COMMUNITY NEWS Summer Edition
CONTENTS Message from the CEO
3
COVID-19 Update
5
Thunderstorm Asthma - Be Prepared
5
Staff and Volunteer Recognition
6
Out and About
13
Royal Flying Doctor Service Patient Transort
18
Capital Works
23
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Vaccination is an important tool that protects not only our NCN Health held our Annual workforce, but our patients, General Meeting on November residents and community. 22nd. The AGM is a great opportunity to reflect on the COBRAM MEDICAL CLINIC past year and also to recognise our staff and volunteers in the Congratulations are also in Annual Awards and for their order for Cobram Medical years of service. Clinic for achieving A huge thank you and accreditation in October from congratulations to our many the Australian Council on staff and volunteers receiving Healthcare Standards. Years of Service Awards, from Well done to the staff who 10 to 40 years of service. An have put a significant amount amazing achievement. of work into the accreditation A full list of winners is printed process, and in their continued in this edition of the efforts in working towards newsletter. quality of care, service and The NCN Health Annual safety year round. Report and Quality Account was also tabled at the AGM. COBRAM CAMPUS URGENT You can find a copy of these CARE CENTRE on the NCN Health website here The Cobram Campus Urgent https://ncnhealth.org.au/about Care Redevelopment is /annual-report-andprogressing well and publications/ scheduled to open in the first week of February. A reminder INFECTION CONTROL to all, particularly in the lead up to our tourist season, the Congratulations to the Health Service remains open Infection Control Team, nurse during the build with access to immunisers and to all staff x-ray and ultrasound, urgent across NCN Health on care and the hospital ward via achieving excellent the main entrance, please vaccination compliance rates follow the signs and stay on for 2023. VICNISS (Victorian the footpath. After-hours Hospital Acquired Infection access also remains Surveillance System) and the unchanged and is through Department of Health officially urgent care centre. acknowledged NCN Health for exceeding the Victorian THE LODGE DEVELOPMENT compliance rate of 94% with NCN Health sitting between Planning for the development 98% - 100% across all our of the new Numurkah departments. These results Pioneers Memorial Lodge is in are outstanding. progress with the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) on site recently.
NCN Health is working with the VHBA and the Department of Health on the project and we will keep the community informed as planning continues in 2024 with constructions set to start in 2025. CEO RESIGNATION Many of our community members would have heard that news that I have resigned from my position as NCN Health CEO effective January 12. This has not been an easy decision to make and I will miss this role and the teams across NCN Health very much. While I am sad to say goodbye, I look forward to a new opportunity as the Chief Operating Officer at Murray Primary Health Network. I would like to thank the staff, our residents, the community and stakeholders for their support and partnership over the past 15 years. I am very proud of what we have achieved together. NCN Health has a strong leadership team and much to look forward to in 2024 and beyond. NCN Health Director of Operations Justin Sullivan will be Acting CEO while the recruitment process takes place. On behalf of NCN Health I wish you all a very safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. NCN Health CEO Jacque Phillips
COVID-19 UPDATE Rapid Antigen Testing of visitors to the hospital and aged care facilities remains in place. Mask wearing is recommended for visitors to all areas of the health service. Staff are required to Rapid Antigen Test if they develop symptoms. Staff who have been exposed to a positive COVID case are assessed and put on a high-risk infection control plan for 7 days from the time of exposure. This means they continue working, however they must test daily and wear additional PPE. Staff are not to come to work if they have any newly developed respiratory symptoms even if they have a negative Rapid Antigen Test. Community members are asked not to visit patients or residents if they feel unwell, even if they test negative to COVID-19.
