RCOMMUNITY EADINGDAY AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
COUNSELLING ATNCNHEALTH
NCN Health offers FREE counselling service for residents in the Moira Shire.
NCN Health counsellors offer counselling in the following areas:
Making changes in your life
Life changes - major milestones, work changes, relationship changes.
Grief and Loss
Resolving past trauma or conflict Counselling is available at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 9am - 3pm.
(03) 5862 0560
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Thank you to our community for your very warm welcome in my first two months as NCN Health CEO. I look forward to meeting you all as I move across Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah and working alongside you all.
VICTORIAN HEALTH SERVICES PLAN
The Victorian Health Services Plan (The Plan) was released by the Minister for Health on Thursday 8th August 2024. The Plan is aimed at reforming Victoria’s health services system. It has been led by an expert advisory committee who have provided 27 recommendations to the Department of Health (Vic) aimed at improving healthcare performance for the benefit of all Victorians.
Of the 27 recommendations put forward, the Department of Health (Vic) has committed to 26 of those recommendations, but has stated that it will not implement forced mergers of health services under The Plan. You have likely seen external commentary on popular news sites and in social media around what The Plan means for Victorian Public Health Services.
Please be assured, the NCN Health Board of Directors, and Executive team are working through The Plan so we are best placed to work with the NCN Health team and the community in responding.
The Plan is publicly available for all to read and you can find it here:
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/r esearch-and-reports/healthservices-plan
VICTORIAN PUBLIC HEALTH BUDGET
The Community will be aware that public health services (such as NCN Health) have been called upon by the Department of Health (Vic) to help respond to forward health budget challenges the 2024-2025 financial year. NCN Health has robust management systems in place and an engaged staff and community base and these will be critical in helping NCN Health maintain a focus on service delivery and our staff as priorities in addressing any budget challenges
75 YEARS OF COBRAM HOSPITAL
2024 marks 75 years since the opening of the Cobram Hospital. A small committee lead by the Communications Team is putting together a 75 Year Celebration and Health Promotion Open Day to be held at NCN Health Cobram on Wednesday October 30th. The event will be an opportunity to share in the rich history of the Cobram Hospital, to take a tour of the new Urgent Care Centre (UCC) redevelopment and talk with our Community Health team about what services are available across NCN Health.
Th are co
collect historical information, so if you have any photos, information or would like to be involved in the event, please contact ncncommunications@ncnhe alth.org.au
CAPITAL WORKS
The Cobram UCC redevelopment is moving into the final stages of construction, with work expected to be completed closer to the end of this year. The development of the Numurkah Pioneer’s Memorial Lodge is currently in the detailed design and consultation planning phase. We look forward to the completion of both of these initiatives and the value they will add for the local community
You can read more details on these projects on page 6 & 7.
Mark Ashcroft NCN Health CEO
Cobram Urgent Care Centre and Stage
Two and Three Renovations
The new NCN Health Cobram Urgent Care Centre officially opened on Wednesday March 27 The new facility is part of a redevelopment at NCN Health Cobram that includes new urgent care facilities, increased floor space and improved staff and community safety with a separate entry into urgent care, new ambulance bay and two waiting areas.
Access to urgent care is through the new urgent care entrance at the front of the health service off Broadway street, urgent care parking is off Broadway street in the main car park Access to x-ray and ultrasound is through the original main reception entrance. Parking for x-ray and ultrasound is in front of Irvin House on O’Dwyer street.
While the new Urgent Care Centre is open, Internal and external renovations are continuing at as we move through stage 2 & 3 of the project The Main Entrance was closed recently to allow for the front entrance step to be concreted and the archway reinforced.
Internally, a hoarding bypass hallway is in place to access acute and urgent care. This bypass starts at the main reception waiting room, crosses over what was previously the triage room, and into acute ward through what used to be an internal courtyard, this allows visitors and staff to move between reception and acute and urgent care areas.
Parking
There is parking available in the Charles street (medical clinic/CRC Carpark) If you are attending Urgent Care there is limited parking available in the front car park off Broadway street. There is also parking on O’Dwyer Ave. XRay, Ultrasound and visitors have parking available in O’Dwyer Street.
If you have any concerns around access and parking, please contact Main Reception on 5871 0777.
