








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
Hello and welcome to the Summer Edition of the Community News.
On Wednesday November 20, NCN Health, together with the fourteen member health services in the Hume Region, upgraded to a new Patient Administration System (PAS). This has been one of the most complex implementations of the i.PM Patient Administration System ever undertaken and I congratulate the PAS implementation committee who worked in partnership with Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) and NCN Health staff to ensure a smooth transition to our new system.
The implementation of Hume PAS Connect marks a significant step forward in delivering integrated care across our region. The advanced system will contribute to patient safety, streamline clinical workflows, and improve connectivity.
Hume Rural Health Alliance has trained approximately 2,500 staff across a 40,000 square kilometre region to prepare for the introduction of the new Patient Administration System. The following health services have been involved: Albury Wodonga Health, Alexandra District Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Mansfield District Hospital,
NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Seymour Health, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health and Yea and District Memorial Hospital.
NCN Health held the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for year 2023-2024 at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus on Wednesday, November 27th. The meeting was well attended by staff, volunteers, consumer group representatives and the NCN Health Board of Directors.
Board Director Chair Tricia Quibell presented the Annual Report and Quality Account acknowledging the contribution of consumers, staff and support of the Board throughout the year
A highlight of the Annual General Meeting is the presentation of the staff and volunteer awards. These awards celebrate many achievements and improvements across the health service, and acknowledge any staff or volunteer who has been with the health service for 10 years or more.
I’d like to acknowledge and congratulate all the nominees and winners for their significant, positive impact on our community.
The Annual Report and Quality Account can now be found on our website here, https://ncnhealth org au/about /annual-report-andpublications/ or you can request a hard copy of these reports by contacting ncncommunications@ncnheal th org au
earlier in the year, the Department of Health flagged that Victorian public health services are facing significant budget cuts over the next three years.
While the remainder of the current financial year is more certain for NCN Health, we anticipate that subsequent financial years will require our ongoing close management.
The Department of Health (Vic) has formed a new entity called Hospitals Victoria, which will work closely with health services in financial planning and monitoring moving forward. I understand there comes a level of staff and community uncertainty as a result of budget reform, but it is important to note that NCN Health is in a strong financial position and where any changes need to be made they will always be transparent, carefully considered and not made in haste.
The leadership team have had a good opportunity to review the publicly available Health Services Plan. We will be working with The Department of Health to ensure NCN Health has a voice in the implementation of this plan in 2025
Broadly, The Plan aims to reform Victoria’s health service system with a view to improving services across the state. The Plan will mean we see a greater focus on working in partnership with health services local to our network. Some examples include, shared funding models and streamlined financial and human resources processes
It has been a busy 3 months for NCN Health Staff, clients and residents both within our health services and in the broader community. I invite you to enjoy the Summer Edition of the Community News, inside you will find updates on recent events, achievements and initiatives that highlight the incredible efforts of our team and the vibrant connections we share with our community Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our shared mission of providing exceptional care.
Mark Ashcroft NCN Health CEO
The new NCN Health Cobram Urgent Care Centre officially opened on Wednesday March 27, stage 2 and 3 of the development is ongoing, with the final stages of construction taking place in December
The front car park is currently being resurfaced and once completed parking will be accessible as normal in this area. For those needing to access x-ray and ultrasound, or visitors to the hospital, parking is available on O’Dwyer Ave. Urgent Care Parking is available on Broadway street and also O’Dwyer Ave.
Internal and external renovation continues with the remodelling of 2 patient rooms and ensuites, a new ultrasound room, a new reception desk area for the acute ward entrance and additional office and staff space.
The front façade of the building including the original ‘Lisieux’ signage is being rendered in part and retouched.
New firewalls are currently being installed and main reception will be refurbished to compliment the renovations. This includes new flooring and repainting. Signage will also be erected internally and externally around the Cobram Campus and landscaping plans to finish the redevelopment are being reviewed and finalised.
