DPV Health - Pulse Newsletter - Spring 2021

Pulse Importance of

HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

10

TIPS FOR MANAGING

ASTHMA & HAY FEVER

How to look after

KIDS TEETH

FROM AN EARLY AGE TIPS FOR FUSSY EATERS FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE

& much more!

SPRING 2021

KEEPING YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS

contents 3.

Welcome to Pulse

4.

10 tips for managing asthma and hay fever

5.

Health Assessments for 45-49 year olds

6.

Dental care for children

7.

Importance of seeing an exercise physiologist

8.

5 tips for fussy eaters

9.

Pita bread pizza recipe and cooking class

10-11. COVID-19 Vaccinations 12.

Finding your happy place, relaxation tips

13.

R U OK?, Family Violence support

14-15. DPV Health programs 16-17. DPV Health sites, Volunteers help community

2

18.

High Risk Accommodation Response

19.

Client stories

Who we are DPV Health is a not-for-profit organisation that offers exceptional health care services to people of all ages. We are the largest community health provider in Melbourne’s North, operating across five Local Government areas (LGAs): Whittlesea, Hume, Mitchell, Melton, and Banyule.

Our vision Our vision is seeking to support the health and wellbeing of our community.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Custodians and Country DPV Health acknowledge the Kulin Nations as First Peoples, and Aboriginal traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waters on which we are meeting today and pay respects to their Elders and communities.

Welcome Hello everyone, Welcome to the Spring edition of “PULSE”!

I am proud to say DPV Health continues to play a major role in supporting the communities of Northern Melbourne through the Coronavirus pandemic. We provide an extensive range of COVID-19 testing, vaccination and community support programs to help keep you and your family safe. Full details are available on our website at www.dpvhealth.org.au Now I have some exciting news to share with you…

DPV Health has opened one of the largest community health vaccination hubs in Victoria. Operating out of the Broadmeadows Town Hall, the vaccination hub will provide access for thousands of local community members to be vaccinated with either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. DPV Health has expanded the site to provide up to 22 vaccination booths and it is open seven days per week. You can book an appointment for your vaccination by calling 1300 DPV VAX (1300 378 829) and walk-ups are also welcome.

We are also delighted to present to you, our new DPV Health video. The video showcases the services we deliver, the values that guide us, the passion that drives us and the people who motivate us to do what we do, day in and day out. We invite you to watch, enjoy and share with friends and family.

Please stay safe and get vaccinated. . .

Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health

DPV Health Brand Video

1300 234 263 dpvhealth.org.au © DPV Health Ltd 2021 ABN 68 047 988 477 ACN 136 371 152

3

10 tips for managing

asthma & hay fever Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma are different conditions which both involve blocking airways and sensitivity in the respiratory system. Asthma affects 2.7 million Australians and around 80 per cent of those people also experience hay fever.

If you experience asthma and hay fever, it’s important to understand their relationship to each other and how to best manage them.

Here are 10 helpful tips on how to manage your asthma and hay fever

Hay fever

1. Avoid your triggers

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollens, grasses, dust mites or animal dander. It causes swelling, itching and sensitivity in the nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, mouth breathing and a feeling like you have a constant head cold. It can also lead to disturbed sleep, daytime tiredness, poor concentration and a reduced sense of smell.

Asthma Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways. People with asthma can sometimes find it hard to breathe because the tubes that carry air to their lungs become narrow. People with asthma often experience wheezing, a feeling of not being able to get enough air, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Asthma can be triggered by different things, including smoke, ill health, allergens and exercise.

did you know?

DPV Health offers free asthma self management education and support for children. Families entering our program will receive one-on-one education and support from one of our qualified health professionals CLICK HERE to find out more.

4

2. Know your symptoms 3. Remove allergens (such as dust and pet dander) from your home 4. Review your symptoms management strategies with your doctor or pharmacist 5. Make sure you are using your medications correctly and your asthma inhaler properly 6. Get an asthma management plan from your doctor 7. Consider using an asthma diary or app to keep track of your asthma 8. Follow medical advice around exercising 9. Avoid smoke 10. Get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 Hayfever and asthma symptoms can present like COVID-19 symptoms.

