Newcastle GP Access After Hours to close its doors due rising costs and lack of funding

BY JARROD MELMETH

A bulk-billed GP service in Newcastle used by around 15,000 people across the Hunter will cease operations at the end of the year.

The Calvary Mater Hospital at Waratah will close its GP Access After Hours service on December 24 due to rising operational costs and stagnant funding.

Other after hours service across the region will also have reduced hours from January 2022. These include at Belmont and Toronto where services on weekends will be halved, as well as services at Maitland and John Hunter Hospitals reduced by one hour each day.

There are concerns about the closure of the Calvary Mater service and the reduction in hours of other services across the region, as there are very limited local bulk-billing GP services. 

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says the reduction is services will only place more pressure on a system already under the pump.

"We do not want people turning up to tertiary health settings, such as hospitals and emergency departments, when they could be well treated and much better treated in more appropriate settings.

"This is something that our doctors in Newcastle and the Hunter knew 20 years ago when they set up this service," Ms Claydon said.

John Hunter Hospital youth mental health facility set for an upgrade

BY JARROD MELMETH

Designs for the new Nexus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the John Hunter Hospital have been unveiled.

The new facility, which will have the capacity to care for 12-people, has been designed co-designed with young people who have experience in adolescent mental health, their families, clinicians and staff.

The upgrades include a dedicated courtyard, carer accommodation, family zones, recreation areas and rooms which feature more natural light. 

Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Michael Di Rienzo says the proposed layout provides an environment that balances the needs for privacy, activity and creativity.

“This co-design approach enables us to provide a modern, therapeutic environment for young people admitted to the state-wide inpatient service.

“Working with teens and children with lived experience provides the opportunity to build a contemporary unit that best meets their needs," Mr Di Rienzo said.

The Newcastle facility is one of nine state-wide acute youth mental health services and supports young people from the Hunter New England region.

Hunter New England Health says work on the new unit is expected to begin in 2025 following the commissioning of the Acute Services Building, which is set to be delivered as part of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct.

Muswellbrook woman issued $5000 fine for breaching Health Orders

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter Valley Police District has put a call out to the community urging them to stay the course and continue complying with the Public Health Orders.

It follows police issuing a $5000 infringement notice to a Muswellbrook woman who was found not isolating at home as directed.

The 30-year-old told officers, who were conducting welfare and compliance checks, she was not at home due to being out exercising.

Police are urging the community to stay at home if you've been directed to self-isolate.

Hunter makes up 12 of the states 1485 COVID-19 cases

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter has recorded another 12 cases of COVID-19 to 8pm on Saturday night.

The new cases have been detected in Abermain (1) Gundy (1), Thornton (1), Metford (1), Salamander Bay (2), Medowie (2), Heatherbrae (1), Nelson Bay (1), Shoal Bay (1) and Armidale (1).

NSW Health says the Armidale case is currently under investigation due to a weak positive and may be removed at a later time.

Half of the new cases were infectious while in the community including in Abermain, Thornton, Metford, Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.

Health authorities have also announced two cases in New Lambton and Armidale announced in Saturdays numbers have been ruled out and removed. With the new and removed cases, the regions total now sits at 228 cases since the local outbreak began on August 5.

Statewide, NSW recorded another 1485 cases. Four more people have died with COVID-19. 

In some positive news, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says 40 per cent of the eligible population is now full vaccinated, while 73 per cent have had their first dose.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Shoal Bay Pharmacy on Monday 30 August between 4:35pm - 4:40pm and Wednesday 1 September between 10:10am - 10:20am & 4:15pm - 4:25pm
• Shell Coles Express, Nelson Bay on Tuesday 31 August between 9:45am - 9:50am & 7:20pm - 7:25pm
• IGA, Shoal Bay on Wednesday 1 September between 8:50am - 8:55am & Thursday 2 September between 4:55pm - 5:05pm
• Belmont Vaccination Hub on Friday 3 September between 11:45am - 12:45am

14 of 15 new Hunter COVID-19 cases infectious in the community

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunters daily COVID-19 case numbers are continuing to climb with 15 new cases recorded today, bringing the regions total to 218 since August 5.

Concerningly, of the new cases, all but one were infectious while in the community.

The new cases were recorded in Shoal Bay (5), Heatherbrae (2), Fingal Bay (2), Medowie (1), Clarence Town (1), Thornton (2), Balcony (1) & Adamstown Heights (1).

The case in Adamstown Heights was the only one isolating while infectious.

