“GP tax” burden
A trip to the doctor is expected to soar by an extra $12 per visit under a State Government bid to claw payroll tax out of independent GP clinics. Following a brief amnesty, the extra $12 charges for GP visits will go straight into State Government coffers.
Doctor struggles to get Yamba GP appointment
A General Practitioner who retired from clinical practice to live in Yamba and took five months to secure an appointment with a local doctor whose books were open, says a large percentage of GPs don’t have their own doctor ... Dr M has offered some solutions to the health crisis in the region, which could ease the pressure on local GPs and enable doctors to access consultations with colleagues.
You called an ambulance for what?
Kimberly Grabham. Tim Booth is the son of Lyn and Ken Booth, formerly of Hay. Tim has written a book, titled, You Called an Ambulance for What? ... details the crazy and curious reasons for people calling emergency services, and are situations he experienced while working as a paramedic in Sydney.
YP health services risk ‘collapse’ – union
Yorke Peninsula hospitals are on the brink of a collapse of services, according to the nurses and midwives’ union, which is calling on residents to support its statewide campaign to counteract staff shortages in regional hospitals.
Letters from Home: So many ifs
Easter used to be fun in our family, but not any more. It's the hardest time of year for our family, it's when our darling granddaughter took her life. When we lost our Jessica to suicide the police knew just where to look: her phone and laptop.
A superfood renaissance down under: AgriFutures Australia announces new research plan for the quinoa industry
Known for its ancient origins and impressive nutritional profile, quinoa has not only captured the attention of health-conscious consumers globally, but also some entrepreneurial Australian farmers. Quinoa fuelled ancient Andean civilisations in South America for more than 7,000 years … along with high protein levels and essential amino acids has earned it the “superfood” title.
Barkly nurse a finalist in prestigious awards
A Barkly registered nurse has been announced as a finalist in the 2024 Nursing and Midwifery Awards. Annette (Nettie) Hodgson-Taylor is one of three finalists in the Excellence in Aboriginal Health category.
30 year celebrations for Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network
Firsthealth Limited who delivers the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, is celebrating 30 years of the organisation’s role in primary healthcare. The organisation’s history dates back to July 1993 ... Firsthealth Limited Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said the longevity of the organisation demonstrated its commitment to primary health in the Murrumbidgee region and a willingness to adapt to an everchanging environment.
Mayor calls for phone to be reinstated
Reconnecting the telephone at Lucindale’s Health Centre would be a first step towards healing a rift between the community and the $243 million Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) which slashed its services. Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross hoped the phone line would be reinstated by the end of last week, or early this week.
Ochre to go – opportunity knocks?
Ochre Health announced its intention to withdraw from Barham in a press release last week, and a hunt is underway to find a new operator for the facility. The Barham Local Health Medical Trust, which owns the facility, acknowledged Ochre Health’s commitment to the community and its excellent provision of medical services over the past 15 years.
Goomburra now has a helipad
After three years of fundraising by Brad and Teresa Badgery a helipad has been built for emergency use at the Goomburra Valley Campground. It ensures visitors enjoying the picturesque Goomburra Valley Campground and surrounding campsites will now have easy access to the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter services, if needed.
Driving doctors to train in regional posts
Sarah Herrmann. Yorke and Northern Local Health Network has announced its new Rural Doctors Program, which offers medical graduates three-to-five-year training contracts in the region, with the aim to empower junior doctors to became rural generalists. YNLHN executive director of medical services Hendrika Meyer said the network is making a long-term investment to grow its medical workforce by allowing junior doctors to train in the country earlier in their careers and to complete their entire training in the region.
The right to healthcare for all
Everyone needs a GP, and the Australian Government must build the country’s health workforce so everyone can get the care they need today, and in the future, says the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) ... RACGP vice-president, Associate Professor Michael Clements, said: “Australia has a world class health system, but investment in building our health workforce to meet growing patient needs is critical.
Review – What’s For Dinner?
I’ve read a number of books that delve into issues surrounding Australian food production and it’s fair to say that I found Jill Griffiths’ book What’s For Dinner? the easiest one to digest (pun intended). Jill is a biologist and journalist who’s been writing about the environment and agriculture for more than three decades and her book is a blend of science, history and lived experience.
Ssh! Secret meeting!
Last night ... a secret meeting regarding nursing services at Lucindale was scheduled to be held behind locked doors. Patients, public and the media were excluded from the private gathering in the town's rarely used council chamber. With an “invitation only” guest list which expanded from “a chosen few” to around 24 people, the meeting was organised by the $243 million Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN).
Super support
Local CFA volunteers were seen in trucks and in Corryong’s main street on Good Friday, raising money for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Appeal and once again the Upper Murray community and holiday visitors dug deep for the cause.
Ride for youth covers some tough ground
Serena Kirby. Local winemaker Mike Garland was one of 50 cyclists who stopped in at Denmark Senior High School as part of WA’s annual Ride For Youth fundraiser. The cyclists joined 150 students from years eight and nine to talk about youth mental health.
Bold scheme to reshape aged care in Denmark
Patricia Gill. Business developer and founder of Denmark-based Acare WA Marie Redman has proposed that the Shire of Denmark buildings be vacated to make way for seniors’ accommodation. Her suggestion, which would involve the Shire moving into the site of Supa IGA and a new big supermarket being built elsewhere, was met with applause at last Thursday’s meeting at the Riverside Club.
School holidays see the start of the 2024 Great Dunny Hunt: Continence Foundation of Australia
Calling all Australians to add new details on public toilets to the National Public Toilet Map. The much-loved Great Dunny Hunt is back and better than ever with the Continence Foundation of Australia calling all Australians to update the National Public Toilet Map website or app with new public toilet facility details they discover while out and about these school holidays.
Crowdfunding to house Easter bunnies bringing joy to women healing from domestic violence
Tennant Creek Women’s Refuge provides vital support for women escaping domestic violence; in many cases, these women and children have had to leave behind treasured possessions or much-loved pets. Recently the Refuge was gifted three baby rabbits, which were unfortunately orphaned when their mother died, and are looking to build a suitable enclosure ...
Frank thrives thanks to RCH
With the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal being held ... we have brought you the story of young Frank Skratulja, whose family has utilised the services of the hospital since June 2022 as well as the Mercy and Sunshine hospitals. Frank was born just before his identical twin brother Luka on May 25, 2022 at the Mercy Hospital.
Nurse Ali ‘saved my leg’
Lucindale's Cheryl “Fitzy” Fitzgerald has only praise for the Lucindale nurse who three years ago saved her leg, and possibly her life ... So Ms Fitzgerald was shocked recently when she tried to make an appointment for a blood test at Lucindale.
