Senate Inquiry Shows Hunter Health System Failing to Support Children With Intellectual Disabilities

BY ISABEL EVERETT

New evidence in a Senate Inquiry reveals 'critical under funding and insufficient resources' in the Hunter's health system to deal with children suffering with intellectual disabilities like FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

Members of Newcastle's Local Drug Action Team (LDAT), including a senior Pediatrician, and Magistrate in Broadmeadow's Children's Court, Nell Skinner, gave evidence in a Senate Inquiry about the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of FASD.

There is only one outpatient paediatric developmental clinic for children aged 2-12 years with multiple and complex developmental disorders in the Hunter at Wallsend.

This clinic receives around 350 referrals each year, and has the equivalent of 1.6 full time paediatricians and two paediatric trainees in addition to psychologists, a speech pathologist, occupational therapist and social workers.

There is a currently a wait of over 12 months for multidisciplinary assessment. 

"What the evidence put before the Senate Inquiry has shown is in Newcastle we have a particular problem with a lack of sufficient resources to carry out diagnosis of children at risk in the juvenile system," says Tony Brown, LDAT member.

Mr Brown stressed it was not a lack of commitment or care, but a lack of funding causing the children to fall through the cracks. 

"We have a great team of dedicated pediatricians and allied health workers in the Hunter New England area, and we cant commend their work enough, but the greatest area of need is an injection of significant resources."

"What the LDAT has advocated for is a greater funding boost into Newcastle and the Hunter to ensure our most vulnerable kids can receive quick diagnosis of FASD because this can mean the difference between being locked up or alternatively diverted to an area where they can receive the treatment they need."

Magistrate Nell Skinner says symptoms of FASD may lead to a young person being more likely to interact with the criminal justice system, as FASD sufferers often have impaired judgment and lack critical thinking skills.

"Young persons are not screened for FASD or other impairments during their interaction with the criminal justice system. Health resources are unable to meet the current demand for assessments," says Magistrate Skinner.

"Accordingly, there are no statistics about the prevalence of FASD or cognitive impairments and there is concern that FASD sufferers are not diagnosed."

Australian Government Department of Health

Port Stephens Club Closed for Deep Cleaning, Close Contact of Covid Case Visited Over Weekend

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Club Lemon Tree, at Lemon Tree Passage in Port Stephens will close for deep cleaning until Thursday August 13, after a patron who had recently been in contact with someone with Covid-19, visited the venue over the weekend. 

The Club was advised around 10am on Tuesday, the patron visited the venue on Sunday August 9th. 

Upon learning that they were a close contact of the positive case, the patron notified the club and has undertaken a test.

In a social media post the club said, "NSW Health has advised that no further action is required at this stage from either the club or anyone who was at the club on Sunday, however out of an abundance of caution the club will close for a deep clean."

"The club has been operating under a robust CovidSAFE plan, which has gone above and beyond government requirements, including maintaining a digital register, dedicated CovidSAFE marshals to enforce social distancing, as well as the provision of hand sanitiser and regular intensive cleaning practices."

The club will provide a further update when test results becomes available.

Hazardous Weather Conditions Change Operating Hours Of Two Hunter Covid-19 Testing Clinics

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hazardous weather conditions have impacted the operating hours of two Hunter Covid-19 testing clinics.

The University of Newcastle COVID-19 Drive Through Clinic will close at 2pm today, and the Tomaree Drive Through COVID-19 Clinic will be closed all day.

Those who are booked in at the University of Newcastle clinic will have their appointment rescheduled, or can attend one of our clinics at John Hunter, Belmont, or Calvary Mater Newcastle hospitals, or one of the privately run testing clinics available in Tomaree, Adamstown and Warners Bay.

Those booked at the Tomaree drive through clinic today can have their swab attended at a temporary clinic which has been set up at Tomaree Community Hospital.

This clinic will operate from 9am to 3pm today, and those wishing to be tested must call 4964 7497 to arrange an appointment prior to attending.

For a complete list of clinics across the Hunter New England region, please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx

Where to Get Tested for Covid-19 in the Hunter, 2 New Cases Diagnosed and Health Alerts Issued for 7 Venues

BY ISABEL EVERETT

With the identification of additional cases in the Newcastle area, Hunter New England Health is expecting an increase in the demand for testing.  

