Pulse Summer 2025 by DPVHEALTH_PULSE

Pulse Pulse

Season’s Greetings everyone, and welcome to the summer edition of "PULSE"!

What a year it's been, filled with new services commenced and new sites opened

At DPV Health, we ' ve been dedicated to providing excellent healthcare services that make a positive impact in our communities

Here are some of the highlights: New dental clinics opened in Craigieburn and Mernda New children’s NDIS site opened in Wallan New NDIS Youth Program commenced 47,500 clients supported, up 15% growth on last year Helped 6,514 people through Family Violence programs,

Welcomed 3,676 new patients to our GP Clinics, Supported 1,225 individuals in Mental Health services, Assisted 495 children through Early Childhood services

Plus, there's more to explore in our impact statement, showcasing many other achievements throughout the year

DPV Health’s contribution to Melbourne’s north was recognized with the “Community Contribution Award” and the “Business of the Year Award” at the 2025 City of Whittlesea Business Awards in June and the “Inclusive Workforce Award” Hume City Council’s 2025 Business Awards in October. These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of every individual at DPV Health

Our new Craigieburn and Epping Community Health Hubs are on track to open in 2026 They will provide an expanded range of primary care and community services to benefit the entire community. We look forward to sharing updates with you

Finally, as we take a brief break over the new year, I'd like to extend warm holiday wishes and remind you to travel safely and take care of yourself and your loved ones

Best regards,

Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health

WELCOME

OurDentalServiceisGrowing! Dental Health

More Public Dental for Melbourne’s Outer North!

DPV Health representatives were honoured to attend the official opening of the Mernda Community Hospital. Situated in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor and funded by the Victorian Government, the Community Hospital will offer a broad range of public dental, paediatrics, allied health, pathology, respiratory and allergy programs and other primary care services.

DPV Health has opened a six-chair state of the art dental clinic at the hospital and looks forward to establishing more community health programs there in the future.

Expanding access public dental is a key priority for DPV Health. In late 2026, DPV Health will open Victoria’s largest community health operated dental site in Epping

We look forward to opening new integrated primary health hubs in Craigieburn and Epping over the next 18 months

WELCOME

RisksofPayingcashforhelpatHome

What you need to know

Getting help through Support at Home keeps you safe, covered and cared for. Paying cash directly to someone, even a support worker you know may seem easy but it can create serious problems for your money, safety and care

Why Paying Cash Can Be Risky

Money

& Legal Trouble

You could accidentally become an “employer,” meaning you are responsible for tax, superannuation, and insurance.

If someone is injured while helping you, you could be legally liable

Cash payments make it easier to be overcharged or taken advantage of, with no protection

Safety & Quality Issues

Your Care Manager checks the quality of your care. Private cash workers aren’t monitored, so care may be unreliable or unsafe

If a private worker doesn’t show up, you could miss essential support

Making a complaint is harder there may be no one to help resolve problems

Impact on Your Support at Home Package

Your Care Manager might not know the full extent of your care needs, making it harder to plan the support you truly need

Government reviewers may not see the extra help you’re getting privately, which could affect your package in the future.

Privacy Risks

Home Care workers follow strict privacy rules. Private workers may not, putting your personal information at risk

Details about your health, care, or home could be used inappropriately

What

Should You Do?

Use Your Support at Home Package First: If you need more help, talk to your Care Manager. They can help you get more care through your package

Only Use Trusted Companies: If you can’t get what you need with your package, ask for help finding a trusted company or worker with proper checks and insurance

Write Down Any Private Arrangements: If you must pay someone yourself, write down what you agree on (service, price, times)

Ask For Advice: Speak with your Care Manager, My Aged Care or the government before paying anyone privately Learn about your duties as an employer

Key Takeaway:

Paying cash for home help can put your money, safety, and care at risk even if you already know the worker

Always talk to your Care Manager before making any private arrangements

WELCOME

HealthcareTips

5 tips to stay cool this summer

As much as we love the warmth of summer, there are some days that are simply too hot for our bodies to handle, especially during heatwaves Precautions need to be taken to avoid both heat stress and exhaustion

Five simple yet effective tips to help you combat the heat and avoid heat-related issues:

1. Stay indoors as much as possible

During extremely hot days, it's best to limit your exposure to the sun. Plan activities indoors or in shaded areas to minimise heat-related risks

2. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids

Water is your best friend during summer! Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you.

3. Keep cool using air conditioning or fans

If you have access to air conditioning or fans, make sure to utilise them to create a cool indoor environment Additionally, draw your blinds to block out the sun and use wet cool towels to dampen your skin for extra relief.

4. Avoid strenuous activities

High temperatures can make physical exertion more challenging and increase the risk of heatrelated illnesses Minimize strenuous activities, and if you need to go out, try to do so earlier in the day before it gets too warm.

5. Dress for the weather

Choose lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing to allow for better air circulation and help regulate your body temperature

By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the risk of heat stress and exhaustion, ensuring your summer experience remains enjoyable and safe.

To help you stay healthy this summer book an appointment with a GP

1300 234 263

(select option 1 for Medical)

Whatyouneedtoknow...