NCN Health Director of Operations, Justin Sullivan said the Cobram Campus Urgent Care Centre and acute ward redevelopment is on budget and on time, however there have been general building delays along the way due to availability of materials and availability of trades
“There have been no major issues that have greatly impacted our timelines. We have had to structure the build so we could still run the health service during the construction, including urgent care, acute ward and x-ray and ultrasound This means blocking off some areas while still allowing access to patients and critically, maintaining patient safety ” “During construction there has been a number of changes to access and parking and we really appreciate the patience and support of the community as we worked through these changes. The updated facilities are an excellent addition to the health service for both our staff and our community.”
The NPML Redevelopment is in 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.
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.
The schematic design is complete and the next step is the detailed design phase which will see significant contribution from the Advisory Group and other sub groups as needed. The design phase will start once the VHBA has finalised negotiations around land acquisition. 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.
Members of the Advisory Group will head to Melbourne during the detailed design phase 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.
2024 marks 75 Years since the Cobram Hospital, now NCN Health Cobram, was purchased by the community from Dr Gerald Kennedy. The health service celebrated with an Open Day, historic photo wall unveiling, sharing of hospital history, guest speakers, bbq lunch and cake.
Community Health was open for the day to showcase their services to the community, allied health staff were on hand to talk about their services and how to access them. We had health promotion staff in attendance, the smoothie bike was well received and free popcorn enjoyed by all.
Around 120 past and present staff volunteers board members school
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.
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.
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
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.
NCN Health welcomes new Sonographer Geoff Mawley to the team at Numurkah and Cobram campus. Geoff will be working in Numurkah 3 days per week and covering Cobram 1 day per week. For appointments for X-Rays and Ultrasound see the NCN Heath website https://ncnhealth.org.au/servic e/x-ray-ultrasound/ Pictured right is Geoff with his wife Jane.
On November 8 we celebrated World Radiography Day. On November 8, 1895 Wilhelm Roentgen discovered XRadiation.
At NCN Health we provide XRay services to our region operating out of NCN Health Cobram and Numurkah.
In the 23/24 Financial Year our team at Cobram performed more then 3,800 X-Ray's and Numurkah performed more than 1,400.
NCN Health has Ultrasound and X-Ray services available at Cobram and Numurkah campuses
Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm 8:30am - 4:00pm 8:30am - 4:00pm 8:30am - 1:30pm
ULTRASOUND X-RAY
ULTRASOUND X-RAY Thursday 9:30am - 2:30pm Monday
Wednesday
9:30am - 3:00pm 9:30am - 3:00pm 9:00am - 3:30pm 9:30am - 3:00pm
Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm To make an appointment
NCN Health held the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for year 2023-2024 at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus on Wednesday, November 27th.
The meeting was well attended by staff, volunteers, consumer group representatives and the NCN Health Board of Directors.
NCN Health CEO Mark Ashcroft chaired the meeting and Board Director Chair Tricia Quibell presented the Annual Report and Quality Account acknowledging the contribution of consumers, staff and support of the Board.
Mark Ashcroft presented the Staff and Volunteer Reward and Recognition and Service Awards at the Annual General Meeting.
“A highlight of the Annual General Meeting is the presentation of the staff and volunteer awards. These awards celebrate many achievements and improvements across the health service, and acknowledge any staff or volunteer who has been with the health service for 10 years or more.”
“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, your contribution to local health has had a significant positive impact on our community. Thank you.”
CUSTOMER SERVICE
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
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
If this sounds good to you, and you want to jump into 2025 with a perfect smile contact Cobram Dental Clinic today.
Cobram Dental Clinic was host to Numurkah Pre-School students who came over to learn all about what it’s like to go to the dentist. They had a great time looking after their teeth and asking lots of questions to our friendly team. Everyone went home with a new toothbrush, Bluey toothpaste and lots of stories to tell their families! What a bunch of cool kids!
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.
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.