“To ensure we can best serve the community during this time, we have enhanced our local testing capability," Dr Kat Taylor, Public Health Controller for Hunter New England Health’s COVID-19 said.

“In addition to expanding our call centre capacity and the number of phone lines available to improve booking wait times, we will extend hours and capacity at a number of local clinics.  

“However, please be patient if visiting a clinic or calling for a booking. We have thousands of testing opportunities throughout the course of today and will see people as quickly as possible." 

Hunter New England Health operates COVID-19 clinics at a number of hospitals in the Hunter region.

Walk in clinics include:

• The John Hunter Hospital clinic, open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. The clinic is walk in only and no appointment is required.

• The Calvary Mater Newcastle clinic, open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The clinic is walk in only and no appointment is required.

• The Maitland Hospital clinic, open 9am to 4pm, seven days a week. Appointment bookings are preferred, but not required, and can be made by calling 4939 2585 during operating hours.

There are also a number of drive through options available, including:

• The Belmont Hospital drive through clinic, open 8am – 4pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the clinic on 4923 2211 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.

• The Cessnock Hospital drive through clinic, open 8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Those wishing to be tested must contact the clinic on 4991 0436 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.

• The Tomaree drive through clinic (20 Aquatic Close, Nelson Bay), open 9am to 3pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 to arrange an appointment prior to attending.

• The University drive through clinic also continues to operate 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending. 

Local private options include:

• 4Cyte Pathology’s COVID-19 clinic at Central Church Warners Bay (290 Hillsborough Rd), which operates between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 11am Saturdays, and no booking is required. More information can be found on their website at www.medtechservices.net.au.

• Laverty’s Adamstown Drive Through COVID-19 clinic (91 Victoria Street). The clinic operates between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and 9am and 4pm Saturdays, and no booking is required.

• Laverty’s Tomaree Hospital Clinic is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. No booking is required, but a referral from your GP is preferred prior to attending this clinic.

Covid Warning Issued for Another Hamilton Venue, The Greenroof Hotel

BY ISABEL EVERETT

On Thursday morning, Hamilton's, Greenroof Hotel confirmed a positive Covid 19 case attended the venue on Friday July 31st. 

Health officials advised the hotel the case attended the venue between 10pm and midnight, as well as the Bennett Hotel in Hamilton on the same night between, between 5.30pm and 10pm.

The Greenroof will remain closed until Friday 7th of August, undergoing a professional deep clean. 

"All of our staff who were on during this time are now in self-isolation and being tested this morning," the hotel said in a statement.

"If you were at The Greenroof during these times you will receive a call from Hunter New England Health today about getting tested and isolating."

Image Credit: Trip Advisor

UPDATE! Health Alert Issued for Third Newcastle Venue, Lambton Park Hotel

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Health authorities have issued an alert for a third Newcastle venue, the Lambton Park Hotel, after it was confirmed a Sydney man infected with Covid-19 attended the venue last week. 

The construction worker in his 20's also visited the Wallsend Diggers & Mezz Bar and Hotel Jesmond. 

Anyone who attended these venues may be at risk of infection and you must strictly isolate at home for 14 days from those dates and be tested for COVID-19.

-          Hotel Jesmond on 29 July from 7-9pm

-          Wallsend Diggers on 29 AND 30 July between 9 and 11pm

-          He also attended Lambton Park Hotel on 30 July from 8 until 9pm.

Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Controller for Hunter New England Health also advises that if you attended these venues after these times, you are at lower risk so you do not need to isolate, however, please look out for symptoms and get tested immediately if you develop any, even if mild.  

The venues have now been thoroughly cleaned so there is no ongoing risk.

Yesterday NSW Health announced the second Sydney visitor who attended Toronto Court House on 27 July, between 7am and 2pm.

“The gentleman stayed at a private residence and all of his close contacts have been identified and are in isolation, so there is no ongoing risk to the community,” said Dr Durrheim.

As a precaution, anyone who attended the Toronto Court House at those times should be alert for any symptoms and should even the mildest symptoms develop, they must self-isolate and seek urgent testing for COVID-19.

Diagnoses of Baby in Newcastle With Meningococcal Prompts Health Official Warning

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Hunter New England Health is urging Hunter residents to be vigilant and aware of Meningococcal symptoms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been six cases of Meningococcal Disease in the Hunter New-England region this year, including a 12-month-old baby diagnosed in the Greater Newcastle area. The child is now in a stable condition with close relatives on clearance antibiotics.