Choosing contraception that suits your needs

When choosing a method of contraception that is right for you, it is important to have accurate information

What to expect at our clinic

A multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals (i e , a Speech Pathologist, Psychologist and/or an Occupational Therapist) working within a neurodiversity- affirming model of care

The assessment process usually involves 2-3 appointments over three weeks, depending on the individual’s needs

We need to know all about your child so will be gathering lots of information This information will come from you and with your consent, from other professionals who know your child (e g kinder/classroom teacher and/or other professionals involved)

We will also complete formalised assessments

At the completion of the assessment process, a clinician will talk you through the results and some information regarding next steps

A comprehensive written report will be sent to you and your Paediatrician

Fees

A comprehensive assessment will cost approximately *$1500. Please note this may vary depending on the needs of the individual child or adolescent

A Medicare rebate is available for up to 4 sessions with a valid Paediatrician referral. In some circumstances this rebate can be higher if your Medicare threshold has been reached.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic

you need to do

There is an out-of-pocket cost payable per session. This fee will be discussed with families prior to booking an appointment

Clients who cancel without giving at least 24 hours notice will have to pay a $30 fee before being able to book another appointment

Comprehensive autism assessments for children and adolescents To Make an Appointment

Access to Interpreter Services (ages3 - 15years)

You will need a referral from a Paediatrician for a multidisciplinary ASD assessment

Hearing assessment within the last 12 months (which can be arranged within DPV Health)

We encourage a carer to attend the assessment, for emotional support

Be prepared to talk about your child’s behaviour and development, especially their strengths and challenges. This will help you answer questions during the assessment. Consider bringing any relevant documents relating to your child - their Maternal Child Health Book and reports from other professionals

Broadmeadows 1 Sorrento Street

Broadmeadows

We offer FREE interpreter access to all clients who need it. If you require an interpreter, please let our staff know at the time of making an appointment

If you have any questions or queiries please contact

EscapetheVape

PodcastSeries.

DPV Health have produced and created the Escape the Vape podcast series to educate adults in the community on the various harms associated with vaping, and practical tips on how to support young people in their lives.

Episode #1: Understanding vapes with Dr Farhan Ulhaq, GP & Medical Director DPV Health

Episode #2: Industry tactics & new laws with guests Alecia Brooks (Cancer Council NSW) & Rachael Andersen (Quit Victoria)

Episode #3: Supporting young people to quit with guests

Riona Taylor (The Zone) & Sabine Ostrowski (Quit Victoria)

EarlyChildhood&YouthServicesinWallan

New Location!

DPV Health is excited to announce we have a new site in Wallan, offering Early Childhood Development Services (ECIS) and Youth Program

We will now be offering support to children with an NDIS package in the Mitchell Shire local government area. The DPV Health Early Childhood and Youth Programs provide complete support for young NDIS participants (0 - 14) and their families to address therapy goals Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive. At our Wallan site, we focus on personalised approaches tailored to the unique needs of each child, ensuring they receive the highest quality care and support

(select option 2)

or download the brochure here

Our services include a variety of group programs designed to encourage skill-building through interactive and engaging activities These programs are an excellent opportunity for children to develop social connections, enhance their communication skills, and gain confidence in a supportive setting

We warmly invite families to visit our new location and learn more about how we can support their child’s development and well-being

For more information about the Early Childhood Development Service & Youth Program

(select option 3 for NDIS services)

Art-AbilityExhibition

Centre-Based Disability Services South Morang

DPV Health Center Based Disability Service offers tailored support for people with an intellectual, physical or sensory disability We encourage and support participants to learn new skills, maintain current skills and independence, and improve their health and wellbeing.

Art programs run on a range of days and are formatted to suit individual needs. We have Sensory Art, Art program with Expressive painting, Collage Making and Art Journaling programs

In celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities we hosted an art exhibition at our CBS South Morang site The day is celebrated annually on 3rd December, raising awareness of people with disability, and promotes the equitable inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of life.

Here are some of the participants’ artworks:

AYearofGrowth,Impact&Recognition DPV Health Annual Report

The 2024–2025 period has been another significant year for DPV Health a time of growth, service expansion, community impact and external recognition across many fronts

Key Impact Statistics this year from DPV Health:

Client satisfaction: 89% of survey respondents reported a “high/very high” level of satisfaction with DPV Health services, including 88% among culturally and linguistically diverse respondents

Interpreter-supported access: 9,287 appointments were conducted with interpreter support

Growth in First Nations clients: Services for clients from First Nations backgrounds grew by 21%; in 2024-25, 897 First Nations clients accessed multiple services and programs across DPV Health

Community advisory engagement: The Community Advisory Network grew to 90 members (from 73 in 2023), representing diverse communities

Refugee & asylum seeker health-literacy program: Delivered 84 comprehensive health-literacy sessions attended by 911 participants, with referrals made to 304 health services and 208 community services.

Children & family services reach: 2,534 children received Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS); 7,265 appointments were delivered.

Women’s health & reproductive services: 960 women’s health & sexual health screenings conducted in the year through new Women’s Health Hubs

Allied-health capacity: DPV Health delivered over 40,700 allied-health appointments in 2024-25.

Dental service improvements: Public dental waitlists reduced by 17%

Chicken

For more tasty, healthy and eas

Recipes scan the QR codes or v www goodfoodforgoodhealth co

INGREDIENTS

( 4 medium) Skinless Chicken Breast

( 1/3 cup) Fish Sauce

( 1/2 cup) White Vinegar

( 1 tsp) Black Pepper

( 1/4 tsp) Iodised Table Salt

( 1 medium) Brown Onion

( 4 cloves) Garlic

( 1 tbsp) Caster Sugar

( 4 tbsp) Salt Reduced Tomato Sauce

( 2 tbsp) Vegetable Oil

( 1 1/2 medium) Desiree Potato

Prep Time: 30 minutes

DPV Health wish you a joyful, safe and healthy festive season!

Holiday Season Site Closure:

We hope you remain in the best of health over the holiday season, but if you need our services, we are here for you!

DPV Health will continue to support the communities we service over the holiday break by keeping open critical and urgent health services. These services include medical, dental, Victim Assistance Program, mental health services, and Support at Home.

Our hours of operation may vary during this period

All other DPV Health services will be closed from Thursday 25th December 2025 until Sunday, 11th January 2026 (inclusive)

For more information on our site closure times visit our website.

For any medical emergencies call 000