The New Year is traditionally a time for many people around the world to decide to quit smoking. There is help at hand for making the resolution stick.

Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, says a great first step for someone wanting to quit smoking, is to ring the Quitline for support.

“January is often when people start to think about making a fresh, healthy and smoke-free start to the year. The benefits are enormous.

 

“Within a day of being smoke free, the carbon monoxide level in a smoker’s blood has decreased dramatically and within a week your tastebuds come alive, your sense of smell improves and your breath, hair, fingers, teeth and clothes are cleaner,” Ms Adams said.

Ms Adams says smokers who go tobacco-free are giving a gift to their families.

“In children, breathing environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and other illnesses. And children of smokers are four times more likely to become smokers themselves.”

 

“While the overall smoking rate has declined to 15%, we know there are communities where smoking remains prevalent.”

Ms Adams said tobacco smoking causes around 6,850 deaths and 62,979 hospitalisations a year in NSW and remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death in Australia.

In 2018-19 the Government is investing more than $13.5 million on tobacco control. This includes public awareness and education campaigns, quit smoking support, compliance and enforcement of smoke-free laws, and targeted programs for vulnerable groups.

As part of the 2018 Innovation in Cancer Control grants, the NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, awarded almost $1.2 million in funding for four innovative, locally run tobacco control projects. Projects driven by organisations that have trusted relationships within the community are important to delivering engaging and culturally appropriate health messages directly to people most at risk.

“Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as lozenges, patches, gum or inhaler, can help smokers quit by reducing their withdrawal symptoms when stopping smoking.”

Ms Adams advises people who are planning to quit to:

Set a date – in January and stick with your decision to quit. Get organised – write a list of reasons for quitting such as health, finances and children. Remind yourself of the reasons by putting the list on your fridge, in the car, by the phone and in your wallet. Get some support – ask your family, friends and work mates to help with your attempt to quit. They can help distract and refrain from smoking around you, if they smoke themselves.

Smokers can start planning now for their quit attempt by calling the Quitline on 137 848 for advice, support and a Quit Kit.

For information on how to quit smoking: Visit www.iCanQuit.com.au

• Find a ‘QUIT BUDDY’ – for mutual encouragement and support.
• Call the free Quitline 137 848 / 13QUIT – a Quitline advisor can also ring you when you need support and encouragement.
• Identify smoking patterns – when do you enjoy smoking the most? What events trigger your need to smoke? Keep a diary and plan what to do instead of smoking.
• Plan ahead – many people quit ‘cold turkey’ – relying on willpower alone. However, if that’s not for you, nicotine replacement therapy can double your chances of having a successful quit attempt, particularly if you are moderately or highly nicotine dependent (if you smoke within 30 minutes of waking up or smoke 10+ cigarettes per day); try a quit smoking course or talk to your GP.
• Get a piggy bank – put the money you would spend on cigarettes in a piggy bank or jar and watch the money grow. Make a list of what you can spend the money on.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is advising Northern NSW residents to take precautions against the spread of influenza over the holiday period as unseasonably high numbers of cases have been reported across the region in recent weeks.

There have been 771 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported in residents of the Northern NSW Local Health District so far this year.

“While this is well below the 2,820 cases reported in the same period in 2017, the 130 cases reported in the last four weeks is well above the average for this time of year,” Paul Corben, Director North Coast Public Health Unit said.

 

“Frequent hand washing is one of the best lines of defence against flu, together with annual vaccination.”

You can help fight the spread of flu by:

Getting your flu vaccination annually Coughing and sneezing into your elbow Cleaning your hands Stay home when sick.

By immunising younger children, those more vulnerable in the community will also be protected, including babies too young to receive a flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is free for pregnant women, children up to five years of age and people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

The NSW Government is spending a record $22.75 million on state-wide immunisation programs this year. This includes $3.5 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.75 million immunisation and influenza prevention campaign.

“We encourage parents to take up the offer of the free vaccine for children under five, as children in this age group are particularly vulnerable to influenza,” Mr Corben said.

 

“Children being vaccinated for the first time require two doses of the vaccine, one month apart.”

Parents and carers in the Northern NSW Local Health District are encouraged to download the improved, free ‘Save the Date to Vaccinate’ app to ensure their children receive vaccinations on time.

With better functionality and new features, the app is a part of NSW Health’s annual campaign to remind parents and carers to get their children immunised against serious vaccine preventable diseases.

Director North Coast Public Health, Paul Corben, said on-time vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from serious diseases.

“Babies, particularly in their first six months, are susceptible to dangerous diseases. For their best defence, vaccination needs to happen on-time, in line with the NSW Immunisation Schedule,” Mr Corben said.

 

“The new Save the Date to Vaccinate app assists parents and carers to manage their child’s vaccinations by creating a personalised immunisation schedule.

“One of the features of the app includes reminder notifications, letting parents and carers know when it’s time to vaccinate their child and the vaccinations they need.

“Delaying vaccination when your little one is feeling off colour is a normal response. But the truth is, even if they have a runny nose or slight cold, they can still receive their vaccination.

“Delaying vaccination for even a few weeks can put a child at risk of getting a life-threatening disease.

Latest vaccination figures show that by five years of age 90.4 per cent of children in Northern NSW LHD were fully vaccinated.

In NSW, 94.5 per cent of children in that age group are fully immunised.”

With a spike in whooping cough (pertussis) being experienced across NSW and in some parts of the north coast, Mr Corben said it was a timely reminder to urge parents and carers to download the app.

NSW Health recently issued a community alert after recording almost 800 people in NSW were diagnosed with whooping cough, the highest number since October 2016.

Broad community support for childhood immunisation has continued to improve, with the childhood immunisation rate increasing from 91.4% in 2012 to 93.9% in 2017. PAGE 2 OF 2

Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $120 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

Download the free ‘Save The DateTo Vaccinate’ app at: www.immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au

Residents in and around Bonalbo now have access to a state of the art health facility, with the official opening of the new Bonalbo Multi-Purpose Service.

On 11 December, NSW Member for Lismore, Thomas George and Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, officially opened the building which provides emergency and acute care and community health services, as well as a purpose-built Residential Aged Care facility.

“This is a very exciting day for the community of Bonalbo and the surrounding region, and especially for those who will now be living and working in this beautiful facility,” Mr George said.

The new Bonalbo MPS was constructed in two stages and replaces the former Bonalbo Hospital and Bonalbo Community Centre.

Stage 1 comprised a 15-bed Residential Aged Care (RAC) facility, a 24-hour emergency department, acute inpatient beds, and outpatient and GP consultations rooms, while Stage 2 comprised the laundry and kitchen facilities for the RAC section, acute inpatient beds, as well as a meeting room, mortuary, Ambulance bay, and staff amenities.

“I have been pushing for better health services in the Bonalbo region and the completion of this new state-of-the-art facility is a great day for the community,” Mr George said.

Community members joined health representatives and the new residents of the RAC facility at today’s official proceedings.

Residents of the former Caroona Uniting Care facility moved into the new Bonalbo MPS RAC last week. The new MPS was made possible as part of the NSW Health State-wide $300 million MPS Program of works to upgrade existing, or build new MPS facilities in a number of rural and remote communities across NSW.

“This is great news for our community. It is crucial that the right health care services are available for members of our community as they age,” Mr Hogan said.

“This is why facilities such as the new Bonalbo MPS, which combine acute and community based health care facilities with residential aged care living are so important for rural and remote areas.”

The MPS model is a long standing joint initiative between the NSW Government and the Australian Government to provide a range of integrated health and aged care services to meet the unique needs of small regional and remote communities.

The NSW Government provides funding for the delivery of health services and the necessary capital infrastructure while the Australian Government provides funding for an agreed number of aged care places.

Top image: L-R: Bonalbo MPS Nurse Manager Cheryl Ducat, Member for Lismore Thomas George, Uncle Harry Walker, Bonalbo Save Our Service member Joan Tart and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.

The Board and Executive of the Northern NSW Local Health District invite you to our 2018 Community Stakeholder Annual Meeting.

Join us to hear about the LHD’s 2018 performance, achievements and plans for the future.

Guest speaker is Thomas George MP Member for Lismore

Presentations will be made to health services staff with 45+ years’ service.

Wednesday, 12 December

3pm to 5pm followed by refreshments

The Gateway Motel, Ballina Road, Lismore

For more information please contact Gerald May: NNSWLHD-Engagement@health.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6620 2217

This summer, Byron Central Hospital is hosting its first art exhibition, with works from Pottsville-based artist Debra Barrand.

From 4 December to 1 February, the public is able to view Debra’s work on display in the main hospital corridor.

Debra’s talent for painting came to light as part of her treatment journey through the Drug and Alcohol Service in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

In 2017, a $2000 grant provided Debra and another client with equipment and resources each to create an art piece. The grant formed part of the funds allocated to NNSWLHD from the NSW Health and the Arts Framework.

“It’s amazing to see how much the project has helped Debra through her treatment and recovery,” said Michael Burgess, Drug and Alcohol Specialist for NNSWLHD.

 

“This project has evolved from small beginnings, and Debra has since been able to complete a number of other painting which are now forming this exhibition.”

“Art is a wonderful way for people to connect with their own experiences and with others around them, and it has been a really beneficial part of Debra’s recovery.”

The exhibition, Art in Healing, is now open to public, running until 1 February 2019 at Byron Central Hospital.

The first ever Northern Rivers Healthy Communities Summit was held in Ballina this week, promoting working together to create environments that encourage healthy eating and active living.