Public health physician, Dr Tony Merrit says anyone can be affected by the disease but it is most prevalent in infants and young children.

Dr Merrit says, "people are often really quite sick and symptoms can include fever, accompanied by headaches, nausea, neck stiffness and at times there will be a reddish-purple rash with spots and bruises"

"Meningococcal disease can occur at any time, but we typically see a peak in cases in spring following the winter flu season."

Meningococcal infection does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria and close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.

The National Immunisation Program includes a combined vaccination for Meningococcal A, C, W and Y disease at the age of 12 months. Recently a Meningococcal B vaccine was introduced to the program and is now available.

In addition, the NSW Government funded Meningococcal ACWY vaccine for older adolescents in schools from 2017 in response to an increase in cases of Meningococcal W. Since 2019 this vaccine has been provided free under the National Immunisation Program.

People aged 15-19 years who have not received the ACWY vaccine via the school program can visit their general practitioner to receive a free vaccine.

Hunter New England Health Ordering 'Testing Blitz' in Lake Macquarie

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Testing for Covid-19 is to be increased in  Lake Macquarie, with 3 cases confirmed in the area where the source is unknown. 

Hunter New England Local Health is calling on locals with fever or recent onset respiratory symptoms to contact their GP, private pathology laboratories, or the free COVID-19 clinics at Belmont or John Hunter hospitals for screening.  

Testing will focus on residents from Valentine, Belmont, Mt Hutton, Windale and Croudace Bay. 

 

Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim said the screening blitz in eastern Lake Macquarie will give the District the best chance of identifying a potential cluster early, and help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

 

“We’ve identified some positive cases of COVID-19 in eastern Lake Macquarie where we don’t know the source of the infection,” he says.  

 

“So it is now important we test this community widely to see if there is genuine community transmission. Extensive contact tracing and quarantining is vital, and identifying transmission early is our best chance at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the community." 

 

He says those with symptoms or who've recently traveled internationally, or on a cruise ship, or been in touch with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 should call one of the clinics, or contact their local GP for screening and testing. 

 

Dr Durrheim has also asked that anyone who is exhibiting symptoms to isolate at home, and call ahead when attending GPs and clinics for testing.  

 

The Belmont Hospital Clinic is a drive-through service where people are screened via phone before presenting. For screening, please call 4923 2211 between 8am-4.00pm, seven days a week. 

 

The John Hunter Hospital Clinic is currently operating seven days per week, Monday through Sunday, from 8am-10.30pm.

 Signage at the hospital’s main entrance will direct people to the nearby screening station. 

 

Hunter New England Health is also operating clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle, Maitland, and Manning hospitals.

                               Image Credit: Club Marine Australia 

Total Number of Cases of COVID-19 in Hunter New England Rises to 18, Drive through Screening Clinic Opens at Belmont

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Health announced they are now providing care and support to five additional people confirmed to have COVID-19.

•  A female in her 50s and a male in his 60s are in home isolation after recently returning from Italy 
• A female in her 20s is in home isolation after recently returning from a Pacific cruise 
•  A male in his 70s is in home isolation; he is a relative of a previously reported confirmed case of COVID-19  
•  A female in her late teens is in home isolation after recently returning from Canada. 

This brings the total number of Cases of COVID-19 in the Hunter New England area to 18. 

HNEH says health staff continue to undertake daily wellness checks with all confirmed cases in the District and is contacting close contacts of the new cases, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact and will be contacted every day to check that they are well and will be tested for the infection if they develop symptoms.

A fourth drive through COVID-19 clinic has also been opened at Belmont Hospital, where people can be screened via phone on 4923 2211 between 8am-4pm, seven days a week, before presenting.

The Belmont Hospital COVID-19 clinic joins those already operating at John Hunter, Maitland and Calvary Mater Newcastle hospitals. 

Public Health Physician Dr Tony Merritt says,  “I understand there are concerns out in the community about the location of people confirmed to have COVID-19. These are challenging and confronting times, and I understand people’s desire to know as much as they can to best protect themselves against this virus."

“You can rest assured that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts are either being treated in hospital or are in self-isolation to ensure there is no ongoing risk of infection to others in the community," Dr Merritt says.

“Locations where these people with COVID-19 live, work or have visited do not pose any ongoing risk to the public. And it’s important that we respect their privacy while they recover. Those in self-isolation are doing a great service for our community; it’s them that will make the biggest difference in slowing the spread of this virus."