The renovations are on track to be finalized by November this year We will keep the community updated on these timelines as work progresses.
Numurkah Pioneer Memorial Lodge Development
The NPML Redevelopment is very much is the detailed planning stage. Given the size and scope of the project, the Victorian Health Building Authority or VHBA (who are an arm of the Department of Health) are leading this project. This is different to some of the smaller projects that NCN Health have completed where our organisation manages the build - for example, the Urgent Care Redevelopment in Cobram.
The VHBA have put out tenders to get a team together to develop the new Lodge, this is an extensive team including; Victorian Health Aged Care, architects, project managers, service engineers, quality surveyors, civil and structural engineers, traffic engineers, landscape design and building surveyors. These team will work with Director of Operations Justin Sullivan, Operations Manager Bronti O’Connor, Numurkah Maintenance Manager John Fothergill and Lodge Nurse Unit Manager Raj Kumahr to move the project forward and consult on detailed design. NCN Health has also brought together an Advisory Group to inform the final design of the redevelopment. This group is made up of staff representatives and consumer representatives.
Where are we now?
We currently have a schematic design which outlines all the features we have to include in the final plan for the new Lodge. The schematic design must take into account the recommendations from the National Aged Care Design Principals and Guidelines, which was created off the back of the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
Timelines
The schematic design is complete and we are now moving into a detailed design phase which will see significant contribution from the Advisory Group and other sub groups as needed. These should be completed during spring. Next a tender for building will be appointed and the build to start by mid-2025. We expect the build to take 18 – 24 months.
Virtual Design Walk Through
Members of the Advisory Group will head to Melbourne in the coming weeks to complete a virtual tour of the draft Lodge design to give them a sense in ‘real time’ of the new facility and help inform their feedback on design features. We look forward to sharing updates after the virtual tour!
@ NCN Health @ NCN Health Work Work
With many opportunities at NCN Health across a range of clinical and non clinical roles, there has never been a better time to join the health service.
Food Services Assistant
NCN Health have an exciting opportunity for an Food Services Assistant to join our team in Food Services at Nathalia. The Food Services Assistant will help to provide quality, nutritious food prepared according to Hazard analysis and critical control point guidelines (HACCP) and the Food Safety Plan.
Cook/Chef
NCN Health have an exciting opportunity for a Cook or Chef to join our team in Food Services at Numurkah Under the direction of the Direct Manager, the cook will help provide quality, nutritious food prepared according to Hazard analysis and critical control point guidelines (HACCP) guidelines and the Food Safety Plan
Health Care Worker
NCN Health have an exciting opportunity for a Health Care Worker to join our team in Nathalia at Banawah. The role of the Health Care Worker is to maintain daily care needs for residents and attend to necessary documentation.
ULTRASOUND & X-RAY OPENING HOURS
NCN Health has Ultrasound and X-Ray services available at Cobram and Numurkah campuses
Numurkah
ULTRASOUND X-RAY
Monday Tuesday Thursday 9:30am - 5:00pm 9:30am - 5:00pm 9:30am - 5:00pm
Cobram
ULTRASOUND X-RAY Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Monday & Thursday 9:30am - 5:00pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
*Wednesdays and Thursdays Alternate 9:30am - 3:30pm 9:30am - 3:30pm 9:30am - 3:30pm* 8:30am - 3:30pm* 9:30am - 3:30pm
To make an appointment contact the campus directly.
HEALTH CARE FINDER PROGRAM
The Care Finder Program supports vulnerable older people who would not be able to arrange services without intensive support and do not have a family member or friends who can help.
Who can receive assistance from a Care Finder?
Care Finders are not for everyone. They specifically help older community members who need intensive assistance to access aged care and other supports
To receive care finder support, a person must:
• have no carer or support person who can help them, or
• not have a carer or support person they feel comfortable or trust to support them, and
• be eligible for government-funded aged care
They may:
• have difficulty communicating because of language or literacy problems
• find it difficult to understand information and make decisions
• be reluctant to engage with aged care or government
• be in an unsafe situation if they do not receive services.
Care Finders can help people understand what aged care services are available, set up an assessment and find and choose services.