Thunderstorm Asthma Thunderstorm asthma is asthma that is triggered by a particular type of thunderstorm when there is high amounts of grass pollen in the air (typically between October and end December). It can result in people wheezing, feeling short of breath, and tight in the chest with coughing. This can be sudden, serious, and even life threatening. For more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstormasthma
NCN Health AGM Staff Service Awards
Pictured back left; Jodie Collins, Kelly Campbell, Rachael Hitchcock, Susan Rutherford, Justin Sullivan with CEO Jacque Phillips. Front left; Robyn Stokes, Marie Doyle, Catherine Church. Absent: Elizabeth Adams, Glenda Stanbrook, Joanne Clough, Elizabeth Buckland, Annette Baldwin.
From back left; Board Chair Tricia Quibell, Robyn Sprunt, Denise Cusack, Judith Nave, Jacque Phillips, Margaret Templeton, Jenny Burrows and Bronti O’Connor. Absent: Jacinda Lawrence, Cathryn Andrew, Jennifer Metzner, Cassandra Neal, Elaine Henderson.
NCN Health AGM Staff Service Awards
From left; CEO Jacque Phillips with Leanne Greenway, Tony Brown and Board Chair Tricia Quibell. Absent: Jo-Anne McDowall, Shirley Monkton, Cheryl Woods, Tania Hill.
From left; CEO Jacque Phillips with Kerry Roberts, Rosalie Fitzgerald and Board Chair Tricia Quibell. Absent; Dawn Stanley
Barbara Henderson
Marie Coonerty
Christmas Has Come to NCN Health
NCN HEALTH Nathalia gym Opening Hours: Monday & Wednesday - 10.45 am - 5pm Thursday - 8am - 1:30pm Teen Fitness 45 When: Monday & Wednesday 4 - 4:45pm Age: 14-17 Years Cost: $5 student concession C & S Training When: Monday & Wednesday 10 - 10:45am Age: 18 + Cost: $5 concession or $10 Membership Info: No Lock In Contracts Prices: Con/Pen Pay Per Visit: $5 3month unlimited $96 6month unlimited $168 10 visit pass $45
Strength & Balance When: Monday & Wednesday 2pm Age: 18 + Cost: $5 concession or $10
Classes run by a qualified Personal Trainer
Standard $10 $204 $384 $90
Fill out the self referral form found here prior to your first visit.
MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS @ the Barmah Hall Shier Street, Barmah
Sessions running every Wednesday from 10am - 12pm on the: 22nd of November 6th, 13th & 20th of December Book Now!
Come along to: Manage & maintain better mental health Find new ways to prioritise your wellbeing Connect with others in your community Access other support in your area
Out and About
Year 11 students from St Mary of the Angels Nathalia recently created a mural for the courtyard at Karinya. It is a gorgeous piece of artwork and the residents and staff love it.
Celebrating International Day of People With Disability in style. The All Abilities talent show held at Cobram Civic Centre was a smash hit, and Irvin House even got a special performance from the band from Cobram & District Specialist School.
Throughout term 4 the NCN Health Community Development team has been running a student program at Cobram Anglican Grammar School that has a focus of teaching the youth how to care for their mental health. This program has been well received by all the students who have participated and we look forward to taking this program further in 2024.
Children's week was celebrated across the region in November. The NCN Health Community Development team facilitated events across Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah that focused on teaching healthy habits to our youngest generation.
MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS
Senior Citizens Club Rooms, Numurkah
Sessions for December running every Thursday from 10am - 12pm Dates: 7th - 14th - 21st Come along to:
Book Now!
