Pulse Newsletter | Winter 2026
Pulse Keep your finger on the Pulse with Health & Wellness News
Affordable Private Dental
Heart Health Check
New Physiotherapy Groups
We’re pleased to announce that our Affordable Private Dental Services is opening soon at Mernda Community Hospital!
Heart disease, sudden heart attacks, and strokes often develop silently without warning signs. Learn more about the importance of health checks.
Everyone deserves to live a happy and healthy life where you can move freely without pain or discomfort. Learn how to keep active as you age.
Welcome In this Issue 1. Affordable Private Dental
Hello and welcome to the Winter edition of PULSE.
2. Move better with our physiotherapy Groups
Exploring this edition of the Pulse newsletter, you’ll find information on our affordable private dental services, our physiotherapy groups, the Victorian Carers alliance and much more! It has been an exciting few months at DPV Health. In April, we hosted the Excellent Care Symposium, which was a fantastic showcase of our ongoing commitment to high quality care, clinical governance, and evaluation. This year’s theme, “The Right Way – Measure What Matters,” featured keynote speaker Louise McKinlay, CEO of Safer Care Victoria. Louise delivered a compelling presentation on Safer Care Victoria’s approach to clinical governance, data, and evaluation. As we head into the colder months, I would also like to encourage everyone to prepare for the flu season by booking a flu vaccination. This simple step can help protect you, your family, and the community throughout winter. Wishing you happiness and good health. Don Tidbury CEO, DPV Health
3. How food can help your mood 4. Victorian Carers Alliance 5. Heart Health Check 6. Client Experience Results 7. Italian Sausage and Onion Barley Risotto Recipe
Affordable Private Dental! WELCOME Dental Health We’re pleased to announce that our Affordable Private Dental Services will resume at Mernda Community Hospital in August 2026! Whether you are a new patient or existent public patient you can now take advantage of lowcost dental on general dentistry without the waiting period. We are excited to offer a $99 Check‑up & Clean introductory offer at our Private Dental Clinic.
What’s included in the $99 Check‑up & Clean: Comprehensive dental examination Thorough clean and polish Personalised oral health plan and advice Package valued at $151 Our friendly and experienced dental team is committed to providing high‑quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment, with a focus on preventative care and long‑term oral health.
For more information or to book a Dental appointment call
1300 234 263 (select option 2 for Dental)
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
Move better with our Physiotherapy Groups Physiotherapy Our physiotherapy team offers a range of small‑group, evidence‑based programs designed to support strength, mobility, balance and confidence, no matter your age or ability. Each program is led by qualified physiotherapists and tailored to help you move safely and comfortably. Clinical Pilates An 8‑week, physiotherapist‑led program using gentle reformer and mat exercises to help rebuild strength, mobility and confidence for people with back or neck pain or core weakness. GLA:D® Hip and Knee A 6‑week, evidence‑based group program combining education and exercise to help people with hip or knee osteoarthritis manage pain, improve movement and build confidence. GLA:D® Back A physiotherapist‑led program for persistent or recurring low back pain, focusing on targeted exercise and education to support safe movement and long‑term self‑management. Seated Exercise Group Gentle, chair‑based group exercise designed for people with reduced mobility or pain to improve strength, mobility, balance and overall wellbeing. Hydrotherapy Group A warm‑water, low‑impact exercise program supporting strength, movement and balance for people with joint pain, mobility issues or who are recovering from or awaiting surgery. Falls Prevention Group A supportive program that builds strength and balance while teaching practical strategies to reduce fall risk and move more confidently in everyday life
For more information, visit our physiotherapy page on the DPV Health website.
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
How Food Can Help Your Mood WELCOME Nutrition & Dietetics Many people know that food affects the body, but it also affects the mind. What you eat can play a role in how you feel day to day.
Food and your brain Your brain needs a steady supply of nutrients to work well. Just like a car needs the right fuel, your brain needs the right foods. Foods high in processed foods (like chips, sugary drinks, and takeaway) are linked with higher rates of low mood and tiredness. Instead, including more whole foods can support better mental health.
What foods help? Eating regularly and choosing balanced meals can make a difference. Helpful foods include: Vegetables and fruits Whole grains (like oats, brown rice, wholemeal bread) Protein foods (like eggs, beans, lentils, fish, chicken) Healthy fats (like nuts, seeds, olive oil) These foods provide vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support brain function.
.
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
How Food Can Help Your Mood WELCOME Nutrition & Dietetics What does the research say? A well-known Australian study called the SMILES Trial looked at people with depression. One group improved their eating with support from a dietitian. Another group received social support. After 12 weeks, the group who improved their eating habits had much bigger improvements in their mood. About 1 in 3 people in the healthy eating group no longer met the criteria for depression, compared to fewer people in the other group.
Small changes can help You don’t need a perfect diet to see benefits. Start small: Add one extra vegetable to your meals Swap sugary drinks for water Include protein at each meal Try cooking at home more often
Make an appointment with our dietitics team!
