NSW Government: “Significant progress made in improving health outcomes”
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park says progress is being made to improve healthcare in the bush. The NSW Government says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities by recruiting and retaining more health workers, offering greater financial assistance for patients, and providing support to sustain the primary care sector.
Rapid increase of salt marsh mosquitoes in the Top End: NT Health
NT Health is urging Top End residents and visitors to protect themselves from the salt marsh mosquitos as numbers are expected to increase, following heavy rainfall and high tides. Elevated salt marsh mosquitoes numbers can be expected between now and January. Salt marsh mosquitos are aggressive biters that can transmit mosquito-borne diseases such as the Ross River virus and the Barmah Forest disease.
Wave of whooping cough
Health experts are reminding pregnant women and infants to get vaccinated against whooping cough. The reminder follows a wave of the infectious disease, seeing case numbers climb to their highest in the last six years across the state. According to the Department of Health and Wellbeing, South Australia recorded 492 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, so far this year—more than 10 times the number of cases reported at the same time last year.
The Flying Doctor’s Mount Isa team celebrate 60 years of life-saving services
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) is this month celebrating 60-years of service from its Mount Isa base. Established in 1964, the Mount Isa Base covers a waiting room of more than 800,000 square kilometres, connecting the residents of this significant north-west Queensland region to leading, and often lifesaving, health services ... ARR.News found out more from RFDS Mount Isa Base Support Manager, Ducky Jeacocke.
Dinner theatre production entertains the Loxton community
Sebastian Calderon. A highly acclaimed dinner theatre production that is sparking conversation about mental health and wellbeing is returning to Loxton. After last year’s success, ‘Kick off ya Boots’ makes a comeback in 2024 for a new glimpse of the Connor family’s farming journey, with the show organised by Little Town Productions.
Vote for health
At the next state election, cast a vote as though your life and health may depend upon it. That’s the message from Lachlan Haynes, the chair of Limestone Coast Radiation Working Group—a group that has been fighting tooth and nail for the establishment of a radiation therapy service for the region. Last week, the Liberal Opposition announced that a Liberal government will deliver critical care closer to home for cancer patients in the Limestone Coast if it forms government.
The Unbreakable Farmer comes to Buloke
At the risk of needing a ‘spoiler alert,’ the story of Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer – deserves to be told. It’s not just about surviving adversity but managing the struggles we often push aside. These issues, like stubborn bindii, can stick with us and spread their impact if ignored.
Farmers unite to fight stress
Serena Kirby. David Wright was named as the Inaugural Denmark Cattle Farmer of the Year at the recent Drought Muster Buster held at The Dam ... The award was part of a broader event organised by Raintree Farm owner Steve Birkbeck, who wanted to create ‘a reason to celebrate in a time of stress and trouble for the farming industry’ ... An integral part of the event was the discussion of issues surrounding bushï¬res by a panel of local experts.
Support for those with prostate cancer on YP
Rachel Hagan. With improved detection and diagnosis, the number of men surviving prostate cancer is thankfully increasing, however, this means the psychosocial impact is expected to affect more people as the population grows and ages. Yorke Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Group leader Robert Kidd knows first-hand how secretive some men can be about diagnosis, after his own father kept his troubles with the disease to himself.
Dawn delivers first aid skills – Be prepared
Having up-to-date first aid training could mean the difference between life and death for your family, friends and neighbours in an emergency situation ... Last week, Dawn Ferrier from TalkSmart Training was in Birchip to provide community members, childcare workers and sports trainers with the skills and knowledge required to keep their certification relevant.
From community pharmacy comes cheaper medicines
“It’s now clear that lowering the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment is the best way to make medicines cheaper and support Australians challenged by the cost of living to meet their healthcare needs,” Pharmacy Guild of Australia President Professor Trent Twomey said ... “The lowering of the maximum co-payment from $42.50 to $30 has saved patients a total of $346 million on medicines, as opposed to the $30 million from 60-day dispensing."
Post Office closed due to lead contamination
Narrandera Post Office closed this week when lead contamination was identified in one of the back-of-house rooms during a routine check of the building. An Australia Post spokesperson said following health advice, the post office was closed and Australia Post was in the process of trying to get a temporary post office up and running to service the town.
Volunteers needed to continue a Riverland miracle
Madison Eastmond. A Berri equine charity is searching for volunteers so its therapy services for the wider Riverland community can continue ... Over the past three years, Miracle Park Stables have provided therapeutic avenues for those struggling with mental health and/or have a disability to build self-esteem, self-efficacy, resilience and emotional regulation skills through a variety of programs.
Locals revive health care
Michelle Daw. The Ardrossan community is taking health care into its own hands by helping secure more services after the local private hospital closed earlier this year. A new International Medical Graduate, Dr Sajini Abeysekera, has arrived from Sri Lanka with the support of the Ardrossan Community Op Shop and started taking patients at Medical HQ Ardrossan...
Health services to be investigated
The delivery of regional health services across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network will be investigated. The government has allocated $1million for this,” Health Minister Chris Picton revealed during his recent visit to the Naracoorte Hospital. “On top of this $8million investment (for the Naracoorte Hospital), a further $1million has been allocated to investigate regional service delivery across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network,” Mr Picton said.
Who was consulted?
Nasik Swami and Chris Oldfield. Health Minister Chris Picton claims the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) has implemented several changes to improve the care being provided to the people of Lucindale, following input from the community. But the Lucindale community disagrees with the minister and after being excluded from several meetings, says it still has not been consulted. Many residents report nursing services still have not returned to previous reliable or adequate capacity.
Flying foxes among us
Around 5,000 or so grey-headed flying foxes, often called fruit bats, currently have two main camps - one near Naracoorte and the other around Mount Burr. The flying foxes can carry the deadly Lyssavirus and Hendra virus - anyone scratched or bitten must seek urgent medical attention. Even dead bats are considered too dangerous to touch…
Whooping cough cases surge
The Darling Downs is currently experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, posing a health risk to the community, particularly vulnerable infants. In babies and infants this highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as pertussis, can lead to severe complications, including hospitalisation and even death. There have been 755 reported cases on the Darling Downs so far in 2024, compared to 49 for the entirety of 2023.
Mining is on Mallee minds
Farmers and locals from Birchip and surrounding areas filled the Birchip Community Leisure Centre on Wednesday night to learn of the proposed mining projects and their impacts on agricultural production and the wider community. Andrew Lee addressed the crowd of 150, whose anticipation had been building as Facebook posts gained attention across the district, sparking a wave of community discussion and diverse opinions on the issue.
A new pandemic could ride in on animals we eat, researchers warn: RMIT University
Researchers warn the animals we eat could be the gateway for a pandemic in the form of antimicrobial resistance, unleashing a wave of deadly superbugs ... The researchers analysed this public health and food security challenge in the food animal industry in Southeast Asia for the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.
Health falling behind
Joanna Tucker. Yorke Peninsula hospitals are falling behind the community’s expectations. That’s the grim outlook from Member for Narungga, Fraser Ellis. "The government is there to serve the community, and currently, I don’t think any hospital on YP is providing the services the community expects," Mr Ellis said.
Local doctors ‘no longer working’ at Wallaroo hospital
The Rural Doctors Association has joined calls for more funding and medical staff for Wallaroo hospital. RDA South Australia president Dr Bill Geyer said there were two major issues affecting the hospital. "Port Pirie seems to be favoured over Wallaroo Hospital, despite Wallaroo growing and Port Pirie shrinking," Dr Geyer said ...