Anyone with COVID-19 like symptoms is encouraged to get a COVID-19 test to ensure your symptoms aren’t masking a COVID-19 infection.

Do you need help with managing your asthma or Hay fever?

Call 1300 234 263 to book or CLICK HERE for more information.

health assessments With the COVID-19 pandemic now in its second year, it’s important for people of all ages to make sure that they are up to date with their regular health assessments. This is especially important for people aged between 45 and 49 years and 75 and over.

If you’re in this age brackets and have been avoiding visiting your doctor throughout the pandemic, now is the time to book in and get your health professionally assessed.

Health assessments for people aged 45-49 years If you’re between the ages of 45 and 49 years, you have a statistically higher chance of showing the early signs of chronic diseases which may impact your health and wellbeing in later life. You may also be in a position to delay or avoid the onset of chronic diseases. Checking in for a health assessment is a great way to receive important health information from your nurse or doctor. It will also help you assess your risk factors for some chronic illnesses.

What does it involve?

Health assessments typically involve a one hour consultation with a nurse, followed by a consultation with a general practitioner.

During your appointment, the nurse will ask you about your health history, medications, food and alcohol consumption, and whether or not you smoke. They will also ask you about recent blood tests and vaccinations, and talk to you about a range of important topics such as: bowel check, mental health, cancer screening, skin checks, cervical screening mammograms, men’s health concerns or other things that may be worrying you, like finances or stressful life situations.

If any risks or concerns are identified, these will be communicated to your GP for further investigation and treatment. Care plans, screenings, and mental health plans can be put in place during this time to keep you in optimal health.

Health assessment for people aged 75 years and older A health assessment for people aged 75 years and over provides a structured way of identifying health issues and conditions that are potentially preventable or amenable to interventions in order to improve health and /or quality of life. In addition to assessing a person’s health status, a health assessment is used to identify a broad range of factors that influence a person’s physical, psychological and social functioning.

All nurses at DPV Health are able to perform health assessments. Depending on your needs we have nurses who specialise in: asthma education, cervical screening, chronic disease management, Continence assessment and immunisation.

Watch the video below for more information on health assessments for people aged 45-49 years by Allison - Clinical Nurse Coordinator at DPV Health.

Need more information on health assessments or discuss your eligibility?

Call 1300 234 263 to arrange an appointment.

5

dental care

Tooth Arrival Chart

for children

CLICK HERE to download

Teaching your child how to take care of their teeth and gums is an important part of their overall health care. This includes helping them to brush their teeth twice a day, showing them how to floss, helping them make good food choices and taking them to a dentist for regular check-ups.

able to hold the toothbrush themselves by the age of two years. This helps them to feel involved in the process. Remember, though, your child will need help and supervision to clean their teeth until they are about eight years old.

1. Start early

Flossing between teeth is also an important skill to teach your child. This can be done with either floss, or an inter-dental brush. Flossing helps to remove food from between the teeth and plaque from around the gum-line. Show your child how to floss and help them to do it one a day after the age of two.

Most children get their first teeth between the ages of six to twelve months. It’s a good idea to start your child’s dental care as soon as their first tooth comes through, and most dentist recommend children have their first dental visit by the age of two. Starting early helps you to teach your child about oral health care. It also gives your dentist a chance to monitor your child’s dental development.

2. Teach your child Teaching your toddler how to care for their teeth helps to give them a great start in life.

As well as helping your toddler to brush their teeth, it’s also a great idea to let your child watch you brush your teeth. This will give your child lots of opportunities to talk about teeth and dental care. It will also help you to educate your child on the importance of good oral hygiene.

4. Floss between teeth

5. See a dentist Generally children should see a dentist by the time they’re one year old or when their first tooth comes through, whichever happens first. After that, your dentist will let you know how often to bring your child for a check-up (usually every 6-12 months).

