Newsletter JAN 2025 by ncncommunications

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Happy New Year and many thanks to the staff members who have worked over the busy Christmas and New Year period, especially public holidays. It is a critical time of year where NCN Health provides support to our patients, residents, community and visitors, many thanks for your hard work and dedication during this time and ongoing.

There are a number of exciting projects and events happening in 2025 around NCN Health

Broadly, NCN Health is beginning the process of reviewing and updating our strategic plan for the future of our rural health service This is an important opportunity to ensure our direction aligns with the evolving needs of our community and the valuable work we do. As part of this process, we will be seeking input and consultation from staff, volunteers, board members, and other key stakeholders Your insights and feedback will be crucial in shaping the plan, and we look forward to working together to strengthen our vision for the years ahead.

The development of the ‘new Lodge’ in Numurkah will move into the detailed design phase in the first quarter of the year. This will include consultation from the advisory committee which includes clinical and

non clinical staff, volunteers and Lodge Auxiliary.

The Cobram Campus redevelopment is in its final stages. Internal and external renovation continues with the remodelling of a new ultrasound room, and additional office and staff spaces. Main reception waiting area will undergo a facelift including new flooring and a fresh coat of paint.

Throughout the year Numurkah and Wunghnu townships are celebrating 150 years since the proclamation of these towns As part of these celebrations NCN Health Numurkah will be holding an Open Day on Friday March 7 from 11 – 2pm The Open Day will include the unveiling of a memorial wall, BBQ lunch, campus tours, raffles and activities together with promotion of our services to the public For more information on the 150th celebrations check out the back page of the newsletter

Nathalia campus will seek to fundraise for a new Community Bus in 2025 with all abilities access. This bus will be used for residents and Planned Activity Group events. Watch this space for more as the fundraiser takes shape

Congratulations to staff and community members involved in the Cobram

Hospital 75 Year anniversary and Open Day held in October last year.

The event was nominated for a Community Event Award in the Moira Shire Australia Day celebrations While we were not winners, it was an important milestone and great to see community engagement and recognition. A reminder to stay home from work if you feel unwell We are currently seeing a number of cases of COVID and gastro in our community and it is important we stay vigilant to protect our colleagues, patients and residents. Please let your manager know immediately if you become unwell while at work

Finally, you would have seen that the Department of Health (Vic) released information about the formation of the Victorian Health Networks during January. There will be 12 Local Health Networks across the state that will come into effect on July 1st, 2025 NCN Health being part of the Hume Health Network. You can find more information on the intranet here Health Services Plan Update Mark Ashcroft CEO, NCN HEALTH

HybridHero

What is HybridHero?

HybridHero is our desk booking system which enables staff who work across campuses to make sure they always have somewhere to sit

How do I book a desk?

Booking a desk has never been easier - simply jump onto the Intranet and select Desk Booking from the front page You will need to enter your username (staff email) and password

Once you have logged in and set up your profile you have access to the desks to book what you need.

Watch the video below to see how to book your desk and check in.

How often do I need to book a desk?

You only need to book a desk if you are working at a campus that you don’t normally work from and need to sit in a new location.

How do I know if a desk is available?

When booking in the desks that are available will be able to be selected If you can’t select a desk, it has already been booked by someone else.

What if my work plans change?

If you are no longer in need of a booking, please adjust your bookings as soon as you know. This allows someone else to use that desk

ICT REQUESTS

TO SUBMIT AN ICT REQUEST TO HRHA PLEASE USE THESE DETAILS:

Email: Service.Desk@hrha.org.au

Phone: (Internal) *4742

Phone: (External) (03) 5825 9990

Please alert your direct manager if you feel the request needs escalating. They will escalate to the Business Services Manager if required for escalation with HRHA. In this instance you will need to give your manager and the Business Services Manager the job number associated with your IT issue.

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

CARMEL BROWN - KITCHEN / COBRAM

Carmel is so thorough when looking after her patients, always reading ingredient lists to ensure patients don't get anything they are allergic/intolerant to. Carmel is fantastic at keeping up with the fluid restrictions for all the patients and everyones different requirements! Thankyou for your hard work and diligence.