Three of the new cases are linked to the Motto Farm Hotel cluster, with five secondary cases in the Hunter Community. Yesterday 2NURFM reported that health authorities were concerned about the motel as a COVID positive woman who was residing at Motto Farm at Heatherbrae and was infectious while in the community. Hunter New England Health confirmed on Friday they were aware there was "a lot of mixing" at the motel and subsequently tested and isolated all residents.

State wide, it was another record day for NSW with 1533 cases recorded to 8pm on Friday night. Four more people have also died with COVID-19 in the past 24-hours. 

Across the state there are currently 11,000 people being cared for with COVID. 1041 of those in are in hospital, 173 are in ICU.

Anyone who attended any of the following venues at the specified dates and times is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• 7/11 Service Station, Croudace St, Lambton on Wednesday 25 August between 9:55am - 10am
• Coles, Waratah on Sunday 29 August between 2:30pm 2:35pm
• Cargo Espresso Bar, Redhead Beach on Friday 27 August between 10:30am - 10:40am
• Woolworths, Charlestown Square on Tuesday 24 August between 2:15pm - 2:35pm, 4pm - 4:35pm & Sunday 22 August between 3:30pm - 4pm
• Ampol Service Station, Anna Bay on Monday 23 August between 1:40pm - 1:50pm
• Caltex, Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae on Monday 30 August between 6am - 10am & Tuesday 31 August between 8:55pm - 9pm
• Woolworths, Belmont on Saturday 28 August between 4:55pm - 5:10pm
• Aldi, Belmont on Saturday 28 August from 4:35pm - 4:45pm

UPDATE! COVID-19 positive Sydney tree loppers were door knocking while in the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH 

UPDATE:

Public Health Controller Dr David Durrheim has confirmed the tree loppers were door knocking during their time in the area and failed to keep record of their movements.

The workers are from Sau Tree Services in Sydney and were in the Hunter between August 15 - August 31 and have since tested positive to COVID-19.

Hunter New England Health is urging anyone who came into contact with these workers to get tested, isolate and contact the Public Health team on 1300 066 055.

EARLIER:

Health authorities are scrambling to trace the movements of tree loppers who travelled from Sydney to the Hunter for work.

Hunter New England Health says workers from the Sau Tree Services in Sydney worked in the Hunter between August 15 - August 31 and have since tested positive to COVID-19.

Anyone who used the business for their services between the dates above is being urged to get tested, isolate and contact the Public Health Unit.

An exposure site has also been listed at Charlestown Medical and Dental Centre which was visited by the workers on August 23 from 9am - 10am. Close contacts for the site have been contacted. Anyone who hasn't been contacted and was at the centre between those times is a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Pictured: Charlestown Medical & Dental Centre
Image: Google Maps

Premier indicates Hunter not likely to come out of lockdown as 14 cases of COVID are recorded

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Premier has indicated that the Hunters lockdown will likely be extended as the region records 14 new COVID-19 cases.

Gladys Berejiklian stopped short of announcing it but, says it doesn't look like the Hunter will come out of lockdown.

The seven day stay at home order expires tomorrow and it doesn't look like the Hunter will know whether it will be extended or not.

Of the 14 cases recorded locally 11 are linked to existing cases while three remain under investigation by health authorities as they scramble to find the source.

Seven cases were in Newcastle, six in Lake Macquarie and one in Maitland.

A number new exposure sites across the Hunter have been added overnight by NSW Health including Queens Wharf Hotel, Honeysuckle Social, Central Charlestown Leagues Club, the 269 bus route from Booragul to Warners Bay, IGA New Lambton, Woolworths Marketown, Coles Waratah and Guardian Chemist Warners Bay.

For the full list of dates and times for any of the venues of concern, head to the NSW Health website.

State wide, NSW recorded 344 cases, of which at least 105 were infectious within the community.

Hunter records six new COVID-19 Cases

BY JARROD MELMETH

NSW has recorded 284 cases of COVID-19 to 8pm Sunday night, with at least 64 infectious within the community.

Over 133,000 tests were conducted in 24 hours, with some of the Hunters results coming through in these numbers. Its predicted the extent of COVID in the Hunter will be known in the coming days with the high volume of testing finally making its way through the labs.

Of the 284 cases recorded, six are in the Hunter with three under investigation. This brings the regions case numbers to 23 and 26 for the wider Hunter New England Health District.

