to Stage 2, where further information will be required.

To obtain a copy of the EOI document and information pack, please contact NNSWLHD-CorakiEOI@health.nsw.gov.au or phone 6620 7373.

Mental health services and support is available for individuals and communities affected by the recent bushfires in Northern NSW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Grafton-based doctors are bringing the latest knowledge and expertise to the Emergency Department after completing advanced training in emergency medicine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New nursing and midwifery graduates have started their careers in Grafton and Maclean, with Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, personally welcoming them to the area today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kyogle residents are gearing up for a healthy year, with the town being selected as one of five rural NSW towns to compete in the 2019 Healthy Town Challenge.

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Media contact: Lee Duncan 0447 902 641

Byron Central Hospital (BCH) has received five new wheelchairs thanks to a donation by the local Freemasons Lodge in conjunction with their Grand Charity MasoniCare.

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

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

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

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

“We’re thrilled to be receiving yet another generous donation from Freemasons Byron Bay who have supported us for a number of years,” she said.
“At about $500 each, new wheelchairs aren’t cheap, but having even a few more means we can move patients around the hospital much more efficiently and safely.

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

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

“It is really great to see the excellent work our lodges are doing across NSW,” Grandmaster Robson said.
“The Byron Bay Freemasons have now raised more than $12,000 for the Byron Central Hospital in the last few years. It is one of many local organisations we like to support.”

The arrival of new specialist nurses is set to further improve mental health care in the Northern Rivers and across NSW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit the TMHNP website.

New doctors have started in hospitals and health services across New South Wales, with 18 of the new interns starting their one-year internship at The Tweed Hospital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As families start preparing school uniforms and backpacks ready for going back to school, now is a good time to think about how to give kids a positive start to their school year.

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

That’s where the free Go4Fun program can help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Aboriginal Go4Fun program will be held in Casino.

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

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

NSW Health is reminding people to be cautious during the extreme heatwave conditions that are forecast for the rest of this week.

Director of Environmental Health, Dr Richard Broome, urged people to stay indoors during the heat of the day, minimise physical activity and keep hydrated during the heatwave.

“We’re expecting temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius for much of the state until Saturday, so once again I’d encourage everyone to take the risk of heat related illness seriously,” Dr Broome said.

“We know that conditions like these can cause severe illness, hospital admission and even deaths.

“Heat puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke. It can also make underlying health conditions worse.

“People over 75, people with chronic medical conditions and people who live alone are particularly vulnerable.

“Simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

“It’s best to try and avoid the heat of the day by staying indoors. If you don’t have air conditioning, using a fan and keeping curtains shut can help to keep you cool. It’s also important to minimise physical activity and to drink plenty of water.

“It’s also really important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives because they may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Signs of heat-related illness include;

dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst,

Dr Broome said it’s important to get to a cool place quickly if symptoms occur.

People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention, in an emergency situation call Triple Zero (000).

More information can be found at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat

• fainting,
• muscle pains or cramps,
• headache,
• changes in skin colour,
• rapid pulse,
• shallow breathing,
• vomiting
• confusion

Health staff, community delegates, and construction workers today joined Member for Lismore, Thomas George, to celebrate the ‘topping out’ of the Lismore Base Hospital North Tower as the project reached its final height.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When complete the North Tower will include:

new inpatient wards, including one medical and one surgical ward a new intensive care unit and high dependency unit

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

• new pharmacy
• new imaging/radiology unit
• new peri-operative unit
• hospital administration facilities
• additional plant facilities

The Northern NSW Local Health District has today welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of more than 250 scholarships to study nursing and start a career with NSW Health.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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