Manage & maintain better mental health Find new ways to prioritise your wellbeing Connect with others in your community Access other support in your area
RFDS Community Transport In November the Royal Flying Doctor Service Community Transport program officially launched in Cobram and Numurkah. The Community Transport program provides eligible clients with free transport from home to health appointments and funded Social Support Groups. It is a volunteer led program, that relies on the generosity of local volunteer drivers. To find out more about the service and check if you are eligible visit the RFDS Victoria website. https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/what-we-do/community-transport/
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
EDUCATION, SUPPORT AND EXERCISE TUESDAYS AT NCN HEALTH NUMURKAH
Did you know your child's dental care can be bulk billed? In all Victorian public dental clinics Eligible children pay $0 No out of pocket costs No wait list - your child will have the next available appointment What dental services are available? Check-ups X-Rays Fissure Sealants Cleaning Fillings Extractions Root Canal Excludes orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and services provided in a hospital operating theatre. Contact NCN Health Cobram Dental Clinic or more information: 03 5871 0840
FREE GROUP SESSIONS FOR PARENTS - NUTRITION AND PLAY The INFANT program (Infant Feeding, Active play and NuTrition) is designed to help parents and families with healthy eating and active play from the start of their baby’s life. INFANT consists of four group sessions for parents/caregivers led by a nurse or health professional. Each session is based on babies needs around the ages of 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. INFANT promotes healthy eating, increased active play and reduced screen time for babies from birth until 2 years of age.
Parents have come away from sessions feeling more confident knowing what baby needs at each stage, and they've made new friends with other parents and babies. Sessions are held across Cobram, Numurkah and Yarrawonga. To find out more or book in, scan the QR code or contact mch@moira.vic.gov.au
Are you or someone you know looking for a supportive group to become friends with? A group to let off some steam and connect with others? The Over 60's group meets fortnightly at Pioneers Lodge in Numurkah. If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more, contact John on (03) 5862 0575
Capital Works Updates COBRAM UCC The Cobram Campus Urgent Care Centre Redevelopment continues to take shape with brickwork underway on the exterior of the building and internal works progressing including internal frames and wiring. Internal and external signage is being designed in preparation for the urgent care centre opening at the start of February. The Redevelopment includes updated urgent care facilities, increased floor space and improved staff and community safety with a separate entry into urgent care, new ambulance bay and two waiting areas. The Health Service remains open during the build with access to x-ray and ultrasound, urgent care and the hospital ward via the main entrance, please follow the signs and stay on the footpath. After-hours access also remains unchanged and is through urgent care centre. Please follow the footpath past the main entrance to urgent care. A reminder that Theatre services are paused in Cobram for the duration of the build and patients will be able to access theatre services in Numurkah. GPs can continue to refer patients for surgical procedures as normal. Patients will be able to attend the pre-anesthetic clinic at Cobram campus and will be contacted when surgical referrals are received from GPs. Patients will still be able to access the same surgeons and theatre at Numurkah campus.
AMBULANCE COVER IN VICTORIA Have you got ambulance cover? Did you know that Emergency medical transport services are not free and not covered by Medicare? Some concession card holders are eligible for free ambulance transfers, however, if you are not sure, you should check. If you are not covered you may find yourself with a large bill to pay in the event of an emergency or an ambulance transfer between health services. Ambulance Victoria responds to over 2,200 calls a day around the state. Make sure you are covered! It is cheap and easy to become a member of Ambulance Victoria. You can join or find out more information here; https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/membership/
VICTORIAN VIRTUAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Have you heard about the Victorian Virtual ED (VVED)? Over the last year they've treated 75,000 patients - about the same as the Royal Melbourne's ED. The virtual ED provides emergency care for minor injuries - things like burns or a broken finger. When you call you'll be assessed online by emergency doctors and nurses. Then the team will help you organise any tests, prescriptions and follow ups you need - all over the phone or on a video call. It means getting care from the comfort of home, and freeing up EDs for people who need them most. Thanks to the virtual ED 59,000 Victorians avoided having to go to a hospital ED and instead got care at home. To access VVED online go to https://www.vved.org.au/ or google VVED.
Ambulance Cover
NCN Health encourages you to have Ambulance Cover
Why Did you know that Ambulance travel is not free from Urgent Care Centres and Medical Clinics. This travel is at your own cost.
Are you covered?