Tamworth will go into a snap seven day lockdown as a result of a COVID-positive woman who contracted the virus in Newcastle travelling to the region before lockdown for the Hunter was announced. The woman visited a number of venues which are now listed as COVID exposure sites in Tamworth.

NSW Health are concerned about a number of new COVID exposure sites in the Hunter which includes:

• Mr Rice Takeaway on Darby Street Cooks Hill between 3.00pm and 3.20pm last Wednesday 
• Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant at any time between Saturday the 31st of July and Thursday the 5th of August 

Anyone who visited either venue during those time is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. 

Other venues of concern also include:

• Dominos at Mayfield last Wednesday between 6.30pm and 6.35pm
• Coles Medowie last Wednesday between 6.15pm and 6.45pm
• Aldi at Raymond Terrace last Thursday between 4.05am and 4.30am
• the Metro Service Station at Williamtown on Friday between 11am and 11.20am

Anyone who visited any of these venues is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

New COVID alerts for the Hunter

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter New England Health has released a number of new COVID-19 exposure sites in the Hunter.

Anyone who attended the following venues on the specified dates and times are considered close contacts and are urged to get tested and isolate for 14 days, or await further advice from NSW Health:

• HealthSure Medical Centre, Jesmond on 2 August from 3.20pm to 3.55pm
• Jump N Swim Academy, Thornton on Wednesday 4 August from 5pm to 5.30pm
• Apple Store, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 3.10pm to 3.50pm
• Boost Juice, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 3.52pm to 3.56pm
• Cotton On, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 3.57pm to 3.58pm
• Jay Jays, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 3.58pm to 4.13pm, and 4.54pm to 4.59pm
• Priceline Pharmacy, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 4.20pm to 4.25pm
• Glassons, Charlestown Square on 29 July from  4.26pm to 4.41pm
• Supre, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 4.43pm to 4.53pm
• Factorie, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 5.02pm to 5.08pm
• Charlestown Square Food Court (Guzman y Gomez and McDonalds) on 29 July from 5.09pm to 5.44pm
• Ground Level Newsagency, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 3.16pm to 3.22pm, and 4.18pm to 4 .24pm
• Pearl Nails, Charlestown Square on 29 July from 3.23pm to 4.18pm
• Jump N Swim Academy, Thornton on Wednesday 4 August 2021 from 4.30pm to 5pm

Anyone who attended the following venues on the specified dates and times are casual contacts and are urged to get tested and isolate until a negative test result is received.

• Charlestown Square at all on 29 July from 3pm to 6pm

The Auchmuty Library at the University of Newcastle is no longer a venue of concern, nor was it attended by a confirmed case.

HealthSure Medical Centre Medical Centre

Urgent demand for blood donations in Maitland

BY JAMES CARTER

Maitland blood bank is calling for donors as the impact of COVID-19 is straining blood supplies. 

The Australian Red Cross's Lifeblood division requires an extra 200 volunteers over the next fortnight, with hospital demand for blood at the highest in nearly a decade. 

Lockdowns, changes in movements and lifestyles and general social anxiety has been attributed to one in six donors cancelling their appointments at the Maitland Donor Centre 

Spokesperson for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Jemma Falkenmire says record high demand is why the organisation is calling for Hunter residents to roll up their sleeves.

 "Our donor centres are very safe places to be, we have extra cleaning processes in place, temperature checks, social distancing, so there is absolutely no risk to you coming into a donor centre to give blood," Ms Falkenmire

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products during their life, with blood needed somewhere in Australia every 24 seconds. 

Existing donors are being encouraged to consider increasing the frequency of their donations and new donors are asked to come forward. 

"We still do have high numbers of surgery patients, women in childbirth, emergency presentations in hospitals right now.

 "Those blood donations are really important and Novocastrians have been incredible throughout the pandemic and we have been really lucky we haven't seen the shortages as in other countries but we really do need some extra effort to meet that need for blood,"  Ms Falkenmire said. 

To book a donation please call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.

Hunter residents urged to get tested as high COVID load found in three sewerage treatment plants

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Premier says there is a high viral load of COVID-19 in a number of Newcastle sewerage systems, which could indicate undetected cases in the region.

The detections were found in the Shortland, Burwood and Belmont sewerage treatment plants.

The Burwood Beach sewage catchment serves 225,834 people and includes the Newcastle City area and surrounding suburbs of Dudley, Charlestown, Jesmond, Lambton, New Lambton, Mayfield, Elermore Vale, Kotara, Garden Suburb, Adamstown Heights, Kahibah, Highfields, Merewether, Waratah West, Georgetown and Carrington.