The Student Dieticians at NCN Health visited Wunghnu Primary School to talk about healthy food options and snacks. The students and Dieticians had a blast creating 4 delicious dips with veggie sticks.
NCN Health visited Wunghnu Primary throughout the school term for cooking sessions and to share new recipes, tips and tricks for balanced eating habits.
November was a busy month over at Karinya, with the races bringing an air of excitement to the residents. We celebrated Melbourne Cup, and then Oaks Day with picnic boxes that were lovingly put together by Diversional Therapist Teruko Smith- with homemade sausage rolls and sandwiches. The residents also dabbled in Ice Cream making and enjoyed the fruits of their labour.
Children’s week was held October 18-27 and NCN Health held events across Katunga, Cobram and Numurkah in partnership with 54 Reasons. Each event was designed to encourage active play, healthy eating and community by bringing school groups, pre schools and play groups together for a morning of fun and activities in each town.
Abitha recently relocated with her young family to Cobram to take up a position in Acute and Urgent Care as part of our International Nurse Recruitment Program.
Abitha moved to Cobram in June from the United Kingdom. Working in the hospital system in the UK and based in Southport for the past three years, Abitha and her family decided a new adventure awaited on the other side of the globe. With Australia always being a place that she was keen to live and work in, a change to life in Cobram seemed like a good fit.
Abitha was looking for a quiet place to live that could provide a great work/life balance and easy access to areas of the country to travel and explore.
Since joining NCN Health Abitha has found the team here to be incredibly supportive and great to work with. The transition from the UK to Australia was made very easily and comfortably with the aid of the recruitment program and the NCN team.
Interested community members and NCN Health volunteers from across Moira Shire completed the Palliative Care Volunteer training recently. NCN Health ran combined sessions with Yarrawonga Health over three mornings. The training covered the Palliative Care Victoria Training Toolkit covering 9 modules from role of volunteer in palliative care, grief and dying, diversity and spirituality, self care and more. We thank Nurse Practitioner Steve Pitman for coming to explain his role, and the clinical role and the importance of volunteers as part of the Palliative Care team. The participants have a broad range of experience along with life experience to support clients and their families in their own homes.
Families from across Moira Shire from Yarrawonga to Nathalia will be supported by these volunteers over the years to come.
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
ncnhealth.org.au
The Occupational Health and Safety Department arranged for Dementia Australia to visit the Cobram and Numurkah campuses to run two D-Escalation workshops. The state of the art virtual reality training is designed for a behavioural emergencies, specifically for participants working in health care, caring for people living with dementia.
Both sessions were at full capacity with 30 staff across NCN Health attending. The sessions were highly regarded with overwhelming positive feedback highlighting their value and insightfulness.
With the support of local community groups, the gardens at the front of the NCN Health Nathalia hospital have had much needed attention.
Community members representing the Nathalia Senior Citizens Club, Women’s Health Group, Nathalia And District Garden Lovers Club (now defunct), Nathalia Rotary Club, Nathalia Hospital Auxiliary committee members, Consumer Representatives, volunteers along with operations and maintenance staff gathered to acknowledge each of their contributions. They mingled over afternoon tea afterwards.
The garden works at Nathalia campus is ongoing, other areas of the campus will be next in line for much needed ongoing attention.
Back Row: Ron Wilson, Veronica Wilson, Leeanne Caldwell, Laurel Dimond, Native Frangipani (in centre of roundabout), Ross Smith, Anthony Oliver.
Middle Row (standing): Kerry Rice, Joan Dohnt, Gayle Pemberton, Mary Barry, Moira Bourke, Dawn Bowen, Fay Brown
Front Row (seated): Christina Shepherd, Vic Dohnt, Veronica Morphett and Andrew Watson.
Many thanks to the Cobram Barooga Golf Club Veterans Committee whose annual Charity Golf Day in Barooga raised by more than $6000 for NCN Health.
