MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
The Cobram Redevelopment has moved to final stages with the acute corridor opening up this week. There is now full access from the main reception entrance to the wards, with the ward clerk desk operational and the whole area looking fantastic. There will be some trades finishing off painting and cleaning in this area so please be mindful of sharing the space.
Outside, new signage has been put in place and will soon be backlit as to be easily seen and read at night. Landscaping is also underway. The redevelopment is an incredibly exciting upgrade for both staff and community and I thank you all for your patience as we moved through stage one, two and three of these renovations.
SYMPTOMATIC STAFF
A reminder to please stay home if you are unwell, even if you are testing negative for COVID-19 There are cases of COVID, gastro and seasonal viruses making the rounds in our community and your vigilance is needed to ensure we keep our staff, residents and clients safe and well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
I take this opportunity to reflect on all that we have achieved as a team this year and express my gratitude for your hard work and dedication in 2024, especially in the face of some uncertainty and challenges for Victorian Public Health Services.
I also extend my thanks to the staff working over the Christmas period, especially the public holidays.
Your willingness to put our residents and community first in this festive time does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated. I hope all staff find time in the coming weeks to enjoy some down time with friends and/or family.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thank you again for all that you do.
Mark Ashcroft CEO, NCN HEALTH
Cobram Campus Redevelopment
The Cobram Campus Acute ward and front entrance is looking fantastic. Check out the photos below.
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
ADMINISTRATION TEAM - ADMIN / NATHALIA, COBRAM AND NUMURKAH
I would like to recognise and thank the whole Administration Team, for their achievement and successful transition into iPM, a successful outcome is always a team effort!!
DANIELLE PERRI - IH AGED CARE WARD CLERK / ADMIN
Danielle's dedication to upskilling and enhance her knowledge is commendable Recently attending Dementia Australia-OVA de-escalating workshop, also completing MHFA, obtaining accreditation Certificates for both. Well done Danni!!
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Hi Team, Firstly, I wanted to compliment the reception staff, Leanne, Sharyn and Nicole who have always been wonderful when I'm calling to book and at check in/check out and secondly, I wanted to say how WONDERFUL it is to have Dr Christopher Johnson as a Locum. I sincerely hope that NCN Health request him to return to the Clinic throughout 2025 I normally see Dr Abu, but because I don't normally plan to be unwell (and because he's a fantastic GP he's always booked up) I am often faced with seeing a locum. Everyone I have seen have been very professional and lovely but Dr Johnson is a huge standout from the crowd. His wealth of knowledge and his refreshing wholistic approach towards helping me with my current chronic issue has not only helped me with appropriate steps to my recovery but also significantly improved my mental health around my current situation. I have been recommending Dr Johnson to many of the clients in my own clinic as his upbeat attitude and 'can do' mindset is exactly what you need when you feel like you're faced with no or minimal options. I have left the clinic these passed 2 appointments actually looking forward to seeing him again (as I use to with Dr Abu when he wasn't booked out!) and knowing that he will help me overcome whatever the next challenge for my health might be He is an immensely valuable GP, in my opinion, and I truly hope that he will become a more permanent member in our small community. Thank you to the Practice Manager for finding him, he is absolutely fabulous I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I will see you in January 2025 for my follow up.
Dr Darcy and Dr Chris
Cobram Community Health
A Christmas Carol
Cobram Acute Ward
Whoville
Cobram Staff Room
Austin Pathology Cobram
Cobram Medical Clinic
Cobram Dental Clinic
People and Culture and Payroll
The Night Before Christmas
Karinya
The 12 Hours of Karinya
Watch the full video by clicking on the image above.
Irvin House Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer
2024 CHRISTMAS COMPETITION WINNERS
OVERALL- GRAND PRIZE
Cobram Community Health
MOST SUSTAINABLE - GRAND PRIZE
MOST CREATIVE NATHALIA
MOST CREATIVE COBAM
MOST CREATIVE NUMURKAH
Numurkah Community Health
Banawah and Acute Ward
Acute Ward
BEST USE OF SPACE NATHALIA
BEST USE OF SPACE COBRAM
BEST USE OF SPACE NUMURKAH
Karinya
Administration
Irvin House
P and C and Payroll
2024 CHRISTMAS COMPETITION WINNERS
2024 CHRISTMAS COMPETITION WINNERS
As we wrap up 2024 safely we’d like take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. Hope you’re all able to find some time to relax and recharge ready to commence another busy year ahead. Thanks for being amazing by supporting safety initiatives and making our workplace a special place, remember that the greatest gift you can give to your family and friends is staying safe and healthy.
Christmas should be a time of love and laughter, not loss of life, but tragically it’s one of the most dangerous times on the road. The Australian Road Safety Foundation invites road users to get involved in delivering road safety messages driven by their Make it home for Christmas campaign. Follow the link below for resources –
Christmas Campaign | Australian Road Safety Foundation
SES Victoria have various campaigns and resources to support travellers including; Driver Reviver and fatigue management programs. Follow the link below for resources –
Home | Victoria State Emergency Service - Victoria State Emergency ServiceVICSES
Incident warnings and alerts can be monitored via Vic Emergency APP, link below -
Incidents and Warnings - VicEmergency
Cobram Medical Clinic
Recently our intern Dr Darcy Ryan took on the challenge to dip his toes in the world of Medical Reception for an afternoon.
Answering calls, chatting with patients, fielding enquiries and being an all round awesome team member was all part of the fun.
Karinya Christmas Party
Karinya had Residents and family Christmas party on Saturday afternoon, Dec 15. Santa visited with thoughtful presents staff picked and wrapped individually that Friends of Karinya funded for us. Lots of family and volunteers turn up! Children were all excited to see Santa!
Staff BBQs
Thanks to the leadership team for cooking up a storm for staff this week for the annual Christmas Staff BBQ. A shout out to kitchen staff for creating the absolutely delicious salads!
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
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.
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
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
AVAILABILITY
Fridays - Monthly from July 26
Numurkah
Community Health & Wellbeing
Bookings
Testing & Treatment for infections that can be spread through sexual contact.
Contraception, including Implanon insertion
Emergency Contraception
Pregnancy Testing
Unplanned pregnancy counselling, treatment and referral
Cervical Screening Tests
Genital pain and discomfort
Sex work certificates
Screening, counselling & referral for viruses in the blood
Hepatitis C treatment
Hepatitis B treatment and management
HIV PrEP and nPEP
Immunisation
Contact Tracing
(03) 5862 0560
Referral to specialist services
JANUARY
1
New Years Day
9 JANUARY Staff Orientation