Illness/Accident Can happen at any time. This is why it is vital you look at separate Ambulance Cover
How do I get covered? Cover is easy and affordable. Contact Ambulance Victoria to ensure that you are covered when you need it most. Phone: 1800 648 484 Scan the QR Code to sign up today, or ask for an Ambulance Victoria Membership form from reception.
If you do not have Ambulance Cover you could be expected to pay thousands of dollars in the event you need transport by Ambulance. Exceptions may apply for pension card holders and some Private Health policies.
When should I connect a person to a Care Finder at NCN Health Care Finders support vulnerable older people who would not be able to arrange services without intensive support and do not have a family member or friends who can help. Care finder services are provided at no cost as they are fully funded through Primary Health Networks.
Who can receive assistance from a Care Finder? Care Finders are not for everyone. They specifically help vulnerable older Australians who need intensive assistance to access aged care and other supports. To receive care finder support, a person must: • have no carer or support person who can help them, or • not have a carer of support person they feel comfortable or trust to support them, and • be eligible for government-funded aged care. In addition, they should have one or more of these reasons for needing intensive support: • have difficulty communicating because of language or literacy problems • find it difficult to understand information and make decisions • be reluctant to engage with aged care or government • be in an unsafe situation if they do not receive services.
How does the service work? If someone requires this support, then a local organisation can connect them with a dedicated Care Finder. The Care Finder will meet with them, usually in person. This can be at their home or another place they choose. The Care Finder will ask questions to understand the person’s situation and support them to work through the steps to address their needs.
What help can Care Finders provide? Care Finders can help people understand what aged care services are available, set up an assessment and find and choose services. They also help people with access to other supports
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH SERVICES GUIDE
NCN Health’s UCC Departments and affiliated medical centers have experienced high demand and staff shortages, resulting in lengthy wait times for some patients. If your patients’ condition is not urgent or life-threatening, please call the GP or refer to the list of alternative services below.
Telemedicine service providing phone or video consultations with Australian-qualified senior emergency specialist doctors. • Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm, $250 • All other times, $280 Open: 24/7 myemergencydr.com
Free health care advice from a registered nurse. Open: 24/7 1300 606 024
Free phone advice service with registered nurses, who can arrange a call back from a GP. Open: Weekdays: from 6pm, Saturdays: from 12 noon All day Sundays and public holidays 1800 022 222
Consult an Australian Medical Board-certified GP by phone or video. Prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals, general consults, blood tests, x-rays and more. Open 7 days: Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm, Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 1pm nationaltelemedicinedoctors.com | (02) 8834 7760
Telehealth GP service offering video access to Australian registered doctors at a time and location that suits you. • $60 during business hours • $90 out of hours Open: 24/7 doctorsondemand.com.au
Doctor consultations, prescriptions, medical certificates, and specialist, radiology and pathology referrals. • Prescriptions $19.99 • Telehealth consultations $29.99 Open: 24/7 primemedic.com.au
Speak with an Australian Qualified GP from anywhere via phone or video. • Prescriptions & medical certificates $15 • 8 minute on-demand appointments $39 • 15-minute scheduled appointments from $52 Open: 24/7 healthengine.com.au
Online prescriptions, telehealth doctor consultations, online medical certificates and pathology requests. • Prescriptions $15 • Telehealth consultations $40 Open: 24/7 instantscripts.com.au
Scan QR code above with phone or tablet
After hours, bulk billed, in-home doctor visit. Open: Weekdays from 6pm Saturdays from 12 noon All day Sundays and public holidays 137 425 | homedoctor.com.au
Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health Services Centralized Triage
Mental health support service staffed by a team of experienced local mental health professionals. Open: 24/7 1300 369 005
The VVED allows you to access care for non-life-threatening emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be connected to the Emergency doctors and nurses via video call, and receive medical advice in the comfort of your home. This Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is a free service.
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ncnhealth.org.au Got Feedback? We’d love to hear from you. Email: ncnhealth@ncnhealth.org. au feedback@ncnhealth.org.au Phone: 03 5862 0555 03 5862 0513