Health data proves Maitland Hospital under the pump, nurses say

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Nurses at Maitland Hospital say new health data has "vindicated" their concerns around conditions at the new site, revealing it's facing the busiest period in the hospital's history.

According to the latest Bureau of Health Information data, presentations at Maitland Hospital increased by 7.1 percent between January and March, compared to the same quarter last year.

Presentations fell by the same amount at the John Hunter, and 8.1 percent at the Mater.

The Nurses and Midwives Association has raised the alarm, the Maitland Hospital's move to Metford has meant the catchment has expanded to encompass patients from Raymond Terrace and Port Stephens.

Maitland Branch Acting Secretary Kathy Chapman says the numbers are "not surprising at all".

"We've been feeling this ever since we got there at Maitland," she said. "The patients have been feeling this."

"Now that [the data's] come out, we do feel vindicated in saying, you know, this has been happening, it's wrong, let's get the Ministry of Health to do something about it."

Arrivals by ambulance also rose by 9.5 percent, while falling by around three percent at the other two hospitals.

Just over 50 percent of Maitland Hospital patients began their treatment on time, down more than ten percent on the same time last year.

There was an almost 15 percent fall in the percent of patients transferred from paramedics to the emergency department in less than half an hour, though the John Hunter saw a five percent improvement, to be the fastest in the state.

Ms Chapman says the State Government needs to start by taking a serious look at the numbers.

"I think they should read it for a start," she said. "I think they should honestly look at it, and go, 'Okay, what have we done here, and do we need to  redirect some services to Maitland?'"

"We're in a bad way, so I would say look at the data and do something about it."

Dr David Durrheim named Lake Macquarie Ambassador for 2022

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Dr David Durrheim has been named as the Lake Mac Ambassador at the 2022 Lake Mac Awards.

The physician is being honoured for his work in helping guide the Hunter through the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health controller at Hunter New England Health.

He says, the past few years have shone a spotlight on public health.

"It's quite clear that everybody is now an amateur epidemiologist, and all of us really, as a very large team, have worked together in this public health crisis," Dr Durrheim said.

"The last time this happened was 100 years ago, in the 1918-1919 flu pandemic, and it's been to me, incredibly heartening to see how the community and the health service have all worked together."

Dr Durrheim joined more than 90 nominees, finalists, and thirteen winners at Belmont 16s on Saturday night.

Rhiannan Iffland, a five-time world champion diver, was named Sports Star of the Year, while 11-year-old Xavier Neil was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for his efforts to raise more than $70,000 for local cancer charities. 

Lake Macquarie charity Hope in a Suitcase, which helps supply foster kids with necessities, received an award for Community Group of the Year, while OzHarvest volunteer June Butler was named as Volunteer of the Year.

Dr Durrheim says it's a real honour to be recognised alongside so many other members of the community.

"It's incredibly humbling to actually have attended the event and just to have heard the wonderful and remarkable stories of community volunteers and the work that's being done across Lake Macquarie, by diverse groups of people, particularly during the last two very challenging years," Dr Durrheim said.

"It's an absolute delight to be part of the Lake Macquarie community. It's a beautiful part of the world - arguably, the most beautiful city in Australia, and I think we're very fortunate to live in a community where people do look after each other in a beautiful environment."

Port Stephens Junior AFL Team Forced To Isolate After COVID-19 Case

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter and Central Coast AFL officials have cancelled all games of an under Nines' Port Stephens side after a boy tested positive to COVID-19.

The Nelson Bay Marlins side won't play for two weeks while all players are in isolation.

The boy is one of three new cases confirmed in Port Stephens on Thursday which are linked to a Sydney restaurant cluster.

He played in the Marlins game against Newcastle City at Don Waring Oval on July 19 - players and officials from the opposing team and others at the ground have been told to be on the lookout for Coronavirus symptoms.

Meanwhile, Hunter New England Health has opened a new COVID-19 drive through testing clinic at the Tomaree Sports Complex on Aquatic Close.

The clinic will be open between 8.00am and 4.00pm 7 days, however hours will be extended if necessary to meet demand.

To make an appointment for the drive through clinic or the Tomaree Hospital clinic, call 4964 7497.
Children under the age of five should be tested at the Tomaree Hospital Emergency Department.

7 Day Covid-19 Testing Blitz for Cessnock as New Testing Facility Opens Up

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Health is calling on Cessnock locals to increase testing rates during a seven day COVID-19 testing blitz, starting Wednesday 20th May.

A specialised COVID-19 clinic is being set up at Cessnock Hospital to assist with boosting testing numbers in the community.

 Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said although there have been very few cases in Hunter New England recently with restrictions lifting, the blitz will assist efforts to identify any COVID-19 virus still circulating in the community.

 “There were a cluster of COVID-19 cases identified in Cessnock during the virus peak, which makes it even more important to hunt the virus down and ensure there is no ongoing risk to the community.

 “We don’t expect to find large numbers of cases – or indeed many at all – but testing is the only way we will know for sure.

Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath, is urged to get tested.