Talking to My Aged Care on their behalf and arranging an assessment Attending and providing support at, during and after the assessment Solving other challenges and connecting to supports in the community, such as health, mental health, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol services and community groups What
Dr Alwin Sun
Dr Alice Gubbins
Olympics come to Karinya
Lexi Turns 5!
Lexi has been visiting Karinya since she was 2 years old. We celebrated her 5th birthday with her during July.
No Sew Blanket
We have been busy creating a no sew blanket with residents and volunteers over the last few weeks. The blanket will keep the winter chill away!
DIETETICS SERVICE
Our Dietitians provide advice to help you learn how to manage your dietary, nutrition and health needs. We work closely with you to help you make decisions about what to eat to maintain good health, recover from illness or manage specific health conditions.
OUR SERVICES
Food Intolerance and Allergies
Diabetes
Weight Management
Hypertension
Disease Management
Healthy Ageing
Lifestyle Management
IBS
Eating Disorders Childhood Nutrition
To access the Dietetics service at NCN Health you can call the Access and Intake team who will book your appointment for you.
ACCESS AND INTAKE
SocialPrescribing Program
What is Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing is a practice where health care professionals; such as doctors, allied health professionals and nurses refer patients to nonmedical services and activities that can support their health and wellbeing.
It offers a holistic approach to health care that recognises the importance of addressing not only the physical components of health but also the social, emotional and environmental factors as well.
Currently Accepting Clients Who: How to join
Feel socially isolated Have long-term health conditions Would like support changing their lifestyle for better health
There are 2 ways you can enter the NCN Health Social Prescribing Program:
Talk to any one of the health professionals you see at NCN Health OR
Self-refer by calling NCN Health on 5862 0555
ncnhealth.org.au
MOIRA PALLIATIVE CARE OUTPATIENT CLINIC
The Moira Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic is a public outpatient clinic for palliative patients with complex needs. The clinic is available, via referral, for GPs and the Moira Community Palliative Care team who feel their patients have complex medical or palliative care needs, difficult or unstable symptoms, or may benefit from additional medical support. The Moira Palliative Care Service will continue to provide community based palliative care support in partnership with the patients treating General Practitioner where appropriate
Clinic Days: Thursday mornings by appointment
Where: Yarrawonga Health - Community Services Hub 33 Piper Street, Yarrawonga
Shannon is a Rural Generalist with special interest in Palliative Care He began his medical career at Deakin University in Geelong before progressing to Northeast Victoria for post graduate positions at Northeast Health Wangaratta, Yarrawonga Medical Clinic and Albury Wodonga Health He's worked in many roles including as a Palliative Care Registrar at Albury Wodonga Health and East Hume Regional Palliative Care Consultancy More recently he has provided support for Moira Palliative Care Service, in a consultation liaison role His main clinical role is as a GP at Yarrawonga Medical Clinic Prior to his medical career he was a helicopter pilot in the Royal Australian Navy
ncnmoirapalliativecare@ncnhealth.org.au
Clinic @ Numurkah
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
Numurkah Community Health & Wellbeing
July 26
August 23
September 27
October 25
November 22
January 24
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
Referral to specialist services
Many Mobs Connections Bridge Walk
Dharnya Day
TheINFANTprogram(InfantFeeding,ActiveplayandNuTrition) isdesignedtohelpparentsandfamilieswithhealthyeatingand activeplayfromthestartoftheirbaby’slife.
INFANTconsistsoffourgroupsessionsfor parents/caregiversledbyanurseorhealth professional.Eachsessionisbasedonbabies needsaroundtheagesof3,6,9and12 months.
INFANTpromoteshealthyeating, increasedactiveplayandreduced screentimeforbabiesfrombirth until2yearsofage.
Parentshavecomeawayfrom sessionsfeelingmoreconfident knowingwhatbabyneedsateach stage,andthey'vemadenew friendswithotherparentsand babies.
SessionsareheldacrossCobram, NumurkahandYarrawonga.
Tofindoutmoreorbookin,scan theQRcodeorcontact mch@moira.vic.gov.au
Consumer Committee
Applications for the NCN Health Cobram and Numurkah campus Consumer Committees are open. We are seeking young community members who:
Have a genuine interest in or would like to learn more about 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
Consumer Story
Department: Cobram Urgent Care Centre and Cobram Medical Clinic.
