Night duty calls Deb Community at heart of health service

COMMUNITY programs at Inglewood and Districts Health Service had seen an increased focus on community health and allied health.

CEO Dallas Coghill and board chairman Robert Chamberlain told Monday’s annual general meeting that community engagement and support programs had also been part of that focus in 2021-2022.

“(We have) continued to experience high levels of occupancy in both our acute and aged care services,” they reported.

“The transitional care program continues to ensure clients’ needs are met through assistance in the re-integration back to client’s homes or assisting in transition to residential aged care services.

“We have maintained 100 per cent occupancy throughout the transitional care program.”

Their report said IDHS employed more than 120 people and the service had continued to support the graduate registered nurse program with two nurses completing their final year at Inglewood in 2021.

“We have also been able to recruit to our health care worker traineeship program which continues to be a successful program with many staff that complete this program gaining ongoing employment with our health service,” Mr Chamberlain and Mr Coghill said.

The report also highlighted partnerships with Loddon Shire, community houses, Lions club, men’s shed, the CFA and other groups as “an important part of what we do”. “Inglewood and Districts Health Service is excited about the future direction which brings significant opportunities to develop our community programs ... this is an area of growth for our service,” they said.

“(The) board has a strong focus on the key governing areas of quality care outcomes in a safe environment for our community, financial sustainability and growth, risk management and community and cultural engagement.

“We would like to pass on our sincere thanks to the many groups and individuals who provide significant support to our health service.

“We continue to appreciate the support and assistance of the Loddon Shire as well as that received from the Victorian Department of Health,” their report said.

Hard waste collection – March

Loddon Shire Council will be conducting its annual kerbside hard waste collection of metals, e-waste, furniture and white goods.

Residents within the below township boundaries may place items up to a total of one cubic metre out on the nature strip on Sunday 5 March 2023 (not before or after).

Council sta will collect these items starting Monday 6 March 2023 in Boort, Borung, Bridgewater, Dingee, Eddington, Inglewood, Korong Vale, Laanecoorie, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine, Tarnagulla, Wedderburn and Wychitella. Items are to be sorted into piles, i.e. metal items, furniture, recyclable items, e-waste and white goods.

Total volume is not to exceed 1m3 in size. Excessive or unsorted piles will not be collected. Please note that general waste, perishables, tyres, oils, batteries, paints and chemicals, car parts and mattresses will not be picked up.

Any unsuitable items left behind after collections are to be removed from the nature strip immediately.

More information, scan the QR code:

DEBBIE Smith was on Monday evening recognised for 25 years on staff as an enrolled nurse at Inglewood and District Health Service.

The local hospital veteran received a special presentation at the IDHS annual general meeting.

Most of her quarter of a century on staff has been spent working night shift.

Nurse unit manager Daryl Rowley received his certificate for 15 years of service.

Also recognised this year were - five years: nurses Narelle Giudice and Martin McBain and volunteer Leanne Mills. 10 years: Nurse Stuart Dawm district nursing services Michelle Kapakoulakis, support services Lee-Anne Sullivan and volunteer Joan Bradley.

15 years: Nurses Kerrie Redwood and Sue Zimmer, volunteer Robyn Noonan, 20 years: Transition care nurse Phil Goggin and support services Jenny Perry.

Grants exceed $1m

STATE Government capital grants for Inglewood and District Health service in 20212022 totalled $1.09 million, the financial report showed. Operating grants totalled $7.136 million and the service’s total turnover was $10.3 million, up from $8.9 million the previous year.