Around 90 people from across government and non-government agencies, councils, education, health services, sport and fitness, community services and farmers’ markets attended the summit, getting behind a whole-of-community approach to healthy and active living.

The summit was organised by the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Health Promotion Unit as part of a broader Healthy Communities project to tackle growing rates of overweight and obesity.

Since 1985, the proportion of Australian children who are overweight has doubled and the prevalence of obesity trebled. In NSW, child overweight and obesity has been relatively stable over the last ten years, but at 21% is still a cause for concern.

NNSWLHD Health Promotion Manager Jillian Adams said it is alarming that two thirds of Australian adults are now overweight or obese.

“For the first time in the modern era, our children may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

 

“The rise in childhood and adult obesity is causing unprecedented levels of heart disease, diabetes, and liver disease and increased risk of stroke, respiratory disease and cancer,” Ms Adams said.

In 2018/19 NSW Health is investing $38 million to tackle obesity, $25 million of which has been allocated specifically to fight childhood obesity, through the Healthy Eating Active Living Strategy, with targeted programs, public education and health professionals’ advice to reduce childhood overweight.

Ms Adams said that tackling this issue goes beyond individual willpower.

“There are many social and environmental factors causing these increasing rates of overweight, including our sedentary lifestyles- our car-based, screen-based, fast-food world.

 

“We need to change the direction we’re headed, but the Health sector can’t do this alone, so we are calling for a whole of community approach.”

With almost half of all people diagnosed with HIV in the late stage of infection, NSW Health is marking HIV Awareness Week by urging those at risk to be regularly tested.

During HIV Awareness Week (23-30 November) and in the lead up to World AIDS Day on 1 December, NSW Health is reminding people to test for HIV with various high quality HIV testing options now available.

In 2018-19, NSW Health is investing $21.9 million in services to strengthen HIV testing, treatment and prevention.

Northern NSW Local Health District Manager HIV and Related Programs, Jenny Heslop said NSW is on track to achieving its goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2020, with a 23 per cent drop in the number of new diagnoses in NSW.

“We want to see this downward trend continue and urge anyone at risk of HIV to ensure they are regularly tested,” Ms Heslop said.

 

“Once a person is diagnosed, they can start treatment early, improve their health and prevent the virus from being passed on to others.”

From January to September 2018, 191 NSW residents presented with a newly diagnosed HIV infection compared with 249 during the same periods in 2013-2017, according to the NSW HIV Data Report.

“This reduction is due to more people seeking early testing and treatment, as well as the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP),” Ms Heslop said.

PrEP, the use of medications to prevent HIV in those at risk, is also used traditionally to treat the infection. It is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

“The highly successful NSW Health EPIC-NSW trial made PrEP available to 9,414 people at risk of HIV from 1 March 2016 to 30 April 2018.”

The data also shows from January to September 2018 there were 42 per cent fewer Australian-born men having sex with men diagnosed with early stage HIV infection, compared to the same period over the past five years.

“HIV in overseas-born men who have sex with men as well as heterosexual men, is often diagnosed late, which can lead to avoidable HIV-related illness,” said Ms Heslop.

For information on HIV testing, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/hiv-test.

Pictured above is NNSWLHD Manager HIV and Related Programs, Jenny Heslop.

On 17 November, Member for Lismore Thomas George officially opened the newly refurbished Urbenville Multi-Purpose Service Emergency Department. The event was part of a community open day which also included free health checks, information stalls and entertainment by local school children. 

The refurbishments to the Emergency Department were part of $430,000 funding from the NSW Government aimed at improving the facilities for both patients and staff at the important service.

“It was great to see many locals turn out to Saturday’s open day, looking to see what changes had been made to the emergency department as well as finding out what facilities are available to them locally and across our health district,” Mr George said.

“Some of the works which have taken place in the ED include refurbishment of the waiting and triage areas as well as the addition of a new treatment bay and examination area.”

“Urbenville MPS plays a vital role in the local community and I’m excited to be able to open the doors and invite residents to see the variety of services on offer, tour the new Emergency Department and meet some of our fabulous staff,” Mr George said.

As students celebrate the end of HSC exams, school formals and ‘schoolies’, one of the biggest concerns amongst parents is how to keep their teenagers safe when they are out with friends and away from adult help.

For almost 20 years, Northern NSW Local Health District has run the RRISK local health promotion program, helping our young people make informed choices to ensure they drive and celebrate safely.

RRISK, or Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge, promotes key safety messages including planning ahead, knowing the facts 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).

Paul Dillon is also presenting free seminars for parents and professionals to help them sort out fact from fiction on a range of current alcohol and drug trends and provide information on keeping young people as safe as possible when partying.

The seminars include an examination of the Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug survey and The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

Parent seminars are open to all parents and interested community members.

Tuesday 20 November, 6pm – The Mullumbimby Steiner School, 349 Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Thursday 22 November, 6pm – Alstonville High School, Cawley Close, Alstonville

Paul Dillon is also facilitating a full day of professional development for teachers and professionals at Lennox Head on 26 November, with an emphasis on school-based strategies.

To register, please contact Rebecca Smith Rebecca.smith10@health.nsw.gov.au.

The Year 11 seminars will be held:

In Tweed – Monday 19 November, and Tuesday 20 November, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus In Lismore – Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 November, Southern Cross University, Lismore Campus

Astudy in Northern NSW has found that an electronic alert on a patient’s medical record may help improve the responses of health staff to women and children at risk of violence, abuse or neglect.

Health workers are often the first people to respond to victims and survivors of violence. Having access to information about a client’s safety and wellbeing at the point of treatment means staff can make a more informed assessment, leading to better outcomes for vulnerable women and their children.

The research paper released this week by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) highlights results from a local study of health workers in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) using alerts applied to patients’ electronic medical records (eMR).

EMR is an electronic system used within hospitals to support provision of clinical care to patients, enhance communication between clinicians and inform their decision- making. Alerts are commonly used within hospital eMRs to highlight potential clinical safety risks, such as abnormal pathology results or interactions between different types of medications.

As part of the study, 180 health workers were asked to assess the impact of ‘child-at-risk’ alerts on the way they responded to at-risk children and pregnant women presenting through the health system.

“Around three-quarters of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the eMR alert system helped improve health worker responses to at-risk women and children,” Wayne Jones, Chief Executive, NNSWLHD, said.

 

“Results also show one-third of surveyed staff reported a change in their approach to the assessment of a patient after seeing an eMR alert on a patient file.”

Child-At-Risk eMR alerts enable health staff to share interpersonal violence, abuse and neglect concerns with each other 24 hours a day. These alerts are only accessible by the treating clinician, and are subject to the same privacy controls as other sensitive information on a patient’s medical record.

NNSWLHD has had a comprehensive Child-At-Risk (eMR) alert system in place since 2015.

NNSWLHD Child Protection Manager, Rosemaria Flaherty, said the system is not about re-reporting, but about additional referrals.

“It’s about making it easier to remove barriers for people at risk who need further follow up care,” Ms Flaherty said.

Around three-quarters of those staff in the study who had applied an alert to an eMR reported that they tried to resolve any barriers to client attendance at appointments.

“The national frameworks for protecting children and reducing violence against women and their children emphasise how important it is that this becomes everybody’s business,” Professor Fiona Arney from the Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia, said.

 

“This research shows that it can become everyone’s business, and that you can have, in a complex, large public health system, an approach that achieves this.”

ANROWS CEO, Dr Heather Nancarrow, says that the research could have implications for health sector practices across the country.

“We know that the health sector has an important role to play in addressing violence against women and children and it’s encouraging to see this role increasingly recognised,” Dr Nancarrow said.

The research was conducted by University of South Australia and NNSWLHD. The report, Research report Examining the power of Child-At-Risk electronic medical record (eMR) alerts to share interpersonal violence, abuse and neglect concerns: Do child protection alerts help? is out today through ANROWS https://www.anrows.org.au/node/1428

Media Release - Child at Risk Alert - report launch

Providing tools for people to help themselves and others is the focus of the fifth annual Health Care Community Engagement Conference in Ballina on 22 November.

The Conference will feature internationally-respected researcher and author Dr Ray Moynihan. Dr Moynihan is well-known for his research into the issue of over-diagnosis.

A senior research fellow at Bond University’s Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Dr Moynihan says there is evidence that over-diagnosis is harming many people and even impacting the sustainability of the health care system.

“In sharing my research with the community, I’m interested in helping people understand the issue of over-diagnosis: how it might be avoided and how having a bigger say in your own health care could lead to better outcomes,” Dr Moynihan said.

The conference is an initiative of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee (CEAC), the peak community advisory group for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and North Coast Primary Health Network.

This free event brings together health consumers, community representatives, health workers, clinicians and academics from across Northern NSW.

There will be information stalls offering free health checks, and information on healthy lifestyles and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The theme of the 2018 conference is ‘Improving Health – Everybody’s Business, Everyone’s Responsibility’ and features a wide range of health care topics including pain management, My Health Record, dementia and domestic violence.

“The conference is aimed at empowering and informing people about the health care system and being able to learn from the experiences of others,” CEAC Chair Anne O’Donoghue said.

The conference is open to the public, carers and service providers. Registration is from 8.15 am on Thursday, 22 November. Pre-register on Eventbrite.com. The conference program is available on the NSWLHD website.

For more information, contact Gerald May, NNSWLHD Community Engagement Manager, on 0438 882 817.