Watch this video to find out tips on how to look after children’s teeth by Kerrie - Dental Assistant at DPV Health.

3. Brush twice a day Toddler teeth need to be cleaned twice a day, so it’s a good idea to set up a morning and before-bed evening routine. It’s best to use a small, soft toothbrush that is designed for children under two years. If your child is younger than 18 months, it’s ok to just clean their teeth with water and a soft brush. When your child is aged two and over, a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste is a good option, unless your dentist suggests a higher 6 fluoride strength. Your child will probably be 6

Need a dental check-up?

Call 1300 234 263 to book or CLICK HERE for more information.

healthy ageing

importance of seeing an exercise physiologist

Did you know that people who exercise regularly tend to live longer? Recent studies show that people with good fitness levels can live up to 6.9 years longer than people who don’t exercise. They also tend to have a better quality of life. If you or someone you care about is struggling to stay active, it’s worth talking to an exercise physiologist.

What is exercise physiology?

Exercise physiologists are health professionals who specialise in the use of exercise to manage and prevent a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic medical conditions. Exercise physiology can help to improve your overall health and wellbeing. They also help people who are at risk of developing serious medical conditions and injuries. Exercise physiology involves the use of exercise-based treatment, education, support and advice. Exercise physiologists also help people to make significant lifestyle changes around their exercise behaviours.

What is exercise physiology for?

Exercise physiology is an effective way to manage medical conditions including: > arthritis and other musculoskeletal pain > cancer > depression, anxiety and stress > diabetes > falls prevention > heart disease > neurological conditions > obesity > osteoporosis

You don’t need to be in good shape to see an exercise physiologist The important thing to remember about exercise physiology is that people of all ages and abilities can benefit from them.

In a single day, exercise physiologists can work with top athletes, through to people with disabilities, the elderly, and everyone in between. In fact, exercise physiology is great for people who experience: > reduced mobility > inactivity > deconditioning > fatigue > weakness > balance issues Watch these simple exercises you can do at home by Simon - Exercise Physiologist at DPV Health.

A customised approach to exercise Everyone’s health needs are different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. When you see an exercise physiologist, they will assess your body and design an exercise program that suits your specific needs.

Need more information?

Call 1300 234 263 to book or CLICK HERE for more information.

7

5 tips

to help with fussy eaters

Fussy eating is a common stress and concern for parents, luckily there are numerous evidence-based strategies that can help.

1. Relaxed family meal environment Create a happy and social eating time with family and provide structured mealtimes (set eating times), a time limit (20-30 minutes) for meal consumption, quiet activities before meals, and remove distractions (TV, games).

2. Parent provide, kids decide Provide your child with several different food options (2-3 at a time) and let them decide what and how much they eat. Providing your child with choice helps them feel more independent and reduces resistance at mealtime. Start with small pieces of new food and include with familiar or liked foods.

3. Repeated exposure,variety, and frequency Your child might refuse and dislike a food but persistence is key, it can take up to 8 to 15 times before your child decides to eat a new food. Offer a variety of new foods on a regular basis and make sure the foods provided are the same as the family meal.

4. Modelling Your child learns from watching you and your own likes and dislikes can influence your child’s food preferences, so it is important that you are eating the foods that you want your child to eat.

5. Make it fun!

Let your child help prepare meals, shop for food items, serve the meal, and set the table and make eating fun by using different colours, shapes, and sizes.

8

Reward your child with non-food-related rewards like sticker charts, games, and trips to the park. > Include foods from each of the five food groups in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating > Empathise as learning to eat new foods can be complex and challenging for a child > Give the child praise and positive encouragement when new foods are tried > Avoid using sweet foods such as desserts as a reward > Avoid forcing, bribing, and punishing your child when introducing new foods > Try to avoid giving attention to the fussing eating behaviour

How to prevent or reduce fussy eating Variety during pregnancy and breastfeeding Mothers who consume a large variety of foods and flavours during pregnancy and breastfeeding increase a child’s acceptance of these foods when introducing solids.