KAREN MCNEILL - ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR / COBRAM

Karen is always looking at improving they way things are done and includes all staff involved in any changes. A great manager and a great team player.

RACHEL THORNE - DIABETES EDUCATOR / COBRAM

Rachel came over to the ward to attend to a patient’s needs very quickly which made a huge impact on this patient’s day! Nursing staff had asked for help in the morning and by 11am Rachel was there attending to the patient’s needs Great teamwork and we are super appreciative that you went above and beyond for this patient.

STAFF IN THE NEWS

Our very own Mitch Heaton has been busy out in community working with the SES in his spare time. Mitch recently spent his Christmas break volunteering in the Grampians during the wildfires. Mitch was based in the Control Centre and his story was picked up by the Cobram Courier Great work Mitch.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Best of luck for the future to staff leaving us, and a warm welcome to all our new staff across NCN Health The following report reflects staff movement for December and Janurary

Jancy Abraham Hollie Percy Cleophas Kirwa

Jennifer Jones Melanie Argus

Jeneline Escala Kylie Jackson

Nelvis Brianna Sargent Azaaz Tiamiyu

Kathryn Forte

Jeanette Neilson

Sara Wilby

Joy David

Donna Duncanson

Jennifer Dore

Barbara Henderson

Mariane Reyes

Wendy Caddy

Shiloh Coghill

Melissa Seears

Nicole Kerry-Opie

OH&S

Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace environment HSRs are advocates for employee well-being, working to ensure that workplace hazards are identified and addressed. HSRs can facilitate communication and consultation whilst working towards creating a culture of safety that benefits both employees and employers HSRs represent their designated work group (DWG) on occupational health and safety issues, concerns and interests

All staff should identify who their HSR is for their DWG so safety issues or concerns can be raised, remember that creating a safe work environment is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play

Should your DWG not have a HSR and health and safety is something that interests, you please reach out to your manager or OHS team for further information on the process for becoming a HSR.

Current HSR’s can be found across the campuses. If you’d like to know who they are check out the staff info screens in each staff room

Workplace Trainer and Careers Advisor

Well 2025 is here and your mandatory training will be here soon! Don’t forget I am here and available to any staff to discuss anything Kineo related.

There have been a few small changes to the Kineo home screen for ease of use, including the addition of the classroom booking link on your log in screen This will aid you in booking into practical learning sessions for things such as Manual Handling or Basic Life support and more. Further information on this will be provided when your mandatory training is live

Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time if you need assistance with your mandatory training. I am available across all 3 campuses to help you navigate Kineo or provide assistance with understanding your requirements. For non-clinical staff I am available to provide guidance on learning pathways, support in your current role and much more Reach out if you have any questions.

You can reach me at Mitchel.Heaton@ncnhealth.org.au I look forward to seeing you all around the campus’ soon

Heat Awareness

Below are some links to providing some information and resources to assist in heatwave preparation.

Extreme heat - Better Health Channel

https://wwwhealthvicgovau/environmental-health/heat-health-warning

https://wwwbetterhealthvicgovau/health/healthyliving/heat-stress-preventing-heatstroke

Heat-related health problems - Better Health Channel

Monitor the fire and weather situation through ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or www.emergency.vic.gov.au wwwbomgovau

http://wwwbomgovau/vic/forecasts/map7dayshtml

Smoking – Please monitor and supervise residents/patients who are going outdoors for smoking

Travel – Please restrict unnecessary travel, when travel is necessary ensure vehicles are cooled prior to boarding and drinking water is available

Pets – Please monitor the wellbeing of our facility pets and ensure they have ample drinking water supply. Contact your campus local veterinary for further advice if needed.

Keep Safe

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries:

Email – NCNOHS@ncnhealth.org.au

Email – NCNFitTest@ncnhealth.org.au

Tanya Fothergill and Lisa Aquilina

Numurkah Campus Ext 20319

Cobram Campus Ext 10878

Nathalia Campus Ext 69471

Julie Vella – Ext 20568

Respiratory Fit Test

Is your N95 Mask the correct one?