Media Release - CEAC Health Care Conference focus on diagnosis issues

If you have visited your local GP or attended an Emergency Department (ED) recently in Grafton or Maclean, you may have noticed some fresh faces assisting with your care.

The Clarence Valley is currently hosting four medical students from the University of Wollongong who are spending 12 months living, working and training in Northern NSW.

As part of their medical degree, Keiran, Matt, Jack and Felix spend part of their week working in the Emergency Departments at Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital.

The ED is often one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of a regional placement, and the upcoming Jacaranda Festival adds an extra level of complexity to an already busy environment.

To stay ahead of these challenges, students and staff participate in simulation-based education designed to reflect the real stressors and complexities that Emergency Department staff may experience.

“The ED provides exposure to such a wide variety of cases, from the least urgent, to those requiring resuscitation or immediate transport by helicopter to a bigger center. The team work and coordination is such a big factor,” Medical student Keiran Davis said.

Students also immerse themselves in the community during their stay, this year participating in the dragon boat race as part of the Festival.

The University of Wollongong (UoW) has a strong focus on attracting medical students with rural or regional backgrounds, and has been placing medical students in the Clarence Valley region for clinical placements since 2009.

Agroup of volunteers whose decade-long advocacy helped to maintain local health services were honoured this week at Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS).

Member for Lismore, Thomas George, joined Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, on 1 November to unveil a plaque on the new Wall of Fame at the Kyogle MPS.

The plaque recognises the outstanding contribution of the Kyogle Health Services Planning and Steering Committee in advocating for a Multi-Purpose Service at Kyogle. The Kyogle MPS was opened in November 2005.

Wayne Jones paid tribute to the founding members of the committee, Ruth Barringham, Joe Llewellyn, Mary Garred and Tom FitzGerald, OAM.

“I am delighted to formally recognise the tireless commitment and support Ruth, Joe, Mary and Tom provided in developing this magnificent facility for the Kyogle community,” Wayne Jones, Chief Executive NNSWLHD, said.

“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when dedicated community members and the Local Health District share common goals and work together.”

Committee chairperson Tom FitzGerald said he was pleased by today’s recognition.

“The Kyogle Community strongly supported the Steering Committee in their endeavours to obtain a new model of Health Care for Kyogle District,” Tom said.

Member for Lismore Thomas George said one of the first representations ever made to him when he was elected in 1999 was from Tom FitzGerald and the committee.

“At the time, the committee had been working hard to develop a plan and seek Government support for the Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service project.

“Since then it has been a privilege and an honour working with the committee and watching this important service take shape. The Kyogle community should take great pride in this achievement being documented at this facility.”

Pictured above, from left: NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones, Director of Nursing MPS Network Nancy Martin, Committee member Mary Garred, Member for Lismore Thomas George and Committee chairperson Tom FitzGerald OAM.

Information stalls, face painting and a family barbecue will all be part of a community Information Day being held to provide details of the new Evans Head HealthOne.

The Information Day will be held in the grounds of the Evans Head Community Health Centre on Thursday, 8 November 2018 from 4pm to 7pm.

Acting Chief Executive of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Lynne Weir said the Information Day would provide a range of information on the new HealthOne facility.

“Progress is underway to construct the new HealthOne on the current Community Health Centre site and we will have concept plans of the facility on display,” Ms Weir said.

“I invite the community to come and find out about the range of services that we will be providing at the new facility.

“Having a modern and contemporary health facility will mean that we are able to introduce additional health services in Evans Head.”

The NSW Government announced a new state-of-the-art HealthOne for Evans Head late last year, as part of the $100 million statewide HealthOne program.

The new HealthOne will accommodate:

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.

“The current Community Health Centre is not equipped to provide these modern health services, and we are currently at capacity in the old building,” Ms Weir said.

“We are looking forward to being able to offer these tailored services on site, thanks to the clinical rooms, gymnasium and treatment spaces planned for the new HealthOne facility.

The current site is ideally located close to existing GP services which will link into the services provided by HealthOne, and there is space on site for much needed car parking.

Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) is excited to welcome several new faces to its Women’s Care Unit as new permanent staff join the team.

In March, Staff Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Meenu Sharma moved from the United Kingdom to take up a position at GBH.

In September, Staff Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Kanewala Jayasekara came on board after training in the UK and working in Western Sydney.

Dr Jayasekara said a number of qualities attracted him to the unit, including the community feel, the teaching opportunities and the lifestyle.

“I have no hesitation in moving my whole family here to the beautiful Clarence Valley to build a life. My wife is a GP and looks forward to joining the community. We plan on being here for the long term to serve the local community,” Dr Jayakesara said.

In 2018/19 the NSW Government is investing $8.1 million to recruit a further 80 new specialised nursing, midwifery and support positions.

L-R: Clinical Midwifery Educator Alison Fels, midwives Sarah Beale, Breahn Schmitzer and Jackie Stephenson.

Seven new midwives from various locations in NSW and Queensland have also joined GBH this year.

“We’re thrilled to be able to attract these skilled staff to the Clarence Valley. Bringing new staff on board is always rewarding for everyone,” Tina Morrison, Acting Midwifery Unit Manager said.

“Our existing staff not only get to learn from the experiences of new staff members, but are also able to mentor them and share their knowledge of midwifery.”

The Maternity Unit provides care for women across the Clarence Valley through a team approach with doctors and midwives working together. In 2017-18, 361 babies were born at the facility.

The Women’s Care Unit is a family-friendly unit providing a range of services to support women and new families, including a 4-bed Special Care Nursery, home visiting after birth and birth and parenting groups during pregnancy.

Midwife Keltie Foster moved to the Clarence Valley several years ago after living in the city, and fell in love with working in the Women’s Care Unit.

“I truly feel privileged to be a part the team that is here to provide women and baby-centred care at a wonderfully unique time in their lives,” Keltie said.

Top image: Grafton Base Hospital Women’s Care Unit staff cutting the cake. L-R: midwives Keltie Foster, Alison Fels, Breahn Schmitzer, and Jackie Stephenson, Dr. Meenu Sharma Staff Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecology, midwife Sarah Beale and Tina Morrison Acting Nurse Unit Manager.

The Urbenville Multi-Purpose Service has been recognised in the 2018 NSW Health Awards for improving residents’ quality of life thanks to a program aimed at creating a homelier environment.

As part of the program, the team implemented actions to improve the lifestyle and wellbeing of people living in the residential aged care on site.

They focussed on the physical comfort of residents, their mood and emotional wellbeing and their relationships with fellow residents, carers and staff.

Nurse Manager of Urbenville MPS, Nicole Ellevsen, said the team looked at ways to redesign their clinical practice to benefit their residents.

“This project represents a shift from the traditional model of care in aged care settings across the healthcare system towards a wellbeing model,” Nicole said.

The NSW Government has invested more than $40 million towards continuing funding for Multipurpose Services to provide health and aged care services for small and remote rural communities.

Following the success of the Urbenville project, it has been named as a finalist in the category ‘Patients as Partners’ in this year’s NSW Health Awards.

Residents at the MPS now have access to Skype to communicate easily with loved ones, more social outings and recreational activities have been added to the calendar and a gardening club is now up and running.

“Skype was really important for us, it was fantastic,” said Trish Wilson, a relative of a resident.

“The use of technology is vital for rural communities to stay in touch, especially for people who are working and cannot easily be with their loved ones.”

Simple changes to the dining experience created a more home-like environment.

These changes included re-introducing butter, jams and sauces on tables in place of pre-packaged condiments, using ceramic crockery, redesigning the dining and recreation area and enabling residents to bake fresh bread.

“It’s been great to see the changes. It’s provided our residents with more choice and independence and improved their overall wellbeing,” Assistant in Nursing, Daniel Dickens, said.

The NSW Health Awards recognise innovation and excellence in the delivery of health programs and services throughout the NSW public health system. The Awards will be held in Sydney on 5 November.

Pictured top: staff from Urbenville MPS.

Two senior nurses from Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) are among the finalists in this year’s Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Held annually since 2013, the awards recognise the contribution and dedication of the 52,000 nurses and midwives working across the state in the NSW public health system.

Clinical Nurse Consultant, Kathryn De Souza, is a finalist in the category ‘Excellence in Innovation- Education’ for her work in dementia care and training.

Kathryn has co-designed, developed and delivered online education programs in dementia care for clinicians across NSW. She is regarded as a leader in dementia education.

“I am deeply honoured to have been nominated for this award in recognition for the work we are doing in providing dementia education for staff across NSW,” Kathryn said.

“I am blessed to have one of the best jobs in the district. I absolutely love the work we do on the dementia care team.

“Each one of us wants to see the best outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers.”

Nurse Practitioner Anne Moehead is a finalist in the category ‘Excellence in Nursing/Midwifery – Clinical Leadership’.

Anne is an expert in the field of psychogeriatrics and dementia, leading the way in innovative dementia education, which is evidence-based and transferrable to the workplace.

Anne is known for her integrity, humility and leadership spirit and her belief in the people she is working with.

The award ceremony will be held at NSW Parliament House on 27 September.

Between mid 2012 and mid 2018 NNSWLHD has increased its workforce by an additional 655 additional full time equivalent staff – an increase of over 17 per cent including 140 more doctors and 183 more nurses.

Pictured above are Anne Moehead (L) and Kathryn De Souza.

Hospital emergency departments will have a greater focus on care and compassion under a new trial aimed at improving the patient experience.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard today announced a six-month trial at four hospitals that will provide better amenities and more information to patients and their families.