Start with vegetables When introducing solids, starting with vegetables first (non-sweet), vegetables frequently and vegetable variety before introducing sweet flavours can increase your child’s preference for these foods.

Avoid mixing vegetables Introduce a variety of single vegetables that are not mashed together, this helps your child to learn to like each individual flavour and reduces flavour confusion.

perfect recipe for

fussy eaters Pita bread pizza Ingredients 3 regular wholemeal flat bread 1 medium green capsicum, raw 1 medium red capsicum, fresh 2 cups cheese mozzarella 3 cups mushroom, raw 1 cup fresh kale 1/2 tsp dried oregano 2/3 cup low-salt / no-added salt tomato paste

For more healthy, simple, cost effective and tasty recipes visit goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au

let’s get

> Easy to make > Under $10/4 serves > Vegetarian > Time 15 mins Great for lunchboxes!

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees (C) 2. Cut the vegetables into 2cm pieces 3. Pull the pita bread into two halves.

Spread tomato paste on each side

4. Add the cheese and then the vegetables 5. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown

cooking program

DPV Health supported Greenbrook Community House ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ program, which was initiated by their members wanting to improve their healthy cooking skills. It was a three-week program and was led by our very own Accredited Practicing Dietitian Vinci Chan-Duffell. The participants were able to learn about food safety, food label reading, meal planning and healthy eating. The program was a huge success with everyone learning healthy eating tips and practicing their cooking skills.

“It’s really good because I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, I don’t know how to cook but I’m going to learn here now. At the moment, at home I eat junk food, but this will enable me to cook healthy meals for myself.” - Brett, (participant from Epping) 9

COVID-19 vaccine

fact check Can COVID-19 vaccines give you COVID-19?

Were COVID-19 vaccines developed too quickly to be safe?

COVID-19 vaccines have been developed without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness.

It may appear they have been developed very quickly, but researchers around the world have been working hard to develop COVID-19 vaccines from the earliest stages of the pandemic. They have been able to speed up development of vaccines thanks to the collaboration between them, scientists, manufacturers and distributors.

The development and implementation planning phases have been run side-by side, instead of one after the other. This has been made possible because of unprecedented global funding.

Do COVID-19 vaccines contain a microchip or any kind of tracking technology?

None of the COVID-19 vaccines in development contain software or microchips. They cannot be used to track people.

Can COVID-19 vaccines alter my DNA? No, COVID-19 vaccines do not alter your DNA. The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine uses a fragment of messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct your body to make an immune response against COVID-19.

10

Source: www.health.gov.au

None of the approved vaccines in Australia contain the live virus. This means they cannot give you COVID-19.

Some of the side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations, such as fever and fatigue can mimic the symptoms of COVID-19.

These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

For specific advice about side effects from different doses of vaccines, ask your doctor or health care professional.

How much protection do I get when I’m fully vaccinated?

The vaccines’ effectiveness depends on how many doses someone has received, and what COVID-19 variant is circulating.

It is currently recommended that people have two shots of Pfizer three weeks apart, or two shots of AstraZeneca 12 weeks apart, for maximum effect.

Data suggests two shots of either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by more than 90 per cent against the original virus.

And two doses of Pfizer provide around 94 per cent protection against symptoms, while two doses of AstraZeneca provide 82.4 per cent protection. Both vaccines also provide more than 90 per cent protection against hospitalisation for the highly transmissible Delta variant after two doses.

For more facts CLICK HERE.

watch

COVID-19 Vaccine health advice

Reliable health advice In this video, immunologist Professor Ian Frazer provides reliable health advice about the COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.

Creating an immune response In this video, immunologist Professor Ian Frazer discusses side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines.

Protecting against severe disease Immunologist Professor Ian Frazer discusses the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines to protect against severe disease.

vaccinated get protected, get

The COVID-19 vaccination is available at DPV Health Medical Centres in Mill Park and Broadmeadows, Town Hall Broadmeadows pop-up site and other sites near you. We are taking bookings for those who are eligible.