The Belmont sewage catchment serves 115,000 people and includes Belmont, Warners Bay, Gateshead, Tingira Heights, Bennetts Green, Jewells, Redhead, Eleebana, Croudace Bay, Valentine, Marks Point, Blacksmiths, Pelican, Swansea, Swansea Heads, and Caves Beach.

The Shortland sewage catchment serves 60,000 people and includes Shortland, Cameron Park, Minmi, Fletcher, Maryland, Birmingham Gardens, Wallsend, Callaghan, Sandgate, Kooragang, Mayfield West, Fern Bay, Fullerton Cove and Stockton.

Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says she is calling on all of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to get tested.

"Particularly Birmingham Gardens, Shortland, Maryland, Fletcher, Minmi, Cameron Park, Mayfield, Stockton and Fern Bay.

 "It is critical that we can get testing levels up to understand as soon as possible any undiagnosed cases there so that we can make the best public health decisions," Dr Chant said.

Up until now, the Hunter has been largely spared of the virus during the latest outbreak. Two service stations in the Hunter were placed on the health alerts list as being visited by a COVID positive person. No cases as yet have emerged from those alerts.

Shortland sewerage treatment plant.
Image: Hunter Water

Measles Alert for the Hunter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

NSW Health is asking anyone who may have been at John Hunter Hospital's Emergency Department on Sunday to be on the lookout for measles symptoms.

A teenager travelling from Brisbane to Newcastle was unaware he had contracted the disease and was infectious when he visited the emergency department on the afternoon and evening of January 6th.

Anyone who believes they were there at the same time should remain alert until the end of January, as it can take up to 3 weeks for symptoms to present.

The news follows a report last week that a child diagnosed with the disease in Sydney has visited Pokolbin while infectious.

Measles symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

The infection is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by a person infected with the disease.

NSW Health warns infants under 12 months of age and adults who have not had two doses of measles vaccines are most vulnerable to the infection.

Image: NSW Health

Caves Beach Phone Tower Approved

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A controversial pone tower proposal for Caves Beach has been approved by Lake Macquarie Council.

Furious residents stormed out of council's meeting last night when the tower was unexpectedly approved.

Residents were expecting the application for the Telstra tower on Scenic Drive to be deferred until next year after Councillors visited the site and made the recommendation to defer.

Residents are concerned the tower could pose a serious threat to their health because it's so close to their homes, from radio frequency electromagnetic energy.

The Newcastle Study Aiming to Prove Fruit and Vegetables are Better than You Think

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Researchers at The University of Newcastle are hoping their study turns out to be more fruitful than they expect.

The joint university and Hunter Medical Research Institute study is examining how a diet rich in fruit-and-veg can contribute to weight loss, and how it relates to protecting the body from exercise-induced inflammation.

Researcher and PhD student Erin Clarke says as a dietician she advises everyone to eat more of the good stuff, but now there could be even more benefits.

Researcher Erin Clarke Image supplied.

"The main aim of this study is to see how increasing fruit and vegetables affects weight and exercise-induced inflammation. We're providing more evidence to why people should be doing it, so many people want to lose weight and this could be an effective way to do it," said Erin.

Participants in the study will receive a week's worth of fruit-and-veg for free which includes bananas, oranges, frozen berries, fresh and tinned tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, lettuce, zucchini, cucumber and frozen peas and corn.

In addition, you'll have to visit Callaghan campus for two exercise sessions involving a VO2 Max test of aerobic capacity on a treadmill plus other tests on subsequent visits.

It's a common thought buying fresh food can be more expensive so the study also wants to prove that really it isn't and it's quite easy to slip it into your weekly budget.

"So we wanted to give them assistance in showing them how they can increase it and its not going to put a big hole in their budget. I've got some tips that I'll give them for increasing their intake on a budget. Everyone knows they should be eating fruit and veg, but they don't know how to incorporate it so much into their diet," said Erin.

The study is looking for males and females aged 18-45 years with a Body Mass Index of 25-35 (overweight or obese) and no health issues which could affect doing high-intensity exercise.

For details contact Erin on 4985 4316 or Erin.Clarke@uon.edu.au

Act fast, think fast, it's National Stroke Week

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and this week in the Hunter we're being encouraged to Think Fast and Act Fast as National Stroke Week kicks off.

The Stroke Foundation is aiming to ensure every Australian household has someone who knows the signs of a stroke and what to do if you're ever in the unthinkable position. The life you save could be a loved one, but it could also be your own.

