NCN Health District Nursing Newsletter February 2024

NCN HEALTH

District Nursing Update February 2024

The District Nursing Service has been undergoing many changes over the past 12 months to enable more efficient and affective service to clients across our local government area. As a result, there has been a lot of staff recruitment, to assist with management of the demand on the service, and to ensure that clients are provided with appropriate care within a suitable timeframe.

We would like to welcome all our new staff to our team. You will be meeting these new staff members during your visits, as the staff are now working across Nathalia Cobram and Numurkah campuses.

Recently, we have commenced using a central intake service allowing us to provide a more efficient service to our clients. This means that a senior staff member is office based, and all phone calls are diverted to that person. This explains why you may find yourself speaking with a nurse you have not met or spoken to before. You can be assured that your messages, wishes and/or concerns will be forwarded onto the appropriate staff and the relevant campus in Nathalia, Cobram or Numurkah. Please let us know if you have any concerns as your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

(03) 5871 0917

ncndns@ncnhealth.org.au

www.ncnhealth.org.au

NCN Health

ncn.health

@ncnhealth

My Healthcare Rights - Australian Charter of Rights The Charter of Aged Care Rights was introduced in 2019 by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health care. These rights apply to everyone and everywhere health care is provided in Australia. You have the right to safe and high-quality health care as described in these rights. Generally, on your visit with the nurse you will be given a copy of these rights to sign after the nurse has gone through them with you. You will be given a copy to keep in your home.

The Charter of Rights include 7 parts: 1 You have the right to use healthcare services and receive treatment when you need it.

2 You have the right to be cared for in a place that is safe and makes you feel safe.

3 Your health service organisation should recognise and respect your culture, identity and beliefs.

4 Sharing information with your clinician can help you receive care that is right for you.

5 Ask for help if you don’t understand something. You can bring someone with you to appointments to help you understand information.

6 Your privacy should respected in all places such as hospital wards and waiting rooms.

7 You have the right to provide feedback or make a complaint.

Staff Profile Check your vaccination status for the Flu, Influenza, COVID and Shingles.

Jo Mills I’ve been a district nurse since 2001 and Team Leader of Cobram DNS since 2005. l’ve lived locally for many years therefore I know many of the families and clients I speak to and have visited which is lovely.

I’ve always had a clinical role in the community visiting clients in their homes.

I now have an Assistant Supervisor role whereby I’m office based and share that responsibility with Deb Barnes in Nathalia.

My day includes speaking on the phone to clients, families and health service providers coordinating referrals across NCH Health for district nursing, answering calls from clients and families coordinating care that is required, trouble shooting and responding to enquiries and any issues the clients, families, friends or service providers may have.

I also coordinate daily client lists for the district nursing teams, provide rostering and support to staff across NCN DNS. I also support the graduate nursing program at NCN Health and student nurses that have placement at district nursing.

Our aim is to respond to any concerns, queries or referrals in a timely and respectful manner and I find I’m loving my new role. I look forward to hearing from our clients and families.

You can check your vaccination status via your medicare records in MyGov, or as your GP to check at your next appointment.

Flu season is just around the corner.

Book your flu shot as soon as they are available to stay protected this winter.

NCN Health - Carer Support Program Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with care needs - a disability, mental health illness, chronic health issue or an older person with care needs. Carers assist with a variety of personal care, health care, transport, household, shopping and other needs.

Carer Support Program The Carer Support Program provides services and supports specific to your needs to help you in your caring role.

By providing you with support we aim to give you time to balance your caring responsibilities and manage your own wellbeing so that you can continue to be there for those you care for.

To access our program or for more information: P: 03 5862 0560

What help can I get?

Respite options where a care worker steps in to take care of your family member or friend while you take a break.

Recreational and social activities to support your wellbeing such as outings, exercise groups and social activities Practical support including household domestic assistance or gardening maintenance Simple home modifications such as hand rails Funding towards specialised equipment

NCN Health - Service of the Month Physiotherapy Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement, exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. Our physiotherapy services are provided on a one-to-one basis and in a group setting.

Our Physios can help with ...

Musculoskeletal conditions – such as sprains, neck and back pain, joint replacements, fractures and sporting injuries.

Neurological conditions – Parkinson’s disease, effects of stroke etc Cardiopulmonary conditions – bronchitis, asthma, recovery from heart surgery etc Mobility and balance issues – vertigo, ataxia, falls etc

How can I access it?

Physiotherapy is available at our Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah campuses.

Please contact our Access and Intake team if you would like to find out if Physio is for you!

P: 03 5871 0944

Consumer Committee Applications for the NCN Health Cobram Consumer Committee are open. We are seeking community members who: Have a genuine interest in local health care and community wellbeing Would like to contribute to the continued growth and improvement of our health and community services and residential aged care.

Are able to meet bi monthly.

The role of the consumer committee member includes reviewing booklets and brochures, providing a community perspective on service delivery, providing feedback as required and more.

Previous experience in health care roles is not necessary.

All consumer committee positions are voluntary.

To submit your interest: ncncommunications@ncnhealth.org.au