“Going to an emergency department to seek care or to support someone who needs help is a stressful and even traumatic experience,” Mr Hazzard said.

“While the NSW health system already provides some of the best clinical care in the world, the NSW Government is committed to doing everything we can to make the experience itself more welcoming.”

The trial will begin in November at Blacktown, Lismore, Liverpool and Nepean hospitals.

“Some of the best ideas are often the simplest – this is about making people feel as comfortable and cared for as possible and providing families and friends with a better experience while they wait for updates on their loved ones.”

The trial will introduce a patient experience role to greet patients and their loved  ones on arrival at emergency, and provide information throughout each stage of their care, including key information on where to go, what to expect during the visit and real time updates on where they are in the queue.

This role will complement the great work already done every day by emergency department staff, freeing up our doctors and nurses to focus on clinical care and will support more than 16,000 nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals and hospital support staff which have been added by the NSW Liberals and Nationals since coming to government.

Some of the other initiatives under the trial include:

Access to free WiFi, mobile phone charging stations, additional power points , water, refreshments and other essentials aimed at improving the waiting room experience; Tailored information sent to the patient’s mobile device about what to expect during their stay in the emergency department specific to their visit, and fact sheets on their particular condition/ treatment options as well as ongoing care after discharge, all available in multiple languages; Professional development for emergency department clinical staff on delivering a better patient experience.

In 2018-19 the NSW Government is investing a record $22.9 billion in health, representing a $1.1 billion increase on the 2017-18 Budget. This includes $19.2 billion towards improving services in hospitals in NSW this year.

An investment of $759 million for acute patient services will fund an additional 40,000 emergency department attendances in addition to 2.9 million already provided.

The trial is based on successful models in other organisations such as Service NSW as well as hospitals overseas. NSW Health has partnered with Service NSW and the NSW Customer Service Commission to learn from their experiences in delivering improvements to customer service.

Medical students in Grafton and Maclean have received a significant boost to their educational facilities, thanks to a funding grant from the University of Wollongong (UoW).

Staff, students and community members can now access new equipment, resources and educational support infrastructure as a result of this recent funding.

The $60,000 grant from UoW has enabled an unused area at Maclean District Hospital to be converted into a dedicated computer and study space, and the installation of new video conference equipment, library books and a renovated education space at Aruma Community Health (Grafton).

“We are extremely thankful for the upgraded facilities, they have made a real difference to the education we can deliver locally,” Clarence Health Services General Manager, Dan Madden said.

The University of Wollongong has a strong focus on attracting medical students with rural or regional backgrounds. In collaboration with the North Coast University Centre for Rural Health, UoW has been placing medical students in the Clarence Valley region for 12-month clinical placements since 2009, with many of them choosing to live and work in regional areas after graduating.

While on placement in the Clarence Valley, senior medical students spend time at Grafton and Maclean Hospitals and local General Practices, as well as immersing themselves in the local community.

UoW Regional Academic Leader Dr Alastair McInnes, said the students on placement have a real impact on the local workforce and the community.

“They become an asset over their 12 month stay,” Dr McInnes said.

Hosting medical students in the region not only drives resource and infrastructure upgrades, but also has a positive impact on the local medical workforce.

“The enthusiasm and dedication the medical students bring is inspiring and often encourages our existing workforce to continually improve on their own skills and knowledge,” Dr McInnes said.

For more information on UoW medical student training in the region, contact Greta Enns on (02) 6641 8903.

For information on UoW’s Clarence Valley Regional Training Hub – supporting rural training pathways for medical graduates in the region, contact Joanne Chad on (02) 4221 8349.

Pictured above, left to right from back: Medical students Felix Loschetter, Jack Archer, Matthew McHugh and Keiran Davies, Clarence Valley Regional training Hub Director of Medical Education Dr Jean Collie, UoW Placement facilitator Greta Enns, Clarence Valley Regional training Hub program coordinator Joanne Chad (front L) and Manager of Community Health Jane Wear.

Patients who rely on life-saving kidney dialysis can now receive treatment on their doorstep, with the opening of a new satellite renal unit at Murwillumbah District Hospital.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George, officially opened the $1.1 million unit last week, which will cater to residents across the Tweed Valley.

“This service is a great addition to the wonderful Murwillumbah Hospital, and is designed to meet projections for future demand as our population ages and grows,” Mr George said.

“Satellite dialysis is a contemporary model of care with many patient benefits.

“Anyone who has undergone dialysis knows the toll it takes on their body, their family and their life.

“The additional capacity provided by this satellite renal unit will create benefits for all patients in the region. It will be a wonderful complement to the planned Tweed Valley Hospital development.

Murwillumbah District Hospital will remain open after the construction of the new $534 million Tweed Valley Hospital.

Mr George said the instillation of the new unit shows the NSW Government is committed to keeping the Murwillumbah Hospital open and operating as a valuable component of the public health network which provides services to the Tweed/Byron region in conjunction with The Tweed Hospital.

“We recognise the important role Murwillumbah District Hospital plays in delivering health services to the Tweed Valley communities.

“The facility and staff at Murwillumbah are highly valued, and they form an integral part of our network of health services,” Mr George said.

Planning and consultation for the design of the new unit was undertaken by Northern NSW Local Health District Management in conjunction with clinicians from Murwillumbah District Hospital and The Tweed Hospital.

The project was partially funded by the NSW Government’s Rural Health Minor Works Program.

As part of the extensive planning process for Tweed Valley Hospital, NNSWLHD will consider the range of clinical services to be provided at Murwillumbah moving forward.

Top image: From left, NNSWLHD Board Member Dr John Moran, Acting Chief Executive NNSWLHD Lynne Weir, patient Shirley Keever, Murwillumbah Deputy Director of Nursing Kylie Willmen, and Member for Lismore Thomas George.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), in partnership with Richmond Valley Council, is offering free classes on how to use new outdoor gym equipment at Evans Head.

The council recently installed the equipment on the river foreshore, and NNSWLHD is running a series of free ‘come and try’ sessions starting next month, to help people learn to use the equipment safely to improve their fitness.

NNSWLHD Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said the aim was to help make daily exercise easily accessible for local residents.

“There’s no doubt about it, being outdoors and active is great for both physical and mental health,” Jillian said.

“We are delighted that Richmond Valley Council has installed this fantastic equipment on the river foreshore for residents to enjoy whenever they want.

“Finding time to be active or get to the gym can be difficult, but this equipment makes it much easier – you can have a go during your morning stroll or even make an exercise routine out of it.

The free training sessions will help residents learn how to use the new equipment safely, as well as set health goals.

“It’s not only a great opportunity to get active, it’s a great way to have fun and socialise.”

Four (4) ‘Come and Try’ training sessions will be run in conjunction with the official opening of the new equipment.

First session: Tuesday 11 September from 9.30am – 12am (launch day).

Subsequent sessions: 9:30am – 10:30 am Thursdays 20/9, 27/9 and 4/10. Register for free by calling fitness instructor Linda: 0423 956 585.

Construction of Stage 2 of the new Bonalbo Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is progressing on schedule, with completion of the project expected later this year.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George, visited the new facility this week to speak with staff and view the progress of the second stage of construction.

Construction of Stage 1 commenced in January 2017 with the building comprising 15 residential aged care (RAC) beds, a 24-hour emergency department, acute inpatient beds, and outpatient and GP consultations rooms.

In April this year the Emergency Department, outpatient clinics and GP consultation room opened to the community. The RAC facility and acute inpatient unit are due to open at the completion of Stage 2, which comprises the ‘back-of-house’ staff facilities, kitchen, laundry, and staff accommodation required to support and operate the Multipurpose Service.

“The opening of Stage 1 in April was a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the old Bonalbo Hospital and Community Health Centre and I am pleased to see that it has been full steam ahead for the completion of Stage 2,” Mr George said.

“I have received a lot of positive feedback from both staff and community members regarding the new facility, and I am confident that this will be echoed once the residential aged care facility becomes operational later this year.”

The Bonalbo MPS project replaces the former hospital and community health building with a modern, integrated health facility providing residential aged care, 24-hour access to emergency and urgent care, inpatient beds, and allied health and community services.

Bonalbo MPS is part of a greater $300 million program of works to upgrade existing or build new MPS facilities in a number of rural and remote communities across NSW.

The MPS model tailors’ healthcare needs for the local community by integrating health, aged care services, and emergency services, to provide flexible health service delivery – from primary health care to acute and residential aged care.

Image: NNSWLHD Director Clinical Services, Lynne Weir; Health Infrastructure Senior Project Director MPS Network, Amanda Bock; NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Wayne Jones; Member for Lismore Thomas George, Bonalbo MPS Nurse Manager, Cheryl Ducat; NNSWLHD MPS Network A/Manager, Nicole Ellevsen; Health Infrastructure Project Director Bonalbo MPS, David Bedinfeld.

North Coast Public Health Unit has confirmed that there has only been one case of diphtheria reported in an adult patient in Northern NSW Local Health District in 2018.

Claims that this is the second case in Northern NSW this year are incorrect.

There have been no other cases of toxigenic diphtheria within this LHD since before 2001 (the period for which electronic records are available).

The patient who was diagnosed with diphtheria earlier this month is being treated with antibiotics in the community and all relevant contacts have been followed up in accordance with public health control guidelines.

It should be noted that the patient had a history of vaccination, and consequently did not suffer any of the potential severe effects of the infection. There is no evidence that low vaccination rates were associated with this person contracting the disease.