To make a booking at our vaccination pop-up sites, please CLICK HERE to view locations and operating times. Alternatively, call 1300 DPV VAX or dial 1300 378 829. To make a booking at our Medical Centres, call 1300 234 263 and select option 1.

Latest update: Anyone aged 16-59 years can now receive the Pfizer vaccine. In addition, anyone aged 18-59 years will be able to choose to receive either Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

Those aged 60 and over will continue to receive AstraZeneca.

CLICK HERE to check, up to date eligibility criteria.

11

f inding your

happy place Relaxation is a state where you feel calm and able to manage day-to-day life. If you have a busy life, this can be difficult. Relaxation has many mental and physical health benefits, and the techniques can be practiced almost anywhere.

How can relaxation improve your mental health?

Relaxation reduces stress and the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Relaxation also has other related health benefits, including: lowering your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate, reducing muscle tension and chronic pain, improving concentration and mood, reducing fatigue, reducing anger and frustration, boosting confidence to handle problems.

What are some relaxation techniques?

Relaxation techniques focus on muscle relaxation or breathing. An example is progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense then relax different muscle groups.

Other techniques include: > visualisation, where you create a mental image of a calming place for you > deep breathing, where you refocus your attention on your breathing Find a relaxation technique that works for you and make it part of your daily routine, even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes a day.

12

Source: www.healthdirect.gov.au

Relaxation apps If you need extra help with relaxing your mind, try some of these apps.

Headspace

Headspace is meditation made simple.

The app takes you through the basics of meditation, with progress pages to track your stats and reminders to help you with your practice.

Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life.

A conversation could save a life!

We can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life ‘s ups and downs.

If you feel like something’s not quite the same with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re doing or saying - trust that gut instinct and take the time to ask them “Are you OK?”

Click on below to download guide to learn the signs to ask R U OK?

By acting as ‘eyes and ears’ and reaching out to anyone who’s going through a tough time we can show them they’re supported and encourage them to access help sooner.

WORRIED SOMEONE MIGHT BE SUICIDAL? Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support.

If life is in danger, call 000.

We want to help our community live in a safe & protected environment Are you worried about how you are being treated by your partner or husband, boyfriend or girlfriend, a family member or a carer?

Abuse in relationships, which is also called domestic violence, is any behaviour that causes physical, sexual or emotional harm, or causes you to live in fear. Family violence can affect anyone, regardless of sex, age, race, sexuality, disability, income, gender or lifestyle. For more information and support on DPV Health’s services CLICK HERE. 13

programs Tai Chi

Tai Chi reduces is known to reduce stress & anxiety, improves mood, aerobic capacity, increases energy & stamina and improves flexibility, balance & agility.

Classes run every Wednesday at 9:15am at DPV Health 21-27 Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights Cost: $2 donation More information: Call 1300 234 263

Hand Therapy Program

at DPV DPV Health.

To To support your health & wellness. at Health. support your health & well

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies This service assists pregnant women to improve access to antenatal, postnatal, and other human services that support and deliver health promotion messages through women’s pregnancy and beyond. Self referrals accepted.

MyTime groups are for all parents and family carers of children aged under 18 years who need a higher level of care than other children do. This may be because of disability, developmental delay or a chronic medical condition.

Self referrals accepted.

Cost: FREE More information: Call 1300 234 263 (select option 4)

Cost: FREE More information: Call 8401 7348

Living Well With Pain

BALC - Exercise Physiology

Aimed at helping you manage your chronic hand/upper limb conditions. This service is delivered as two separate programs. Available to individuals 18 years and over. Self referrals accepted.

An 8-week program that aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to manage their pain at home and within the community. Available to individuals 18 years andPrograms over who live with chronic pain. Self referrals accepted.

Cost: Fee may apply More information: Call 1300 234 263

Cost: Fee may apply More information: Call 1300 234 263

(select option 4 then option 1)

(select option 4 then option 1)

14

My Time Group

This group is designed to help individuals begin and safely complete an exercise program within a gym It is available atenvironment.

