4 minute read
Lukewarm
Medicare call welcomed
RURAL doctors have welcomed the recent announcement by the federal government that a number of Medicare items for telehealth which were available earlier in the COVID pandemic will be reinstated until June 30 to support GPs and Consultant Specialists in providing care during the Omicron wave. The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) said the measures will greatly assist rural GPs, Rural Generalists and rural Consultant Specialists to care for patients while also reducing the spread of Omicron. The announcement is in response to requests made to the government last week by the four GP peak bodies – RDAA, ACRRM, the AMA and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), as well as the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) – to ensure general practice is well placed to continue to provide quality care as the pandemic continues. “Patients who have contracted Omicron may have experienced milder symptoms but Australia has experienced the highest case numbers seen so far in the pandemic, which is putting significant pressure on all levels of the health system,” RDAA president Dr Megan Belot said. “Omicron’s impact has also extended significantly to rural and remote areas, impacting on the ability of rural health services to operate at full capacity. “Telehealth enables patients to still access care, while also providing a layer of protection to other patients and health professionals, by reducing instances of exposure. “We are very pleased that the government has listened to our concerns, and taken action on this issue following the meeting our organisations had with Ministers Hunt and Gillespie last week. “This measure will make a significant difference in slowing down the transmission of Omicron and helping to keep rural health services open and adequately staffed.” Good news: Rural Doctors Association of Australia president Dr Megan Belot has welcomed the federal government’s call to ensure a number of Medicare items for telehealth which were available earlier in the COVID pandemic have been reinstated until June 30. photograph supplied
The Range Retirement Village is a retirement living community in Moe, boasting high-quality residential villas set inside a gated community.
The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Our spacious and elegant villas feature an openliving area, well-appointed kitchen, private courtyard garden and single or double garage.
The Range provides the comfort and security of a gated community, with live-in manager. You will have a flexibility anad freedom to embrace life within the Village or lock up and travel whenever you choose. Now is your time to downsize and embrace life in retirement at The Range.
with Alyssa Fritzlaff
Car theft in Morwell
A RED 2016 Toyota Camry was allegedly stolen from a property on Princes Drive, Morwell, at approximately 11.45pm on the evening of January 13. Those responsible allegedly entered the home, while the occupants - an elderly couple in their late 70s - were inside. The couple were not aware of the alleged theft and did not hear the intruders enter the home or remove the car from the garage. The car keys were sitting next to a handbag, which was also allegedly taken by the intruders. The handbag contained personal items and jewellery. Police have not yet located the missing vehicle. The incident is being investigated by Latrobe CIU. Anyone who may have witnessed the theft, has CCTV of the incident or any information can contact Latrobe CIU on 5131 5000.
Churchill car fire
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) attended a car fire on Glendonald Road in Churchill on at 9.50pm on January 14. The car, a maroon 1997 Daewoo sedan, was not listed as stolen. Latrobe CIU are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information can contact Morwell Police Station on 5131 5000.
Fence fire in Traralgon
A FENCE was set alight on Stockdale Road, Traralgon, at 11pm on January 16. The damage to the area was approximately 8 feet by 4 feet. Anyone with information on this incident can contact Traralgon Police on 5131 5000.
Villas now available
RECENTLY COMPLETED
Features available for our residents to share at The Range Retirement Village include indoor pool, billiard Resort-Style Clubhouse room, cinema, dining area, craft room, library with internet access, outdoor barbeque and entertaining area.