People can be infected or carry the bacteria that causes diphtheria and possibly show no symptoms at all.

Vaccination does not protect against infection with Diphtheria bacteria but protects against the severe effects that can be caused by toxins which can be produced by the bacteria.

Diphtheria is a very rare condition, notifiable to the local public health unit. It is most often spread in airborne droplets by coughing or sneezing and the bacteria is easily treated with antibiotics. Unvaccinated people who catch diphtheria may require a special antitoxin to combat the effects of the toxin.

Diphtheria vaccination is included on the standard immunisation schedule for children at six weeks, four and six months of age, with boosters at 18 months, four years and in Year Seven.

Symptoms of diphtheria usually begin two to five days after exposure, and include a sore throat, loss of appetite and mild fever. Within two to three days, a membrane forms over the throat and tonsils that can make it hard to swallow and breathe. The infection can also cause swelling in the lymph glands and tissues on both sides of the neck.

The infection can also cause inflammation of heart muscle and nerves, leading to death in five to 10 per cent of cases.

Patients concerned about symptoms should visit their General Practitioner or nearest emergency department.

NSW Health has more information about diphtheria on their website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Diphtheria.aspx

Around 200 clinicians and staff working in the aged care field gathered in Ballina for this year’s Aged Care Symposium on July 19 and 20.

An impressive line-up of guest presenters spoke on a wide range of topics at the two-day event, under this year’s theme, ‘Running the Race Against the Time Clock of Ageing’.

Symposium coordinator and Northern NSW Local Health District Nurse Practitioner Psychogeriatrics, Anne Moehead, said this year’s guest speaker line-up provided an opportunity to receive up-to-date information through a range of complex presentations, as well as best management practice for ageing and chronic disease.

“Experts in the field presented new and emerging practices and treatments for this complex client group,” Anne said.

The Symposium included international guest speaker Dr Antonio Fernando, presenting on Compassion in Medicine.

Other topics on the agenda included Parkinson’s Disease, Movement Disorders, Osteoporosis, Falls, Chronic Disease and Ageing and a hypothetical discussion on “The Meaning of Life: Ethical Dilemmas of Ageing”.

This year, for the first time, the Symposium heard from an expert on Spirituality and Ageing.

The symposium is a collaboration between the North Coast Primary Health Network, Industry Sponsors, and the NNSWLHD.

Top image: L-R, Professor Robert Elson, Dr Hugh Fairfull-Smith and Dr Bob Knight.

North Coast Primary Health Network and Northern NSW Local Health District are hosting 2 days of Consumer Representative training on 2nd and 3rd August in Goonellabah.

If you are interested in participating as a health consumer representative or finding out more information about the training please contact Corinne Martin on Ph: 0438 882 817 or corinne.martin@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au for further information or click here to register.

Click here to view the Health Consumers NSW training overview

An independent inquiry is being conducted into the oversight of the quality of care and safety of patients treated by Dr Emil Gayed in NSW public hospitals.

Dr Gayed previously worked at:

Grafton Base Hospital – Northern NSW Local Health District Kempsey District Hospital – Mid North Coast Local Health District Cooma Hospital – Southern NSW Local Health District Manning Base Hospital – Hunter New England Local Health District

The Secretary of NSW Health under Section 122 of the Health Services Act has appointed Gail Furness SC to conduct the inquiry. Ms Furness will be assisted in the inquiry by Dr Greg Jenkins, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist.

More information about the inquiry, and details on how to make a submission can be found on the NSW Health Website.

If you have any concerns about treatment you have received from Dr Gayed at Grafton Base Hospital, please call 1800 108 078.

• Mona Vale Hospital – Northern Sydney Local Health District.

The Emergency Department at Ballina District Hospital is set for a refurbishment, with $400,000 in additional works to commence soon.

The funding was announced today by the Nationals Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW Ben Franklin. The upgrades will create a dedicated waiting area for patients, as well as improvements to the triage area, and painting and general repairs.

“We know that a visit to the hospital can be a stressful experience, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make that time a little easier for patients and their families,” Mr Franklin said.

Ballina District Hospital is currently undergoing a $7.35 million upgrade to various departments, including medical records, surgical and other services.

“The physical environment in which doctors, nurses and other health professionals work has a major impact on the experience of patients and their families,” Mr Franklin said.

“By investing in that environment, alongside the work already underway, we are continuing to build an environment in the best interest of patients.

“Modern facilities are key to ensuring our clinicians and hospital staff can continue to provide the high-quality health care that our local communities deserve.”

Image: Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW, Ben Franklin; Acting Director of Nursing Ballina Hospital, Denise McCall; and NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Wayne Jones at Ballina District Hospital. 

Builders at the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment site celebrated National Reconciliation Week as well as their artistic achievements, thanks to a collaboration between the construction team and a local indigenous artist.

A painting was started during National Reconciliation Week 2017, when the construction workforce on the Lismore Base Hospital Redevelopment joined with indigenous artist Gilbert Laurie to create a piece of collaborative art.

Gilbert is a talented artist who belongs to the Yaegl and Widjibal tribes of the Bundjalung nation. Last year, Gilbert set up his canvas at the site compound and invited construction workers to try their hand at painting throughout the day.

In recognition of National Reconciliation Week this year, construction workers joined Gilbert last week to present the painting to Lismore Base Hospital to be hung permanently within the facility.

“Working on it and being involved was a great privilege,” Gilbert said. “It will be great to see where it’s hanging once it’s in the hospital.”

Brett Popham, John Holland Project Manager said it had been a rewarding experience for all involved.

“National Reconciliation Week is about coming together to celebrate respectful relationships. It’s an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture,” Brett said.

Narelle Gleeson, Acting General Manager, Lismore Base Hospital, said the painting was a beautiful piece of art which would help brighten the experience of people visiting the hospital.

“It will be a beautiful reminder to our staff and patients of the values of reconciliation, collaboration and teamwork, as well as providing something stunning to look at while they are here,” Ms Gleeson said.

The Lismore Base Hospital Stage 3 redevelopment includes a pilot of the Department of Industry’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP).

The ISLP program promotes targets for workforce training and participation, with the aim of allowing existing workers to learn new skills on the job and increasing the representation of young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women in the construction industry.

There is a project target of 4% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, which John Holland are currently exceeding.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George MP, inspected progress on Stage 3 of the Lismore Base Hospital Redevelopment Project last Friday.

Mr George toured the Little Uralba Street construction site to view construction of the North Tower: the final stage of the NSW Government’s election commitment to upgrade hospital facilities for Lismore and the surrounding townships.

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.

Mr George said the redeveloped hospital will ensure the community has access to a state-of-the-art hospital.

“This project will improve access, capacity and deliver a wider range of services to respond to the rapid growth in demand and the needs of the local community,” Mr George said.

“It’s a great day for the community, and I want to congratulate the Health District Board, Chair Brian Pezzutti, and also Lynne Weir, Director Clinical Operations with Northern NSW Local Health District.”

“Just last month we opened the new South Tower, which includes a new theatre suite, paediatrics and women’s care facilities. This is wonderful news for Lismore and the surrounding community.”

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; new pharmacy;

The North Tower is expected to be completed in 2020.

Pictured above: L-R, Member for Lismore Thomas George, NNSWLHD Director Clinical Operations Lynne Weir, and Acting General Manager Lismore Base Hospital addressing local media.

• new imaging/radiology unit;
• new peri-operative unit;
• hospital administration facilities;
• additional plant facilities.

The success of this year’s Corporate Karaoke Cup is providing a lift to patients undergoing cancer treatment in Lismore.

The annual fundraising event by the Cancer Compassionate Fund raised over $17,500, with a large portion of these funds going to support several local initiatives for patients and their families at the North Coast Cancer Institute (NCCI).

Corporate Karaoke is an opportunity for local businesses to come together for a fun evening of friendly competition whilst raising funds for a worthy cause.

“This event was only made possible because of the continued support of many local businesses, it was a laugh from start to finish keeping the 600-strong crowd well entertained,” Cancer Compassionate Fund Chair, Patrick Fitzbugden, said.

“This year we are focusing on positive experiences for patients while they undergo cancer treatment,” Patrick said. “We’re all about improving quality of life.”

Following the event’s success, the Cancer Compassionate Fund is donating more than $10,000 to support the work of the Lismore Wig Library, petrol vouchers for patients experiencing financial hardship due to travel costs, and the Delta Dog project at North Coast Cancer Institute.

The Wig Library is operated by Kay Johnson, a retired local hairdresser who volunteers her time. The funds will go towards updating the library and continuing this valuable service.

“With these funds I’ve been able to buy 40 new wigs,” Kay said.

Rosie the Delta Dog is in her third year of visiting patients at NCCI. Rosie and her human, Lola, visit each fortnight with many patients sharing their pet stories. Often patients are away from home for periods of time and their pets have to stay behind.

“I love visiting and have so much dog love to share!” woofed Rosie.

The donation will assist in maintaining the costs associated with Rosie’s registrations and health.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the Cancer Compassionate Fund and our community in providing these positive experiences for our patients,” Stephen Manley, Radiation Therapy Manager, NCCI, said.

The Cancer Compassionate Fund Inc was founded in 2015 to assist patients undergoing cancer treatment at the North Coast Cancer Institute who are most in need of financial assistance throughout their treatment journey.

To be involved with future fundraising events with the Cancer Compassionate Fund, contact Patrick Fitzbudgen on 0437 026 874 or email cancercompassionatefund@gmail.com.