More than 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented, and General Practitioner Dr Sam Hay says the FAST test is the easiest way to recognise the signs of a stroke.

FAST Test:

Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

"So it's something that every single Australian needs to have at the front of their minds. We need to be managing the major risk factors - keep your blood pressure down, get out and get fit and healthy, lose weight, manage diabetes, stop smoking and be healthy - that's the big key!" said Dr Sam.

Stroke is also one of the leading causes of disability because of the potential damage it can do to blood vessels in the brain, and the financial cost alone of strokes in Australia is estimated to be $5 billion each year.

"There is a big difference between a stroke and a heart attack. A heart attack is where you get a blockage of one of the arteries in your heart and it directly affects your heart. A stroke is where you've got some sort of problem with a blood vessel in the brain," said Dr Sam.

Image pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org

Paramedic safety is paramount

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Health Service Union (HSU) is calling for words to be turned into action after a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the violence against paramedics across the state and throughout the Hunter.

There has been an incredible upsurge in incidents in the past year and the inquiry also comes after numerous violent incidents including two paramedics who were assaulted in Lake Macquarie while helping a woman who was going into labour.

The inquiry found 47 recommendations with the HSU suggesting some need to implemented urgently including paramedics not working along, extra security at hospitals including guards and CCT surveillance and new protocols introduced so when violent patients are left at hospitals by police there are enough security guards and resources to deal with them.

"The important issues for the government is to ensure that no paramedic responds on their own, and there is adequate support and backup from other crews to be able to assist and ensuing the communications are improved by doing away with the radio blackspots that they currently have," said NSW HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes. 

The committee holding the inquiry was bi-partisan and with plenty of bipartisan support, the HSU hopes the measures will be put into action as fast as possible.

"Certainly senior representatives of the government are on this committee and so we would expect now that they would be taking that to their cabinet to ensure that what the HSU has been talking about for the past five years in relation to additional paramedics, additional security staff to make their job safer and to make the community safer is delivered onto the people of NSW," said Gerard Hayes.

Private health insurance simply unaffordable: iSelect

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Private health insurance gives people the ability to select the best possible care, but Hunter residents are increasingly backing out as premiums continue to increase.

A recent survey of NSW found that around 57 per cent don't have private health insurance because they simply cannot afford it. Of those who are privately insured, around 24 per cent say they were likely to downgrade or completely drop their insurance cover in the next 12 months.

Laura Crowden from insurance watchdog iSelect says there's a significant trend causing the huge drop in those covered by private health insurance.

"The participation rates in private health insurance have been declining for many years. At the same time we've seen premiums continue to increase. So since 2010 on average premiums have risen 50 per cent which really means a lot of people are simply unable to afford those sorts of costs."

With many residents considering dropping out, the insurance watchdog is urging everyone to check their cover and make sure you are insured for what you actually need, otherwise you run the risk of additional tax or extra costs if you do choose to opt out.

Extra costs include the government's Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading and the Medicare Levy Surcharge for higher income earners (an additional tax on top of the standard 2% Medicare Levy for those who earn over $90,000 (single) or $180,000 (couple/family) and don't have private hospital cover).

"It's really important people understand the implications of either dropping or downgrading or not having private health insurance. It's not for everyone, but certainly the benefits of private health insurance are greater choice and peace of mind that you're able to choose your own doctor, choose your own hospital and be treated much more quickly for elective surgery," said Laura Crowden.

iSelect say it's really important for those struggling with the costs to have a look at their options ahead of June 30 to see if they can get a better deal.

"So first thing we'd encourage Newcastle residents to not set and forget. Don't just take out a private health insurance policy and then just keep it ticking along without regularly reviewing it because as your health needs change as you're either getting older or starting a family it's really important that your private health policy changes with you."

100 years of Lions.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Lions Australia is celebrating 100 years of work and the Lions Club of Newcastle - itself just 63 years young, will be joining in the celebrations.

The Newcastle branch is celebrating their achievements including buying white goods for women's refuge Jenny's Place, raising nearly $9,000 dollars for family refuge Respuctus and their legacy project is underway establishing changing room facilities for people with a disability throughout Newcastle.

"Getting people on the ground and helping in a real tangible way - we contribute around $50,000 a year to HMRI for diabetes research, we've just been involved with a partnership with Respectus to help refurbish and build a pretty large refuge in Newcastle," said Lions Club of Newcastle president Peter Graham.