Valerie is 79 years old and lives in Berrigan NSW She recently underwent 6 weeks of radiation therapy in Albury to treat a tumour in her breast, following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
One week post her final radiation treatment Val had significant burns and blisters to the radiation site and large areas of exposed broken skin that became infected. She was in a lot of pain and was finding it hard to wear any clothes over the infected area Val presented to Cobram Urgent Care with her husband. She was assessed by the nurses and seen by the doctor.
“A family friend who is a nurse called in to see how I was going and insisted I go to the urgent care centre. I was reluctant to go. It was the weekend, I didn’t want to waste the nurses’ or doctor’s time and I expected there to be certain amount of pain and inflammation post treatment and I would need to just get through it.”
“When we arrived at urgent care, I was assessed by the nurses who told me I had made the right decision to come in, as the infection was quite advanced by this stage. Unfortunately, they had a few emergencies that morning and so we had to wait about 2.5 hours to be treated, the staff were very busy.”
“Once it was my turn the team cleaned and dressed my wounds, it was very painful and they recommended I wait to see the doctor. Dr Abu was on call and came to see me, he prescribed antibiotics to take 4 times a day and Endone as pain relief. Dr Abu was very thorough. He was worried about the infection spreading to my blood stream but I assured him I would take the antibiotics and my family would keep a close eye on me. He said I had to come back straight away if I developed a fever or started to feel any worse ”
Val was referred to the District Nurses at the Cobram Medical Clinic to have her wounds dressed and cleaned every two days ongoing. She was sent home with the prescription for antibiotics and pain relief.
“For the next 3 weeks I had my wounds dressed and cleaned every two days at Cobram Medical Clinic by the nurses and had a quick consult with the doctors. I can’t speak highly enough of the care I was given, I was especially impressed as I haven’t been a patient of the Cobram Medical Clinic before and was not aware I could use the service under these circumstances. We were looked after by some of the more experienced nurses and also student nurses and they were all very good, very caring.”
Consumer Story
At the time of writing Val has moved to once weekly dressing changes and consultation with the nurses and doctor. Her pain is nearly gone and the wounds are mostly healed.
This consumer story demonstrates the cross-border role Cobram often plays in health care in the region. It was fortunate the consumer was able to access urgent care before her infection became worse and then connected with district nursing It also demonstrates the important partnership with Cobram Medical Clinic and district nursing service and urgent care. While the consumer will likely now return to her regular GP for health care in Berrigan, she has accessed the urgent care and understands the services available to the broader community.
Do you have a story you’d like to share about your experience at NCN Health? Your story can be a positive experience or include opportunities to improve our service delivery, Some examples you might wish to share are; Community Health services, district nurses, our GP Clinics in Nathalia and Numurkah, being admitted to the acute ward and more
You can remain anonymous if you prefer when sharing your story. For more information on how to share you experience with us, contact ncncommunications@ncnhealth.org.au
F O O T Y T I P P I N G
ROARING 20s
ThestaffatNumurkahPioneersMemorial Lodgedonnedtheir20'sbesttoentertain theresidents.
Theresidentsenjoyedthemusicand costumesthroughouttheafternoon.
John Scott was the winner of our footy tipping competition. He won by three points. 2nd was Nancy Retallick, 3rd was Margaret Valentine.
MEDIA BITES
InJulyDrShirazMahkri (NathaliaMedicalClinic) wasinterviewedbytheABCregardingchildhood illnessrates,especiallyinyoungchildrenattending daycare.
DrMahkrisaid-"Theirimmunityisdown,sothey're vulnerableandit'sarepeatcycle.Sobetween10to 20repeatedinfectionsintheyearisquitepossible inachildcareenvironment"
ClickontheABCNewslogotoreadthefullarticle.
G A R D E N I N G N A T H L I A
Congratulations to Adele Carland who celebrated her 100th birthday recently with friends and family. Adele enjoyed a get together at Banawah Nursing Home in Nathalia and was thrilled to receive a letter from King Charles and the Governor General. Many happy returns!
Nadene Donnelley Retirement
Executive Assistant Nadene Donnelly-Lucas celebrated her retirement from NCN Health after 17 years.
Nadene was well known around Numurkah campus for her wealth of knowledge about the organization and was the unofficial go to for questions and concerns.