Pictured above are, left to right:  NCCI Administration Officer Michelle Stone; Cancer Compassionate Fund Secretary Leanne Thompson; Delta Therapy Dog handler Lola Olley; Rosie the dog; Wig Library coordinator Kay Johnson; Palliative and Cancer Care Volunteer Annette O’Connor; NCCI Oncology and Haematology Social Worker Nora Thompson; Cancer Compassionate Fund Chair Patrick Fitzbudgen and NCCI Radiation Therapist David Sampson.

The Northern NSW community is being encouraged to help be part of mental health care improvements to prevent seclusion and restraint of people with mental illness.

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said the call comes following the NSW Government’s release of 27 actions addressing the recommendations of the Review of seclusion, restraint and observation released last December.

Mr Jones said the Northern NSW Local Health District will join every other health network in NSW in developing a localised culturally appropriate seclusion and restraint prevention action plan to implement the recommendations.

“Our health service is committed to preventing the seclusion and restraint of local patients within our area,” Mr Jones said.

“To achieve this, we are partnering with our local community, from consumers, carers, families, and staff to build and deliver an action plan that will deliver a safe and quality service.

“This is our chance to make sure we respond in ways that meet our local needs.”

To be involved in the design of your local seclusion and restraint prevention plan visit the Northern NSW Local Health District website.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies outlined the 27 actions to address each of 19 recommendations of the Review of seclusion, restraint and observation of consumers with a mental illness in NSW Health facilities, accepted by the NSW Government.

The NSW Government has also committed an initial $20 million to improve the therapeutic environment inside acute mental health units across the state.

Mrs Davies said new ambitious targets to reduce the use of seclusion will be included in annual performance agreements with local health districts.

Around-the-clock supervision and targets to reduce the use of seclusion will be introduced under a plan to significantly improve mental health care in NSW.

“The tragic death of Lismore woman Miriam Merten was the catalyst for change and now we have a significant plan that will greatly improve the safety of mental health patients,” Mrs Davies said.

“We would like to thank consumers, their families, peak mental health organisations and NSW Health staff for their immense efforts over the past 12 months.”

To view Mental Health Safety and Quality in NSW: A plan to implement recommendations of the Review of seclusion, restraint and observation of consumers with a mental illness in NSW Health facilities go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth.

ACasino based dental assistant trainee has been awarded the Indigenous Trainee of the Year at the 2018 Hunter Valley Training Company Excellence Awards.

Karri Williams, a trainee with Northern NSW Local Health District Oral Health Services, completed her traineeship at the Casino Aboriginal Medical Service over the past year.

“I was surprised when I was told I’d won the award,” Karri said. “It’s an award that my family and I are proud of and that I achieved doing something I really enjoy.”

In partnership with Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Service, Northern NSW Local Health District supports local indigenous trainees to complete their training in regional locations through the dental assistant trainee program.

“I’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to complete my traineeship in a service heavily involved around my local Aboriginal community with an amazing group of co-workers and am able to pursue my career in the field of Oral Health,” Karri said.

Tara Reade, Dental Assistant Site Leader at Casino Aboriginal Medical Service praised Karri’s teamwork and calm nature.

“Karri adapted so well to the different duties as a Dental Assistant, assisting in the child clinic as well as assisting with school assessments. She was popular among our child patients who find her cheerful and calming in a reassuring manner,” Tara said.

Asatellite renal dialysis unit at Murwillumbah District Hospital is one step closer with site works underway on the new unit.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George, said patients in the Tweed Valley will benefit from the networked service enabling residents to access dialysis in the heart of Murwillumbah without needing to travel to Tweed Heads.

“This is a fantastic service, not only for the Murwillumbah community, but for the entire Tweed Valley,” Mr George said.

“The additional capacity provided by this satellite renal unit will create benefits for all patients in the region, as it’s designed to meet projections for future demand.”

Tweed Shire’s growing and ageing population contributes to a high occurrence of kidney disease compared to elsewhere in NSW.

Planning and consultation for the design of the $1.1 million unit has been undertaken by Northern NSW Local Health District Management in conjunction with clinicians from Murwillumbah District Hospital and Tweed Hospital. Funding for the project comes from the NSW Government’s Rural Health Minor Works Program.

The unit is expected to be completed in mid-2018.

“Satellite dialysis is a contemporary model of care with many patient benefits,” Mr George said.

“The unit will be a wonderful complement to the planned $534 million Tweed Valley Hospital development.”

Patients from across the Tweed Valley who meet the clinical criteria will be able to attend dialysis at the Murwillumbah Unit once it’s operational.

A new $6 million mental health partnership will ensure flexible and personal community support for people in Northern NSW living with mental illness.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies today announced the new three-year partnership, between Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and Third Sector Australia (3SA), worth $2 million annually.

“This is a wonderful new partnership that reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to providing more intensive early intervention, to make sure people in Northern NSW living with mental illness are getting everything they need to stay well in the community,” Mr Provest said.

3SA’s service is based on a ‘step up, step down’ principle, which allows patients to access additional support as needed. Further to clinical care provided by NNSWLHD, 3SA will provide accommodation supports, assistance with living skills like budgeting, relationship counselling, accessing employment, and other outreach services.

“The NSW Government is working hard to provide new and better models of care for people living with mental illness. This new model will reach an average of 120 clients per week,” Mrs Davies said.

The announcement was made during a visit to the 3SA ‘Connections Centre’ at Tweed Heads South. CEO Karen Murphy said their services provide certainty for people needing support.

“We make it easier for people with mental illness to access the assistance they need, when they need it, and find natural supports within their neighbourhood. We are honoured to be providing quality mental health services in the region,” Ms Murphy said.

3SA will begin providing services under the new model to NNSWLHD patients from July 1, reaching from Tweed Heads down to Grafton and west to Casino, including outreach to rural areas.

The NSW Government has released Mental Health Safety and Quality in NSW: An implementation plan to prevent seclusion and restraint.

Northern NSW Local Health District is committed to preventing the use of seclusion and restraint and welcomes consumer, carer and family involvement.

To become a partner in this work please contact:

Michelle Daly, Nurse Manager, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol on (02) 6629 4036 or Michelle.Daly1@health.nsw.gov.au

To view the plan, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/mentalhealth

Staff in the Lismore Base Hospital Women’s Care Unit this week celebrated the wonderful work of their midwives, as well as blowing out the candles on the first anniversary of their state-of-the-art unit.

Celebrating International Day of the Midwife (Saturday 5 May), the Women’s Care Unit held an afternoon tea for staff as well as mothers and babies in unit.

In conjunction with the celebrations, the winner of the annual Dorothy Edwards Midwifery Scholarship was announced. The award recognises the legacy of one of Lismore Base Hospital’s great midwives, Dorothy Edwards, whose husband Noel generously established the Scholarship in her name to provide funding towards professional development and education opportunities for staff within the Women’s Care Unit to increase staff knowledge and expertise in the field of midwifery.

This year’s winner, Jo-Anne Ezzy, has been a midwife at LBH for over 35 years and has been the Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) of Special Care Nursery (SCN) for over 25 years.

“Jo is involved with the education and orientation of midwives in the Special Care Nursery and assists new staff and students to familiarise themselves with work in the Unit.”

“Jo has maintained a high standard of care in Special Care Nursery for over 25 years! This is exceptional.”

Jo said she was honoured to receive the award.

“It is a pleasure to work with the people I do every day. I love nurturing new midwives and I absolutely love what I do,” Jo said.

For the first time, this year Lismore Base Hospital presented a new award to recognise the contribution of early career midwives to the Women’s Care Unit.

This Early Career Award celebrates a Midwife or Nurse at the Lismore Base Hospital who is in their first five years of registration as a Registered Midwife / Registered Nurse, or Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, who has shown initiative, leadership, professionalism and courage in the workplace.

The recipient of this year’s Early Career Award is midwife Anna Dodd, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and provides exceptional care to women, their babies and their families.

“We congratulate Anna on receiving this Award in its inaugural year,” Sue said.

“This Award is a reflection of my colleagues and it is an honour to work with such great women and babies,” Anna responded.

Both Awards come with scholarships which are sponsored by the Edwards family.

Local charity, Our Kids, also provides funding towards further professional development opportunities for staff in the Unit throughout the year.

This week also marks the first birthday of the opening of the new Women’s Care Unit as part of the $320 million redevelopment of the hospital.

A special guest in attendance was Lucas, the first baby born in the new Womens’ Care Unit, who celebrated his first birthday yesterday

“It’s been a busy 12 months with more than 1200 births at Lismore Base Hospital since moving into the new Unit,” Sue said.

“We’re really privileged to have such a wonderful unit for our staff to work in, and to be able to provide such great facilities for our mums and babies.”

Acampaign to encourage the community to get vaccinated this winter got off to a great start this week at The Tweed Hospital.

On Monday, staff provided free flu vaccinations to around 70 members of the public, as well as providing advice on how to best prevent yourself and those you love from getting the flu.

Resident, Giuseppe D’Ambrosi, was one of those who received the free vaccination.

“I get the flu shot every year,” Mr D’Ambrosi said.

Paul Corben, Director North Coast Public Health Unit, said vaccination is the best protection against the flu, and encouraged people to get vaccinated against this deadly infection before the start of winter.

“The best time to have the flu vaccine is in April or May to ensure your protection doesn’t wane before the flu season peaks. The vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective,” Mr Corben said.