“I want to assure the community that as we have done over the past weeks, and in line with national protocols, we will let the community know of any public locations where there has been a known risk of infection. This is so you can monitor symptoms and seek medical assistance if you become unwell."

“As the number of cases in our District continues to rise, I want to stress how important it is for everyone to do their bit. Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, maintain social distancing and stay home if you’re unwell."

Hunter New England Health Advice on What You Should Do If You Are Concerned You Have Corona Virus

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Health has issued a statement advising Hunter residents who should attend the corona virus screening clinic at John Hunter Hospital, and what to do if they are concerned they may have the corona virus.

Hunter New England health says;

• Anyone with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) who has traveled overseas or has had contact with a known case of COVID-19, should continue to visit their GP or call Healthdirect for advice in the first instance. 

• People with symptoms but who are still generally well, who have risk factors including overseas travel or contact with an overseas traveler and do not require hospital care, should attend a clinic screening people  for COVID-19 now operating at John Hunter Hospital. 

• People who are acutely unwell with suspected COVID-19 should attend the John Hunter Hospital emergency department to be assessed in a private room. 

• People who have returned from China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but are well, should self-isolate at home for 14 days and seek treatment only if they develop symptoms.

• People who present with no symptoms but are worried because of travel history to any other countries, do not need testing. 

The clinic at John Hunter Hospital is currently operating Monday through Friday but may be extended based on demand.

Outside of the clinic operating times, people are advised to contact their GP or HealthDirect for advice and always attend an emergency department if acutely unwell.

For further advice, people are being urged to visit the NSW health website.

John Hunter to receive Australia's Biggest Hospital Solar Panel Installation

BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON

Australia's largest hospital solar panel project is set to begin at John Hunter Hospital this year. 

The $3.2 million dollar project will begin in June or July and is slated to be finished by December.

The panels are estimated to cover 85% of the hospital's roof space, equivalent to 12,000 square meters. 

The project is part of an $8.1 million dollar package that will install solar panels at various hospitals across the region. 

The initiative is expected to produce approximately 10% of the electricity currently used, with estimated savings of over 2700 MWh per year, which equates to the amount of energy used to power over 200 homes. 

Executive Director of Infrastructure and Health for New England Health, Ramsey Awad says this will save the hospital over $800,000 dollars a year once the installation is up and running.

"That money will be put back into front line clinical services, whether that be the emergency department, community health, theater or out patients," Mr Awad says. 

"We're hoping as the largest hospital in this region that other smaller facilities will follow." 

The project is part of an wider plan by New England Health to move towards becoming carbon and waste neutral.

Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, says that hospitals consume a significant amount of energy and using roof space to generate power will reduce dependency on the grid. 

“By making our hospitals more energy-efficient, these solar projects will help bring our costs down, freeing up funds that can be invested back into the health system.”

The first hospital in NSW to have solar panels installed was Port Macquarie in 2018 and has reportedly saved over $200, 000 since then.

More Nurses Promised in Latest Election Pledge

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The Hunter New England Health District could receive almost 1000 new staff members under a new commitment from the state government, which the state opposition says it will match.

The Berejiklian government has announced a $2.8 billion dollar funding injection to the health workforce if re-elected, which could see at least 979 new staff members allocated to the local region.

As many as 613 nurses and midwives could be allocated locally along with 113 doctors, 105 allied health staff and 148 hospital support workers.

Port Stephens Liberal candidate Jaimie Abbott said communities across the Hunter will benefit from the workforce boost.

"This is an unprecedented workforce boost by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government," said Ms Abbott.

"This includes an extra 5,000 nurses and midwives to help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it."

Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord said in a statement Labor will match that commitment, and will make further announcements in the coming weeks.

Mr Secord also labelled the state government's announcement "scant on detail" and said it leaves some unanswered questions.

Health Minister Accused Of Ignoring Hospital Congestion

BY JARROD MELMETH

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard is being accused of ignoring the concerns of Hunter residents who are experiencing traffic gridlock at the John Hunter Hospital.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has taken aim at the Minister after he dismissed a letter she sent containing more than 30 pages of what she described as "real-life examples from staff and visitors and practical solutions that would help ease some of the congestion while waiting for the Newcastle Inner City Bypass Stage 5 to be constructed."