 Even those with mild symptoms such as fatigue, new muscle aches or pains, a change in taste or smell or a new runny nose are encouraged to arrange testing.

The drive-through clinic will operate 10am to 6pm from Wednesday 20 May until Tuesday 26 May.

Bookings are essential, and people should call 49910436 to register before attending. The clinic is available for a limited time but may be extended depending on demand.

Dr Durrheim has also asked that anyone who has symptoms to isolate at home until they have received further advice from their GP or the hospital.

With the large number of people being tested across the District it can take up to 72 hours to receive results, so people are being urged to be patient while they wait.

Clinics at Maitland, Calvary Mater Newcastle, John Hunter, and Belmont hospitals are also available for Newcastle and Hunter locals.

                                              Image Credit: Australian Medical Association

Mosquitoes Set to Spread Disease This Weekend

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England Health is urging the public to take caution this weekend, with warm weather and rainfall conditions likely to produce an explosion in dangerous mosquito populations.

HNE Health physician Dr David Durrheim says the recent climate has resulted in favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes responsible for spreading diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

“Good rainfall during the past few weeks has provided ample breeding sites and contributed to a rise in mosquito numbers, while the warm weather allows mosquitoes to survive longer and transmit the viruses to people."

Mosquito-borne viruses typically peak in summer and autumn months - and the only way to prevent infection to avoid being bitten in the first place.

“The symptoms of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection include fever, skin rash, painful joints and tiredness,” said Dr Durrheim. “Most people affected will have a mild illness that lasts for a few days. However, in some people, joint aches and lethargy can last for months.”

HNE Health have the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Avoid being outside unprotected before dawn or after dusk
• Avoid high risk breeding sites such as marsh areas
• If you do have to go outside, wear loose fitting and light coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Use an insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET or picaridin to protect your exposed skin
• Fit (and maintain) fly screens on all of your windows and doors
• If you have mosquitoes inside, use a knockdown insecticide in bedrooms half an hour before you go to bed

Image credit: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/

Port Stephens MP Wants a Billboard for Berejiklian

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington was joined by local nurses and health worker this morning to launch a campaign to crowd-fund a new billboard to be located on Nelson Bay Road.

The billboard is set to read "Schools and Hospitals before Sydney Stadiums" and is an attempt by Kate Washington to send a strong and clear message to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and local Liberal candidate, Jaimie Abbott.

"Don't waste billions of dollars on Sydney Stadiums, spend it on schools and hospitals instead,"

"Local residents have been raising this issue with me more and more. They can't believe the obscene waste, and they want to know how they can stop it," Ms Washington said.

"People in Port Stephens don't want their hard-earned taxpayers dollars being splurged on stadiums in Sydney."

$1600 is required to put the billboard in place, and Kate Washington has emphasised it is up to residents whether or not they donate to the fund.

Lorna Scott from the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association echoed Ms Washington's sentiments that the government's priorities are wrong.

"For a good society we need health and we need education, and we need the environment to be looked at as well," said Ms Scott.

"These are vitally important things. Stadiums are important for a few people who like to watch men chasing balls, to be quite honest."

The NSW Labor Party has called for the people of NSW to be given the opportunity to have their say on the stadium spending, asking the Berejiklian Government to halt the stadium demolitions until after the March 23 election.

Any residents who wish to donate to the campaign are able to do so via Kate Washington's Facebook page.

Image: Ian Crouch/2NURFM News

Report Reveals Shocking Behaviour In Hunter Hospitals

BY XANTHE GREGORY

President of Australian Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF), Dr Antony Sara, says the Hunter's not alone when it comes to poor staff well-being, according to the 2018 Alliance Hospital Health Check.

"The Hunter is not alone, it's not the worst in the state but it's not the best," Mr Sara said.

Concerning numbers of bullying, harassment and discrimination have been revealed in the NSW report, with Hunter hospitals reporting numerous incidents of the behaviours as well as poor personal health and safety.

The John Hunter Hospital, Calvary Mater, Maitland and Belmont hospitals received a "C" average in the report and all scored a "D" for staff well-being.

Up to 61% of doctors in training at Hunter hospitals have experienced bullying, discrimination, and harassment from a staff member.

Most who experienced the behaviour were too afraid to report the incident, with almost 75% of those surveyed from the John Hunter Hospital fearing there would be negative consequences if they did.

The report surveyed 1351 junior doctors in NSW to reveal data on training, education, well-being and overtime in hospitals, showing that it is not improving with time.

"We see where the issues are and we take steps to change the culture, correct the issues and provide better support for the junior doctors-in-training," Mr Sara said.

Reports in Hunter hospitals of concern about personal safety and fatigue were higher than the state average.

69.47% of respondents at the John Hunter were concerned about personal health and safety as a result of working overtime, raising issues of making clinical errors are a result of fatigue.

"It gives us an indication of what we need to improve on, it's a process, it will take some time but we need to start now," Mr Sara said.

To see the report visit: http://www.alliancensw.com.au/hospital-health-check-2018/