Flu vaccines are now available at most GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, many community pharmacies and, for children under five years of age, from community health clinics that routinely provide vaccination services.

Free flu shots are available to pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, most Aboriginal people, children aged between 6 months and up to 5 years and people with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

This year, NSW Health’s $1.75 million immunisation campaign follows one of the worst flu seasons on record last year, which caused over 650 flu-related deaths in NSW.

“The World Health Organization advises this year’s flu vaccine will be a better match to the circulating strains and offer higher protection than last year. We urge everyone to get the flu vaccination to build immunity within the community and beat the flu bug this winter –your flu shot could save your life or someone else’s,” Mr Corben said.

Vaccination is the best protection against the flu, but the following steps also help prevent the spread of influenza:

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Clean your hands with soap or use a hand sanitiser regularly
• Stay home when sick.

More information is available on the NSW Health website.

Stage 1 of the new Bonalbo Multi-Purpose Service (MPS), being constructed as part of the NSW Government’s $300 million MPS program is now complete and staff have recently started welcoming patients into the new facility.

Thomas George, Member for Lismore, visited the facility on Saturday 14 April as part of an open day which was well-attended by the community.  

Existing services at Bonalbo Hospital have now moved across to the new facility, including the Emergency Department and clinic consultation rooms.

“This is an exciting day for the community of Bonalbo and surrounding region,” Mr George said.

“I have always been a strong advocate for better health services in the Bonalbo area and the completion of Stage 1 of the new state-of-the-art facility is a great day for the community.”

The current Medical Practitioner, Dr Sunil Sunil, intends to remain working at Bonalbo and said he is looking forward to continuing to provide care to patients there.

“I’m very impressed with the beautiful, new facility and I’m looking forward to working there,” Dr Sunil said.

The Bonalbo MPS project replaces the former outdated Bonalbo Community Health building and the existing Bonalbo Hospital with a modern, integrated health facility that aims to service the needs of the region long into the future.

Construction of Stage 1 commenced in January 2017 with the building comprising 15 residential aged care beds, a 24-hour emergency department, acute inpatient beds, and outpatient and GP consultations rooms. The residential aged care facility and acute inpatient unit will open at the completion of Stage 2.

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Metal Manufacturers Limited are making a difference to Casino & District Memorial Hospital with the donation of an ALS Baby Trainer 200 valued at $7,550 to the Emergency Department.

The ALS Baby Trainer 200 is portable skill trainer equipped with an ECG rhythm simulator for realistic infant resuscitation training. It provides staff with the opportunity to practice basic and advanced CPR skills with a life-like mannequin.

“We are fortunate be the recipient of this generous gift from the Humpty Dumpty Foundation,” Clinical Nurse Manager, Kayelene Guthrie said.

“The baby trainer will be an extremely useful training tool for our staff, and will ensure they can provide the best quality care to our patients.”

The training equipment will ensure medical and nursing staff maintain their skills to ensure they can continue to provide the best care to paediatric patients.

“Metal Manufacturers Limited’s support of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the local community it operates in is immeasurable,” Paul Francis OAM, Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Executive Chairman, said.

“Their support of Casino & District Memorial Hospital means staff there have access to state of the art, life-saving medical training equipment. I applaud this contribution as it demonstrates their commitment to the wider community,” he said

Patients in the Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) Maternity Unit will benefit from new equipment thanks to a generous donation from the Lawrence Rodeo Society.

The Lawrence Rodeo Society chose to support the Maternity Unit after a committee members’ family witnessed firsthand the importance of the midwives and maternity equipment during labour and birth.

Following the complicated birth of her daughter in November last year, Ms Michelle Firth praised the staff and facilities involved in her care at the hospital.

“The amazing work of the maternity staff and the essential equipment did a fabulous job keeping me and our daughter safe,’ Ms Firth said.

“All our committee members have visited the GBH Maternity Unit at some point in their lives at either their own birth or the birth of their children, or visiting family and friend’s new babies.”

The Society presented the donation of $5,000 to GBH Director Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Sharon Wright, at a presentation night earlier this month.

“I sincerely thank the Lawrence Rodeo Society for their extremely generous donation that will benefit the patients on our Maternity Unit,” Ms Wright said.

“The donation will go towards purchasing specialised equipment for the Maternity Unit to support the care of mothers and babies in the unit.”

The funds were raised through the annual Lawrence Rodeo Society, held in December each year.

In 2017, the volunteer-run group raised $25,000 in funds to distribute to throughout their community.

“The Lawrence Rodeo Committee would like to thank the Maternity staff at Grafton for the amazing job they all do,” Ms Firth said.

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease with the second case of the disease confirmed in the Northern NSW area in the last eight days.

The latest case, a three-year old child from the Grafton area, is being treated in a Queensland hospital.

All close contacts of the person are receiving clearance antibiotics.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease are non-specific but may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights nausea and vomiting.

Meningococcal disease is very uncommon in NSW and two other cases have been notified in NNSWLHD this year, and only five cases for the whole of last year.

The disease is caused by a bacterial infection which is not easily spread from person to person and generally does not survive well outside the human body.

Vaccination against meningococcal C is included in the National Immunisation Program Schedule and is recommended for all children at one year of age (as part of free routine immunisation).

The NSW Government invested $13 million in a state-wide immunisation program for 2017-18 to combat a rise in the W strain of meningococcal disease.

In addition, the NSW Meningococcal W Response Program provided Year 11 and 12 students across the state with free vaccines that protect against four strains of meningococcal disease, A, C, W and Y in 2017. Year 10 and 11 students are being offered the vaccine in 2018. A single dose of this vaccine provides effective protection against all four strains for at least five years. This age group has been targeted as teenagers are very socially active and therefore both more likely to be exposed to the infection, and also more likely to spread the infection in the community.

It is important to note that meningococcal vaccines do not cover all strains of the disease, so even vaccinated people need to be aware of the symptoms. Anyone with symptoms is advised to see a doctor urgently.

For more information on Meningococcal see the NSW Health website

For further information, please call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Northern NSW Local Health District is urging residents to avoid contact with bats after reports of increased numbers in Northern NSW.

Bats and flying foxes can carry bacteria and viruses which can be harmful to humans, including the potentially deadly lyssavirus.

Acting Director, North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said while there have been no cases of human infection with lyssavirus in NSW, people should still be cautious at all times.

“You cannot tell by looking at a bat whether or not it is carrying the lyssavirus,” Mr Bell said.

“In 2017, four bats that bit or scratched humans or pets in NSW were confirmed to have lyssavirus infection although thankfully, none of the people involved contracted the disease.

“People must always assume bats and flying foxes are infectious and if scratched or bitten they should thoroughly clean the wound for five minutes and seek urgent medical advice.”

Australia-wide only three cases of lyssavirus have been recorded in the last 22 years – all have been in Queensland. Lyssavirus infection can progress to a rabies-like illness which is fatal.

Mr Bell said anyone finding an injured or distressed bat should never pick it up but call their local wildlife rescue group. Similarly, they should call a vet if pets or other animals are bitten.

“It is very important parents, teachers and carers educate young children to stay away from bats and flying foxes, to never pick them up or disturb them, which might cause a bite or scratch.

“Kids should also be taught to tell an adult immediately if they have been scratched or bitten so the wound can be cleaned with soap and water, antiseptic applied and a doctor called,” Mr Bell said.

What to do if someone is bitten:

Ensure the wound is thoroughly cleaned by immediately washing the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water Apply an antiseptic such as Betadine Seek urgent medical advice.

For more information, visit NSW Health website

For further information, please call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis welcomed thirteen new nurses and one new midwife to the region last week, as they begin their careers at Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital.

Mr Gulaptis said that having had his own health scare recently, he knows the valuable work that nurses and midwives do.

“I know that nurses are the backbone of our excellent NSW health system,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“These young people have chosen and great place to start their careers and hopefully their families here in the beautiful dynamic Clarence valley.”

More than 2,400 graduate nurses and midwives are launching their careers at hospitals and health services across NSW – including a third that will work in rural and regional hospitals. This boosts the NSW total to 51,000.

Mr Gulaptis also encouraged young locals to consider a career with NSW Health. For more information on health careers, visit  http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers

Image shows from left, nurse graduates Chad Barber and Sharon Cox, Nurse Educator Sue Coombes, graduates Kiara Briggs and Brianna Jones, Chris Gulaptis and nurse graduate Thea Kowal.

The tireless efforts of the Lismore Base Hospital United Hospital Auxiliary (UHA) received a significant boost today, thanks to a generous donation by a local fundraising group.

The 2017 Byron Lighthouse Run, an annual charity sporting event, chose the Lismore Base Hospital UHA as one of the recipients of funds raised at the event. A great turnout for the 2017 event resulted in a donation of $13,500.

“We’re thrilled to be accepting this donation today from Byron Lighthouse Run, and we know it will go a long way towards improving the comfort of patients here in Lismore,” Diane Miller, President Lismore Base Hospital UHA, said.

Patients receiving cancer treatment at Lismore Base Hospital will benefit from the donation, which will be used for improving patient experience and comfort.

The Byron Lighthouse Run has supported Lismore Base Hospital in a range of ways over the past few years, from purchasing equipment for patients undergoing cancer treatment to providing a hardship fund for visitors of Our House.

Over its 11-year history, the event has grown significantly, and was honoured with an Australia Day Award for Best Event in the Byron Shire in 2016.

“We always like to support a local cause that will directly benefit the community,” event organiser, Lisa Parkes, said.