Pictured above, members George McLaughlin and Tony Hardy, Committee Records Keeper Brian Nowell, Committee President Greg Boyer, NCN Health CEO Mark Ashcroft, Committee Treasurer Michael Burton and NCN Health Communications Coordinator Marissa Daly. Photo by Owen Sinclair
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
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
Gwen Wridgway lived in the Gwandalan Court Retirement Village for approximately 7 years before moving into Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge (NPML). Gwen had previously lived in Tatura but came to Numurkah to be closer to family members who reside in the area. Gwen said due to some health issues she had come into NPML on respite 2 or 3 times, before deciding to make the move permanently.
“I had a slight turn and came into the Lodge for respite I could not have had better attention from the staff.”
Gwen enjoyed living at Gwandalan Court and despite being fit and healthy, some health considerations, including suffering a serious fall, pushed her to make a change.
“I was in the midst of organising my 90th birthday in January 2024 when I moved to the Lodge. The staff helped me celebrate and I had a party for friends and family at the Uniting Church.”
Gwen said she noticed a big difference in her health and wellbeing after the move. “The staff take great care of me and ensure I am taking my medication regularly and eating properly, which I probably wasn’t doing as well on my own.”
After many years of independent living and moving around Australia, Gwen says she has settled into the Lodge lifestyle
“I enjoy the entertainment and activities and I try to get involved as much as I can, when I want some peace I will sit and do a jigsaw puzzle. My family can come and go and take me out for coffee, most of the residents are very friendly, I would say I enjoy 90% of the meals, I am happy and healthy and I love the outlook from my room. It is bright and cheerful.”
Gwen said when she has become unwell, she really appreciated the extra support the Lodge provides.
“I had another turn earlier in the year and ended up in hospital for 5 days. I received great care from both sides (The hospital and the residential aged care). I also had COVID in the middle of the year, I felt dreadful and had a throat full of razor blades The staff were excellent, I didn’t want for anything. That is the great thing about being here, the support is there if you need it. The staff can help with showers, personal hygiene and clothing (getting dressed).”
She said another added benefit was she felt she could talk to the staff and the Nurse Unit Manager about any concerns.
“Raj (Nurse Unit Manager) is very easy to talk to and that is important.”
Gwen says her previous neighbour from Gwandalan Court is so impressed with how well Gwen is doing, she is planning on putting her name down for the new Lodge once it’s built.
This positive consumer story is a good example of continuity of care between Gwandalan Court Retirement Village, the hospital and residential aged care. It also highlights the positive impact of community members being able to age comfortably in place with family and friends close by and the support of the integrated health service enhancing comfort and quality of living
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
Didyouknowthat Ambulancetravelisnot freefromUrgentCare CentresandMedical Clinics.Thistravelisat yourowncost.
Canhappenatany time.Thisiswhyitis vitalyoulookat separateAmbulance Cover
Ifyoudonothave AmbulanceCoveryou couldbeexpectedto paythousandsof dollarsintheevent youneedtransportby Ambulance. Exceptionsmayapply forpensioncard holdersandsome PrivateHealthpolicies.
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 Health
We will provide access to health related services without the need to return to hospital
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
Monday 23rd December
Tuesday 24th December
Wednesday 25th December
Thursday 26th December
Friday 27th December 9am - 5pm 9am - 12pm Closed Closed Closed
Monday 30th December
Tuesday 31st December
Wednesday 1st January
Thursday 2nd January
Friday 3rd January 9am - 5pm 9am - 3pm Closed 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm
The team at Nathalia Medical Clinic wishes everyone a safe, merry and bright Christmas and New Years. We look forward to welcoming you back to the clinic in 2025.
Cobram Medical Clinic will be closed from 2pm Tuesday December 24th and reopen on Monday December 30th.
The Medical Clinic will also be closed Wednesday January 1st, 2025.
Cobram Dental Clinic will be closed from 4pm Tuesday December 24th and reopen on Thursday January 2nd, 2025.
Dental Clinics wish you all a happy and safe festive season.