1300 234 263 (select option 4)
The bottom line: Food is not a replacement for medical care, but it is a powerful tool. Eating a variety of whole foods each day can support both your physical and mental health and help you feel better over time. Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
WELCOME Victorian Carers Alliance Carers Victoria & DPV Health Launch Victorian Carers Alliance April marked the launch of the Victorian Carers Alliance, a shared commitment between DPV Health and Carers Victoria to ensure carers are recognised earlier, supported better, and connected to the services they need. This alliance brings together community health and specialist carer expertise, strengthening support for people who often step into caring roles quietly and without formal support. Through initiatives like the Step into Caring Program (developed by Carers Vic and DPV Health), carers gain early access to practical information, confidence building tools, and connections that protect their own health and wellbeing alongside the people they care for. We were honoured to launch the alliance alongside Board and CEO representation from both organisations, and most importantly, the carers who have taken part in the Step into Caring program, whose lived experience continues to shape better, more responsive systems of care. At its heart, the Victorian Carers Alliance reflects a simple truth: when organisations work together, carers don’t have to navigate their journey alone.
If you are a carer in need of support, visit Carers Victoria to access tailored advice, resources, and guidance.
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
WELCOME Heart Health Check Your Heart Health Matters Heart disease, sudden heart attacks, and strokes often develop silently without warning signs. A regular heart health check with your General Practitioner (GP) can detect problems early and significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Why see your GP for a heart check? Your GP Can: Check
Check blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight
Assess
Assess your personal and family risk of heart disease
Identify
Identify early warning signs before symptoms appear
Provide
Provide tailored advice on lifestyle, medications, and prevention
Help
Help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
WELCOME Heart Health Check Your Heart Health Matters Heart checks are especially important if you are: Over the age of 30 If you haven’t had a health heart check in the last 12 months Living with Diabetes Overweight or obese Diagnosed with high blood pressure Having a family history of heart disease or stroke An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person A smoker or physically inactive
Prevention saves lives. Many heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Early detection and management can make a life-saving difference for you and your family.
To book an appointment with a DPV Health GP call today!
1300 234 263 (select option 1 for Medical)
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
Delivering Exceptional Client Experience
WELCOME What our clients are telling us
At DPV Health, delivering excellent care isn’t just about what we do, it’s about how our clients experience that care. The 2025 Client Experience Survey saw a 35% increase in participation, with 1,144 clients sharing their experiences. Clients from over 85 countries, across all life stages and backgrounds, took the time to tell us how we’re doing and where we can do better
Strong Overall Performance and Growing Loyalty The results show that DPV Health continues to deliver consistently high levels of client experience:
67
Our Net Promoter Score (NPS)
+4
76% of clients are likely to recommend DPV Health to friends & family
points from 2024
Across services & programs, clients rated DPV Health highly on what matters most at a human level: Clients report feeling welcome, safe and treated with respect across all services 84% of clients said they feel comfortable raising a concern or complaint, reinforcing that our feedback culture is working Clients told us that DPV Health helps them stay healthy, avoid hospital, receive affordable care and feel connected to their community, reinforcing the real impact of our work beyond the appointment itself.
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
Delivering Exceptional Client Experience WELCOME What our clients are telling us What We’re Learning and Acting On Wait times matter - clients waiting less than three months consistently report higher satisfaction and NPS. Clients want better communication while on waitlists and clearer information about delays in waiting areas. There is growing interest in telehealth options and preventive health information to support self‑management
Closing the Loop: From Feedback to Improvement Listening is only the first step. Over the coming months, we will continue to share findings with staff, community groups and governance bodies. Together, we will identify key areas of improvement and implement actions that will help us deliver an even higher level of client experience. The message from clients is clear: what we do everyday matters. The quality of our interactions, our respect, our communication and our care are what define the DPV Health experience.
Share your feedback and help shape our services:
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
Italian Sausage and Onion Barley Risotto For more tasty, healthy and easy to make Recipes scan the QR codes or visit: www.goodfoodforgoodhealth.com.au
Serves: 4 Prep Time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS ( 400 grams) Gnocchi ( 1/2 medium) Brown Onion ( 3 cloves) Garlic ( 2 tbsp) Gravy Powder salt reduced ( 1 cup) Low Fat Cream ( 1/4 bunch) Continental Parsley ( 1/2 tsp) Black Pepper ( 1/4 tsp) Iodised Table Salt ( 1 1/2 tbsp) Olive Oil
Pulse Newsletter | Winter 26
PROCEDURE 1.In a large saucepan, melt butter and oil on high. Sauté onion 2-3 minutes until tender. 2.Add sausage meat and cook for 5 minutes until browned, breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon. 3.Add barley and thyme and cook, stirring, 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted. Add wine and simmer, stirring until almost completely evaporated. 4.Add stock, half cup at a time, stirring between each addition until all stock is absorbed (about 25 minutes), adding kale with final half cup stock. 5.Simmer, covered, 2-3 minutes until stock is absorbed and kale has wilted. Stir in parmesan through and season. Serve with chilli and extra grated parmesan.
Children’s Services
1300 234 263
dpvhealth.org.au