DPV Health suitable for a range of clientele, pathologies and goals, including weight loss, older adults, diabetes, and more. Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $5 More information: Call 1300 234 263

programs

lness.

GLA:D Australia An exercise & education program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It provides participants skills to selfmanage their osteoarthritis. Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $7.50 per session More information: Call 1300 234 263 or email: physiotherapy.team@ dpvhealth.org.au

at DPV Health. To support your health & wellness.

Let’s Talk Dementia This is a group designed for people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia or are experiencing memory loss.

The group aims to support participants and their family/ carers to understand dementia and learn strategies to navigate their journey. Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $7.60 per session More information: Call 1300 234 263 (select option 4)

Men’s Behaviour Change Program This program is suitable for men who want to identify, understand, and take responsibility for their abusive behaviours. It is an opportunity to learn new ways to deal with anger and violence.

Self referrals accepted.

Cost: $300 - $400 More information: email: mbcpintakecoordinator @ dpvhealth.org.au

become a volunteer We are current looking for walker leaders for our walking group.

As a volunteer walk leader, you’ll be helping people in your community to get active and healthy, and develop your leadership skills, get to know your local area and meet lots of new people. All groups are affiliated with Heart Foundation Walking. Current locations available for leaders: Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights, Craigieburn, Westmeadows, Greenvale and Mill Park.

For more information please call Silvana on 8301 6736 or email silvana.portaro@dpvhealth.org.au For all other volunteer enquiries please CLICK HERE.

1515

DPV Health

highlights

New DPV Health site opening We are excited to announce that starting 24 August 2021, we will be offering Counselling and Psychology services from our brand-new facility in Epping - Level 1, Quest Building, Corner of Cooper and Miller St, Epping. The new facility offers well-lit, spacious consulting rooms to support privacy and provide a calm environment where clients can feel comfortable talking about personal matters with their counsellor.

DPV Health will be co-habiting the new space with The Orange Door, an independent, notfor-profit organisation that offer free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.

The site is situated next to Epping Plaza, a popular landmark in the area and therefore easy to locate and offers ample parking.

To make a referral or to book an appointment with our qualified team of counsellors, call 1300 234 263 and select option 4.

DPV Health launched a new site in Epping DPV Health is now offering Physical Health Services & Community Support Programs from our new location at Epping Private Hospital Level 2, 230 Cooper Street, Epping.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new site for Physical Health Services & Community Support programs.

DPV Health Locations

To view all our locations, CLICK HERE or Call 1300 234 263.

16

At this site, you can access: > Physical Health > Exercise Physiology > Physiotherapy > Speech Pathology > Podiatry > Occupational Therapy > Community Support > Specialist Family Services To make a referral or to book an appointment Call 1300 234 263 and select option 4.

DPV Health Volunteers helping our community in need Foodlink Program – During Covid The Foodlink Program is whereby DPV Health receives donated and purchased bulk food items from Foodbank in Yarraville. We are a registered community partner and distributor with Foodbank and receive goods on a fortnightly basis. Our dedicated volunteers’ assist with putting the food hampers together and getting them ready for delivery to people in need.

Water exercise volunteers Our specially trained volunteer leaders, many of whom also live with a musculoskeletal condition, demonstrate a general exercise program for participants to follow.

Warm water exercise involves exercising in a heated, warm water pool. It is a comfortable and enjoyable way for a person with arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition to exercise the joints and muscles while being supported in the water.

It involves gentle exercises that give a general workout at your own pace.

For more information on our volunteers and how you can join the team CLICK HERE.

Careers at DPV Health At DPV Health, we pride ourselves on being inclusive and actively embrace and celebrate the diversity of all people within our communities. We are passionate about supporting people to lead happy, healthy lives.

We currently have several positions available for health professionals. If you or someone you know might be interested, CLICK HERE to find out more information.

Paediatric services are available at DPV Health.