“I am very proud to be able to donate 100% of the profits of this event to the chosen charities thanks to the generous support of local sponsors and business, and the great work by our committee and team of volunteers.

“It is amazing to know that our local community can get the care and treatment they need locally, not having to leave their loved ones and go interstate for treatments.

Image: Lismore Base Hospital staff and Auxiliary members receive a $13,500 donation from Byron Bay Lighthouse Run organiser, Lisa Parkes, in Lismore.

The Richmond Network, which includes Lismore Hospital, has just received a boost in nursing and midwifery care, with 27 graduates choosing to launch their careers at health services across the North Coast region.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Member for Lismore Thomas George today personally congratulated the new nurses and midwives, who will be working across the Richmond Network.

Mr Hazzard and Mr George also toured the Lismore Base Hospital, getting a sneak peak of the soon-to-be-completed “South Tower” which is part of the more than $320 million redevelopment of the hospital.

“I can’t think of a better place than the beautiful Northern Rivers in which to start a nursing or midwifery career. I am delighted to welcome these new recruits to what will surely be a very rewarding job caring for our local patients,” Mr George said.

“I wish all our new starters the very best of luck with their careers and thank them for choosing to make such an invaluable contribution to our local hospital and health services.”

The Northern NSW Local Health District will employ 75 nurse and midwife graduates this year out of the more than 2400 across the State.

“It’s very exciting for the nurses and midwives who will soon be doing the rounds of Lismore Base Hospital that they will get to work in modern, expanded health facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.

The NSW Government is proud to have achieved a record all-time high of some 51,000 nurses and midwives working across the state.

The NSW Government is investing $9.8 million in 2017-18 to recruit 55 more specialist nurses and midwives, 10 mental health clinical nurse educators to support new graduates and undergraduates as well as 30 clinical support officers for nurses and midwifery services.

Lismore Base Hospital’s $320 million redevelopment is progressing on schedule, with the new Central Sterilisation Services Department and new Theatre Complex, both opening soon, marking the completion of South Tower.

The theatre complex will expand from four to nine theatres, as well as additional surgical services to meet future demand.

The NSW Government is delivering on the additional $52.5 million announced in last year’s Budget for Stage 3C for an extra four levels for the eight-level North Tower, with demolition works now underway to make way for its construction.

Patients at Ballina District Hospital will soon benefit from a new, state-of-the-art operating theatre complex and medical imaging upgrades under a $7.35 million redevelopment.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, together with Ben Franklin, Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW, today announced the start of demolition works for Stage 2 of the redevelopment, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State governments.

“Modern facilities are key to ensuring our clinicians and hospital staff can continue to provide the high-quality health care that our local communities deserve,” Mr Franklin said.

“Stage 2 of this significant redevelopment will pave the way for upgrades to surgical services at Ballina District Hospital, with a new operating theatre and a new recovery area.

Mr Hazzard said the upgrades are part of the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ commitment to delivering first-class health services to Northern NSW.

“Ben Franklin has been a great champion for the Ballina community and now the Northern NSW region is benefiting from the fruits of his labour, with several new and expanded health services either completed or near completion,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This significant upgrade for Ballina District Hospital comes on top of the investment of more than $320 million in the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment, with the project right on schedule to deliver brand new equipment for Central Sterilisation services to support the fantastic, new theatre complex at Lismore.”

Construction will soon begin on new back-of-house services at Ballina, including a loading dock and storage space (including space for biomedical equipment testing), plant room, maintenance office and workshop, and a new medical records department.

The full scope of works for the Ballina District Hospital, to be completed by late 2018, also includes stores and utilities, IT and office spaces and staff amenities.

Stage 1 was completed in early 2017, with significant medical imaging upgrades, including a new CT scanner and ultrasound services.

Lessons of love and respect will shine brightly this year on a calendar featuring the work of year 10 students from schools across the Northern Rivers.

The calendar is a celebration recognising 10 years of the Love Bites program being run in local schools.

The one-day program provides a safe space for teenagers to talk about respectful relationships, prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. The program empowers young people as they develop their own values, and encourages them to challenge gender stereotypes and attitudes towards sex and relationships.

“Love Bites offers a fantastic opportunity to empower young people, and give them a place to talk about issues important to them,” Anna Tonkin, Child, Family and Adolescent Health Clinical Nurse Consultant, said.

“It’s a day that young people can safely discuss what a respectful ‘normal’ relationship looks like, what’s acceptable, what is consent, as well as internet safety and legal issues.”

During the one-day workshop, year 10 students are asked to express what they’ve learnt through artwork and music. The 2018 calendar is a collection of work done by students across Northern Rivers high schools including from Kadina, Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Woodenbong, Bonalbo, Richmond River and Nimbin.

“For those students that have experienced Domestic Violence it would make you feel that you are not alone in dealing with this. It also brings to light that there are ways to work through it and I learnt that there is a lot of support out there for young people who may be victims,” Kadina High Campus student, Jasmyne Carroll, said.

In Northern NSW, Love Bites is under the auspices of Women Up North Housing (WUNH) and is facilitated by a collaborative team including government and not-for-profit organisations. Staff from the Northern NSW Local Health District (Child and Family Health and Richmond Sexual Assault Service), the NSW Department of Education, WUNH, Educational Beats, Casino Youth Service, Kyogle Youth Action and other groups run the program which was created by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).

“We also want to thank the Lismore City Council, Northern Rivers Community Foundation, and Kyogle Quota Club for their generous funding support through providing resources for the students attending the program,” Anna said.

The calendar is for sale through Women Up North Housing by phoning 02 6621 7730 or emailing manager@wunh.org.au.

Two hospitals in Northern NSW welcomed new cohorts of first-year doctors this month, as part of the Rural Preferential Pathway program.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George MP, and Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest MP, welcomed the new interns to each of their electorates in separate events last week. The doctors will stay in the region for two years as they lay the foundations for their medical careers.

Lismore Base Hospital has 12 new faces joining the local workforce, while The Tweed Hospital has 18 new graduates.

The doctors are part of a record intake of interns funded by the NSW Government. Across the State, 999 interns, up from 992 in 2017, will commence their new positions this year.

Mr Provest said that over $107 million had been invested into the state-wide internship program to boost the number of doctors in cities and regional areas.

“Today we welcome 18 graduates to The Tweed Hospital and we are pleased to be playing our part in leading the country when it comes to training junior doctors,” he said

NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic medical graduates of NSW universities.

“I would like to wish our interns every success as they progress their careers,” Mr Provest said.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George, said the training opportunities, scenery and lifestyle in regional areas made regional placements attractive to junior doctors.

“Interns in regional hospitals are fortunate to receive valuable one-on-one training opportunities, and to work closely with their more senior colleagues,” Mr George said.

Five new faces have joined the Mental Health nursing ranks following the graduation of participants in the Transition to Mental Health Nursing Program (TMHNP).

Running since 2012, the program provides first and second year Registered Nurses with a supportive learning environment to complete academic studies and work placements in a variety of locations and wards, including Tweed, Lismore and Byron Bay.

Richmond Clarence Mental Health Network Manager, Warren Shaw, said the program is also a great introduction into mental health nursing for those starting out.

“It’s a fantastic way to test the waters and be in a supported environment,” Warren said.

“It is one of the major ways to attract nurses to mental health nursing.”

Four of the five 2017 graduates have now gained permanent employment within the Richmond Mental Health Network, with the fifth candidate planning to work casually within the region.

“This is a fantastic outcome both for the participants and the local health services,” Warren said.

Throughout the program’s history, more than half of the 28 graduates have gone on to work within the Northern NSW Local Health District.

“The new graduates keep our whole workforce fresh, and our senior nurses get a lot from running the program as well,” Warren said.

Entry into the program is through a competitive recruitment process.

The North Coast Public Health Unit (PHU) is investigating reports that people have experienced vomiting and other symptoms after swimming in Lake Ainsworth.

At this stage, there are no clear explanations for the reported illnesses.

However, as a precaution, people should consider avoiding swimming there until the investigation is complete.

The PHU is seeking information from persons directly affected (or those providing care to those affected). People with symptoms are encouraged to see their doctor for advice and to submit a stool test. The PHU can be contacted on 1300 066 055.

It is timely to remind people that natural waterways such as dams, lakes and rivers may contain harmful bacteria and viruses especially after heavy rainfall. It is good practice to avoid swimming in lakes, creeks and rivers when they are visibly contaminated and for at least three days after heavy rain. Storms may wash contaminants into natural and constructed waterways, making them unsafe for swimming.

Water from waterways should be boiled or properly treated before drinking and swimmers at any time should avoid getting water into their mouths.

For more information about gastroenteritis, see the NSW Health web site:  http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/gastroenteritis/Pages/default.aspx

With the hot weather being experienced in Northern NSW at the moment, it’s important to know how to care for yourself and your loved ones under extreme conditions.

To avoid heat-related illnesses people should take these precautions:

 Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when out and about. Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks. Plan your day around the heat, particularly in the middle of the day, and minimise physical activity.

Signs of heat-related illness may include nausea, vomiting, faintness and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, loss of sweating and reduced urine output. People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or the emergency department at their nearest hospital.

Visit the NSW Health website for more heat wave information and advice http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx

• Keep the sun out by shading windows with curtains, blinds or closing shutters.
• Keep windows closed during the day until it cools down and shut again in the early morning.
• Try to spend time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• When outdoors, stay protected from the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen.
• Check on elderly neighbours and relatives.