She was the self-appointed parking inspector at times and animal lover who often could be found pet sitting on the quiet in her office!
At her farewell afternoon tea, Director of Operations Justin Sullivan thanked Nadene for her dedication and hard work over the past 17 years. There was huge turnout of staff who all agreed she would be greatly missed every day.
Nadene and husband John plan to enjoy retirement on their property outside Numurkah and set off and do some travelling around Australia too.
Best of Luck Nadene and thank you.
Chris Sutton Retirement
Staff, Residents and Volunteers gathered for afternoon tea to farewell Diversional Therapist Chris Sutton on her retirement at the Lodge on June 18
Chris initially started back in 1984. Over the years Chris worked across many departments, she completed her nursing course, worked as a PCA, worked at Baala House and Orana.
Her first association with The Lodge prior to physically working there, was when she was a Food Monitor, she knew how all the residents had their tea, she wrote up the resident meal list every day for the chef, knew what the residents liked to eat, but didn’t know who the residents were!
Chris enjoyed getting to know the residents and staff in person over the years with some of the very fun events organized during her time.
Chris was very appreciative of the support of the volunteers and Auxiliary for the work they provide towards activities and events for the residents. She described her volunteers as ’an absolute gift’ and paid tribute to one former volunteer - Bob - who is now a resident at the Lodge too.
Chris Sutton Retirement
A framed collage of words ‘from the volunteers’ was presented to Chris, who described Chris as dedicated, energetic, passionate, tenacious, fast and more.
Chris worked out that she has made at least 57 000 scones in her time at The Lodge – surely a record!?
Chris made special mention to the community groups that come onsite regularly and the importance in fostering these connections. Some of these groups include; The Loners Group, Community Visitors and also Monday morning Craft Group. These initiatives are a great way of bringing the community to us, when we can’t get out to them.
Chris will be off bike riding some of the ‘Tour de France’ track. We look forward to seeing some photos on her return
All the best Chris. Don’t worry, she will be back, she has already started onboarding to become a volunteer. ��
Ambulance Cover
Didyouknowthat Ambulancetravelisnot freefromUrgentCare CentresandMedical Clinics.Thistravelisat yourowncost.
Illness/Accident Why
Canhappenatany time.Thisiswhyitis vitalyoulookat separateAmbulance Cover
Ifyoudonothave AmbulanceCoveryou couldbeexpectedto paythousandsof dollarsintheevent youneedtransportby Ambulance. Exceptionsmayapply forpensioncard holdersandsome PrivateHealthpolicies.
Community Reading Day - 2024
Community Reading Day was held across Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah during Book Week. In each town our Community Health team set up reading stations with local business and community groups, the senior schools got involved and the love of stories and reading was shared with the younger members of our region.
Women'sHealth Screenings
Cobram Auxiliary Movie Day
More than 100 people turned out to enjoy a movie and afternoon tea recently at a fundraiser hosted by Cobram District Health Ladies Auxiliary. The fundraiser was held at the Cobram Community Cinema and featured a movie and Devonshire tea.
The next Auxiliary fundraiser is the ever popular Card and Games Day. This will be held at the Barooga Sports Bowls Club on Snell Road.
Cost is $25 dollars per head and includes a delicious lunch, afternoon tea and lucky door prize Come solo or bring a group of friends and your favorite card or board game
Please RSVP by Thursday October 17 by calling Val Linquist on 0490 531 784.
Many thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for their ongoing volunteer efforts in raising money for the health service. All proceeds go to resources to support the hospital and residential aged care.
NAVIGATE
What is NAVIGATE? NCN Health
NCN Health are proud to introduce NAVIGATE. A program designed to support members of the community to stay well in their homes.
NAVIGATE will provide short term support to members of the community who have been in hospital to get home safely and reduce the risk of re-presentation to hospital
You are eligible for NAVIGATE services if you:
Live in the NCN Health catchment area
Recently attended or have been admitted to hospital
Have been screened by NCN Health
Consent to the program
Community Support
Community Health
We will provide access to health related services without the need to return to hospital
Availability
NAVIGATE is available across all NCN Health campuses
Community Service
Community education and feedback sessions occurring throughout the year
You will be assigned a ‘Navigator’ who acts as your care coordinator throughout the duration of your time in the program