Did you know that you need a new fit test done at least every few years? You may need one sooner if you have had any changes.

WHEN DO I NEED A NEW TEST?

You can request a Respiratory Fit Test at any time - particularly is you have:

Significant weight loss or gain

Facial trauma/surgery

Scarring or cosmetic surgery/cosmetic procedures such as fillers

Extensive dental work including extractions and new dentures

Any concerns about the respirator you were previously fitted

HOW DO I BOOK A TEST

Appointments can be scheduled via the Intranet under the People and Culture tab

Education

Safe Patient Handling and Basic Life Support bookings with No Lift and Clinical Support Nurses will be available through the Kineo Classroom booking system this year – further instructions will follow, including when bookings can be made!

We also have Basic Life Support and Safe Patient Handling champions across NCN Health this year – please see posters over page. These people are available within departments to complete training at a mutually suitable time.

2025 Grad Program

On Feb 3 our 2025 RN and EN Grad Nurse cohort commenced at NCN Health. We look forward to working with our Grad Nurses throughout the year and seeing the progress they make in their careers. We hope you all make them welcome as you see them across the campuses.

Dental Discount for NCN Health staff located at Nathalia and Numurkah

10%

Staff must be in uniform or show their Staff ID Photo Card at the time of the appointment to receive the discount. Can only be used at the Numurkah practice. No discounts will be given post appointment

Karinya Fun

Karinya started the year with a New Years BBQ for Residents, Family and Friends. This was organised by the Volunteers and Kellie and everyone had a fabulous time!

The residents have also been busy making lavender bags for Friends of Karinya that they will use in their fundraising throughout the year. It’s great that the residents can support the fundraising efforts of FOK.

STAFFINFORMATION

what is it?

Gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’) is a common and very contagious infection of the gut (stomach and intestines) which causes an inflammation in the lining of your digestive system..

May be caused by most common Viruses ( including rotavirus and norovirus) Bacteria, Toxins, Parasites.

symptoms/Spread

Mild illness that involves vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains and nausea. Vomiting usually lasts 1 to 2 days Diarrhoea usually lasts around 1 to 3 days, but can last up to 10 days contaminated food, drinks or objects

person to person contact coughing, sneezing or shaking hands with someone who is sick and has virus on their hands

What to do?

Alert your manager/team leader

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Sip clear fluids every 5 to 10 minutes. These help replace fluids lost by vomiting and diarrhoea. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, as they can make diarrhoea worse.

Eat if you feel hungry. Start with bland foods such as crackers, rice, clear soup, a banana or dry toast.

Staff with gastroenteritis in/or out of an outbreak are restricted from returning to work until they have recovered and have completed 48 hours clearance after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

What is an Outbreak..

If two or more cases of gastroenteritis is identified amongst residents/patients and/or staff (that cannot be explained by medication or other medical conditions) within 72 hours, a gastroenteritis outbreak is to be declared.

Transmission based precautions will come into effect according to infection control practices used in addition to standard precautions to prevent the spread of certain infectious pathogens. Contact precautions are the additional infection control practices required when caring for residents/patients suspected or confirmed as having a gastrointestinal illness

All personal protective equipment (for example, gowns and gloves) used whilst caring for a resident/patient with gastroenteritis as well as any disposable cleaning equipment should be disposed of into clinical waste (yellow bin or bag) Incontinence aids from residents/patients with gastroenteritis will also need to be disposed of into clinical waste for the duration of their illness

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Join Chelsey and Angela for free fitness classes at the NCN

Health Numurkah CH&W Gym

Our Programs

Cardio & Strength Circuit

Les Mills Body Balance

HIIT Tabata

Les Mills Body Combat

Metafit Boxing

MetaPWR

HIITSTEP

Numurkah Community

Health and Wellbeing Gym

Chelsey.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

Meryula Clinic @ Numurkah

SERVICES

The Meryula Clinic is a free and confidential service run by GV Health and supported by NCN Health. The clinic is for all individuals within the region and is run by experienced nurses who specialise in sexual and reproductive health