Ms Hornery said recent roadworks have done nothing to fix the congestion issues.

"There has been a new carpark a couple of years ago that was built, which is some distance from the hospital itself and that was supposed to provide the solution to everyone's parking woes and travel woes, but it has not.

"We want to ensure that our ambulances services can get in and out of the hospital quicker and safer than the current very cramped and very awkward situation they deal with.

"I invite the minister to come and sit with me at peak hour to see how busy it is and how congested it is in the morning and the evening," Ms Hornery said.

In response to Ms Hornerys letter, Mr Hazard said the previous roadworks have had a positive impact on traffic flow which makes entering and exiting the campus easier and faster. Mr Hazard also said he had referred the correspondence onto the Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey.

Ms Hornery said she does not expect much action from Ms Pavey.

"I'm still waiting for the fifth stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to be prioritised by the government. They seem to have put that on the back burner, like many of the projects in Wallsend.

Traffic congestion around the John
Hunter Hospital. Image: The Newcastle
Herald

Labor Pledges More Vaccinations In Hunter Pharmacies

BY JOSH SIM

The NSW Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord and Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp have visited a Hamilton pharmacy today to make a Labor election pledge for Hunter Pharmacies.

The party is promising under the plan, that from September 1, 2019, it will expand in-pharmacy vaccinations, currently available for the flu, to cover Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and a second Measles vaccine.

The age limit for the pharmacy vaccinations would remain at 18.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp believes the benefit of the vaccines being readily available at pharmacies are two-fold, with both the expense of a GP visit and the timeliness being an added factor behind the party's proposal.

"It will enable [Newcastle Residents] to pop into the chemist and get vaccinated, it will be hugely beneficial in that manner," Mr Crackanthorp said.

The party also believes the proposal will have a flow-on effect in helping to raise the State's lower than acceptable vaccination rates.

Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord pointed out the Hunter had one of its worst years on record in 2017, with more than two-thousand confirmed cases of Influenza, while Pertussis (Whooping Cough) was also on the rise.

"The worrying thing this year is that we've already had 62 cases of Pertussis [in the Hunter]... while another worrying trend is the 3 people diagnosed with Mumps," Mr Secord said.

Labor believe by putting this proposal in place, it would complement the current vaccination programs, and reach out to those who normally don't get vaccinated.

Tim Crackanthorp, Pharmacy-Owner Anthony Piggott and Walt Secord discuss the proposal. 

John Hunter Roadworks Renew Calls To Expedite The Newcastle Inner City Bypass

BY JARROD MELMETH

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says while she welcomes traffic improvement measures at the John Hunter Hospital, only the construction of a second entrance and expedition of Stage 5 of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will solve the major traffic issues.

The roadworks due to commence on Wednesday, July 18, will see the resurfacing of the road leading into the Hospital and down past the main entry. The works will also see the road alongside the front of the Hospital and main carparks turned into two way so that cars do not have to travel around the Hospital if leaving from the carpark near the Pathology Building.

Ms Hornery said while it won't stop the major congestion, it will hopefully ease some of the significant delays motorists experience.

"The solution is that we look at alternative roads being built as well. That means expediting the completion of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Jesmond to Rankin Park.

"It also means looking at how we can get commuters, staff, visitors and patients in the John Hunter Hospital off the road. This could be achieved through the re-installation of the free shuttle service that used to operate very successfully from Macdonald Jones Stadium.

"If the government were fair dinkum about easing congestion they would improve public transport so commuters from around the area can get to places like the John Hunter, the Mater and the University without being forced to drive because they have no alternative," Ms Hornery said.

The road travelling west at the John Hunter Hospital campus set to be
turned into two-way driving.

Know Your Rights: MyHealth Record Opt Out

BY JARROD MELMETH

From this week, Hunter New England Health patients who do not want their medical records stored on the national My Health Record database have until October 15 to opt out.

Under the scheme, people's medical records will be stored on a national database, to be viewed by patients, doctors and other medical staff at any time.

My Health Record is set to come into effect by the end of the year, but patients are being warned about potential privacy and security issues, with a three-month window to say they don't want the Australian government to make an online medical file for them.

Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network Executive Manager John Bailey said he believes the system is more secure than a paper one.

"The system is built on military-grade security systems. The Commonwealth government have taken great cares to make sure that it is secure. Obviously, no system is absolutely secure and it would be a foolhardy person who said that it was.