Lions are a worldwide organisation who have been on the frontline for disaster and emergency relief since June 7th 1917. The organisation was started in Chicago by Melvin Jones and now boasts 1.6 million members worldwide, with Newcastle the 54th club to be chartered in Australia.

Peter Graham is proud to be a part of the largest service club organisation in the world.

"What it means to me is that I'm actually contributing to society in a real tangible way really helping people that don't live quite as well as you or I do. I've just been gobsmacked by the whole thing about domestic violence. At first I didn't think much of it at all but just talking with the people and working with the people doing the work we are only just scratching the surface," said Peter Graham.

Palliative Care scare for Lake Macquarie

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Fears about the future of Lake Macquarie’s palliative care services have been voiced by local MPs following reports of a proposed shut-down of the Calvary Mater Hospital’s after hours home visit service.

It was revealed last week that the office of Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp had been contacted by concerned staff from the Mater, who warned that the hospital’s 24 hour palliative care service may be dropped in favour of an after-hours telephone hotline.

It is estimated that 300 people currently utilise the Mater’s after hours palliative care service.

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper spoke in parliament on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the inequality of palliative care services across the Lake Macquarie region.

Residents who need palliative care who live north of the Fennel Bay bridge are currently serviced under the Calvary Mater’s scheme, receiving 24 hour care. However, residents outside the Mater’s “20 kilometre radius”, in areas such as Toronto and Morisset, are serviced by Westlakes Community Health Service, which already has an after-hours telephone hotline in place of round-the-clock care.

Greg Piper explains, “What we have to the north, for most of the area, is what I would call a high quality service that gives 24/7 nursing assistance to people who need palliative care. If you live to the south [of the Fennel Bay bridge] you get a budget service that doesn’t go anywhere near providing what other people get.”

Mr Piper is urging the government to consider the economic savings made by keeping patients who wish to stay at home out of hospital beds before palliative care services are scrapped. “Many people now wish to pass away at home…and the cost of hospital beds is also very high. We should take that into consideration.”

A spokesperson for Hunter New England Health last week refused to rule out changes to the Mater’s current palliative care scheme, citing the safety of workers going on house calls late at night as a cause for concern. 

Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper.

Scone practice "best in NSW"

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The Scone Medical Practice has been named the best general practice in NSW by the Primary Health Network.

Practice Manager Ross Higham says the practice offers a range of services for rural communities.
[Picture: Scone Advocate]

The 82-year-old facility was recognised based on its high retention rate and the wide range of services it provides to rural communities.

“The practice also arranges for visiting specialists in a variety of areas … to provide services on site at the practice’s purpose built medical facility,” PHN CEO Richard Nankervis said.

The ‘best in NSW’ Award recognises the practice’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of its patients, PHN said in a statement.

Practice Manager Ross Higham said the facility aims to give a comprehensive experience for patients.

“We try to give it widest available services we can.  We have a physiotherapist on site, we have a psychologist on site,” he said.

“We have visiting dietitians, visiting endocrinologists, and a cardio specialist as well.”

He said that while regional hospitals at Tamworth, Newcastle and Maitland all provided comprehensive services, “the closest one to us is an hour-and-a-half away”.

“We’re trying to cut down the distance that people have to travel as a priority,” he said.

The award comes as regional Australia continues to battle a shortage of doctors in regional Australia, with a bulk of GPs consolidated in metropolitan areas.

In 2015, the then-Abbott government introduced new incentives to get doctors into small regional towns, and out of larger centres like Cairns and Townsville.

Part of the plan was to increase the paid incentive from $12,000 and $23,000 for doctors working in towns of less than 5,000 people.

"It makes more sense to use that money to attract doctors to where the greatest shortages are - small rural and remote communities, not big regional cities," Rural Health minister Fiona Nash said at the time.

"This means bigger incentive payments will go to doctors who choose to work in the areas of greatest need."

However, speaking with the ABC late last year, Rural Doctors Association of Australia president Dr Ewen McPhee said incentives put in place so far haven't helped.

"Even with the best of intentions over the past 20 years, we still haven't fixed the rural workforce shortage problem," he said.

However, Mr Higham said he's often seen a link between where a training doctor has come from and where they end up practising.

"We generally find that people with rural backgrounds tend to go to rural practices because they understand the community," he said.

"We also have some doctors from Sydney who come out here as well and find the experience very rewarding, both medically as well as fitting into the local community."

The Scone medical practice opened in March 1934 by Dr W.O Pye, the great-great grandson of British convicts.