Call 1300 234 263 to arrange an appointment at one of our Medical Centres for a referral.

“I love how inclusive DPV Health has become and taking its community and staff on a rewarding journey, its truly an innovative and flexible work place.”

- Neela (Population Health) 17 17

DPV Health

highlights High Risk Accommodation Response DPV Health commenced work with the High Risk Acomodation Response project as a lead provider in October last year.

We are working with residents in the Hume, Whittlesea and Nillumbik local government areas with several partner organisations to cover this large catchment area. These agencies include: Banksia Gardens Community Services, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health as well as Carrington Health (Healthability).

The HRAR project continues to act to prevent, prepare for and respond early to COVID-19 infections within high risk accommodation settings. Most of these facilities have shared or communal areas which increases the risk of COVID-19 transmissions or spread. High risk settings include rooming houses, public housing, community housing, supported residential settings and disability settings.

Our engagement teams in HRAR, work with residents to promote Covid safe practices,

18

vaccine clinics as well as providing support and link into health and social support services. Our engagement teams consist of registered nurses to assist residents with clinical queries and advice on Infection prevention and control measures.

Since October last year we have engaged directly with nearly 800 residents and provided residents with over 2000 kits (which include washable face masks and information on services, testing, vaccines etc). We have also completed over 1500 letterbox drops where we were meet residents in person.

The HRAR team has also conducted over 50 on-site assessments and provided reports to proprietors of facilities and the department of housing with recommendations on infection prevention strategies.

We have recently created our new winter residents kits for the second phase of the HRAR project. The new kits include information on vaccines, testing, covid symptoms and mental health services. We have also included some goodies to give residents (beanie, travel mug, pocket sized tissues/hand sanitiser, antiseptic wipe sachets, pens and tea).

At this stage the HRAR project has funding until December 2021. DPV Health will continue to engage and work closely with our most vulnerable communities in high risk housing and facilities.

DPV Health client

stories “DPV Health’s homelessness support has impacted my life in the most positive way possible! Your organisation has provided me with housing stability, supporting me in reconnecting with my children which I’m forever grateful for. I have also had financial help which has helped my house feel like a home and given me the assistance to make sure my children have everything they need. I would also like to say the emotional support provided by my workers has been priceless.” – K

Shannon’s Story

Shannon is a 43 years old, DPV Health diabilibilty services client at the Farm Vigano site for 23 years. He was found non responsive by his mother in early hours of a morning.

He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent number of tests which later revealed a positive result to influenza A. Within 24 hours Shannon’s condition worsened and doctors advised he needed to be placed in a medically induced coma and a ventilator due to complications.

Shannon stayed in an induced coma for almost 2 weeks and there was no guarantee if he would pull through. Fortunately Shannon came out of ICU where his medical team started to reduce his induced coma medication. Within 24 hours, Shannon started to regain consciousness although he was extremely weak with his eyes just open, but he still lacked awareness. During his fourth week in the hospital, Shannon began to show signs he was becoming aware of his

surroundings, his eyes started to follow his mother, his family and visitors. Sometimes he seemed to pay attention, other times he seemed lost but he began to start to say words which were hard to comprehend.

Shannon was then moved to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre where he commenced his intense physiotherapy rehabilitation to his long road to recovery. Shannon was strong enough to return to his day support at Farm Vigano early 2021. When Shannon arrived, his friends and staff members welcomed him back into his usual program room. Shannon was so excited, he had the biggest smile and he had tears of happiness.

Shannon continues his intense daily physiotherapy schedule facilitated at DPV Health in Farm Vigano, by a group of key staff trained in his therapy needs. His program of support includes a focus on advancing his communication skills in speech and compic, maintaining his social interaction skills and continuing to maintain his friendship group.

Shannon is now kicking goals with his conversations and even walking with a frame!

19

.

Medical Services

Dental Services

Mental Health

Disability Services

65+ Health

Child & Youth

Physical Health

Community Support

.org.au

1300 234 263

dpvhealth.org.au