"The reality of it is, it is much more secure than the paper record in a practitioners office and it is much more safe and secure than an exercise book that people are carrying around," Mr Bailey said.

For more information about My Health Record click here.

Mozzie "Perfect Storm" In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH AND GRACE LANCASTER

We're being warned to cover up and take precautions with mosquito numbers on the rise around Newcastle.

Recent heavy rain and kings tides have combed to create what authorities are describing as a perfect storm for mosquito breeding conditions.

Dr David Durrheim for Hunter New England health, warns of the viruses these salt marsh mosquitos bring.

"Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted salt marsh mosquitos and freshwater mosquitos...and they cause a flu-like illness, severe muscle ache, headaches, skin rash potentially but also the most prominent feature which is joint pain."

Mosquito numbers are expected to peak by Easter, with Hexham, Callaghan, Shortland, Blackbutt Reserve and Carrington the hotspots.

However, things should improve by the end of April when it becomes too cold for mozzies to breed.

In the meantime, Dr Durrheim is urging us to cover up and use insect repellent when outdoors.

"The ideal measures are mechanical ones by wearing long-sleeved shirts or trousers and using chemical repellent particularly that contains Deet," he says. 

Mosquito Numbers On The Rise Around Newcastle

Lead and Cyanide found on former Waratah Gasworks site

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's the last thing you'd want to know is in the soil of your property, but dangerous substances including lead and cyanide have been found on properties above the Waratah gasworks.

An 11-month investigation was undertaken by Newcastle City Council with a report based on an "independent cohesive review" is expected to be released in the coming weeks. It will be subject to a review by the Site Auditor, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).

It's understood about 20 properties bound by Turton, Georgetown and Ellis Roads could be affected.

The investigations were announced earlier this year by council. The plan was to take approximately 200 soil, vapour and groundwater samples which were tested for a wide range of substances associated with the former gasworks.

The Waratah gasworks operated in the late 19th and early 20th century. There isn't thought to be an airborne risk when it comes to the chemicals because the site has been decommissioned since the 1920s.

In the meantime, residents can minimise their risk of coming into contact with the substances by avoiding direct contact with shallow soil.

Image newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Mystery Donor Hands over $5 Million Cheque to HMRI

BY JESSICA ROUSE

An anonymous donor has handed over a $5.2 million cheque to the Hunter Medical Research Insitute.

The generous philanthropic gift will go towards advancing emergency out-of-hospital patient treatment over the next five years.

The HMRI will work jointly with NSW Ambulance and Hunter New England Health to improve patient care, particularly in rural areas.

When asked if we could get a hint as to who the mystery donor was, Professor Michael Nilsson, the Director of the HMRI just laughed and said they're simply over the moon.

"We need to keep the secret, that's how it is when it's annonymous! But a fantastic transformational transofrmation, the largest in HMRI history by far," said Professor Nilsson.

"Sometimes donations at this level have great rings on the water effect and we are really hopeful that it will increase the focus on the good job we are doing here with all of the partners. It's fantastic and we are so happy today."

NSW Ambulance will be able to extend their training services from facilities, to upgrading and renewing education euqipment, including advanced technology simuulation mannikins which will all make emergency service care even more effective than it already is.

It aims to benefit regions outside of metropolitan cities to guarantee the same level of training, knowledge and service as bigger regions.

"I'm particularly happy that it's going to an area that is in defiente need, out-of-hospital careand upscaling of the ambulance to another level, that's fantastic and really proves the dedication of the communtiy I think," said HMRI Director Dr Nillson.

Image supplied.

Palliative care specialist for Hunter New England Health

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter New England Health District is one of nine rural and regional areas in New South Wales which will soon have new palliative care specialists.

Although the location of the new specialist is not yet determined Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health Leslie Williams says there is at least one specialist coming to the region.

"Those decisions about where they will specifically go is up to the local health district themselves. We will be able to make announcements once those positions are both advertised and then filled.

"This announcement is great news for rural and regional communities. Palliative care specialists obviously play a very key role when it comes to end of life care for patients and for families," Ms Williams said.

The increase in services was announced as part of the NSW Budget earlier this year, and now NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard says the government is delivering on its commitment.

"Providing first-class palliative care in every part of the state is a key priority for the Government and this investment will significantly strengthen the palliative care workforce, particularly in regional and rural areas," Mr Hazzard said.