Mrs Liebenberg attended her final meeting this week, and was given a lovely send-off by members for her six years of dedication.
“We thank her for her time and commitment, and we wish her well as she makes time to pursue some other interests,” acting chair Louise Mace said.
“Two new members have joined LHAC, and both Tamara Bell and Cheryl Jandesu were warmly welcomed.
“Recruitment is ongoing to join LHAC.
“If you’d like to find out more, or want to provide feedback to the LHAC, please contact me on 0437 366 255 or email nurture.louisemace@outlook.com.”
LHAC meets monthly to discuss important health issues for the community and to receive the monthly updates from Deniliquin Health Service facility manager Virginia Lange.
Mrs Mace’s summary of the topics discussed at Monday’s meeting is as follows:
Mental Health
Being mental health month, there was a focus on the ongoing partnership between LHAC and Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG), ensuring the community knows the pathways to help.
On a previous agenda item, the issue of staff shortages at Deniliquin Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol services at Cressy St, Deniliquin was raised.
A response from Murrumbidgee Local Health District chief executive Jill Ludford has indicated that the current use of agency staff and coverage from other sites is mitigating the issue, while recruitment continues.
For access to MLHD services, call Access line 1800 800 944.
Health Direct
Following the end of the Commonwealth funded After Hours Health Access Service, the community is reminded to use the 24/7 Health Direct Service on 1800 022 222.
All calls are triaged by a nurse and, if a GP intervention is identified, an online appointment can be accessed.
Following feedback from the community about the process, experiences with the service to access a GP appointment is not as expected.
LHAC has actioned this with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and awaits a response to provide clear pathways to our community.
We are committed to continue to advocate for 24/7 Telehealth services for our community without the emergency department having to be the first port of call for non-urgent presentations.
Deniliquin Health Services Activity Snapshot – September
The hospital remains busy across all areas, with 842 presentations to ED, 1420 radiology services (CT, x-ray and ultrasound) and 1782 patients seen by pathology.
Further to this, there were six babies born, and 57 post and ante-natal assessments done.
There were 15 non-malignant infusions performed in the oncology unit.
Of the 114 patient satisfaction surveys returned in September, 93 per cent of respondents rated the service received as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
“These results are a credit to all our staff, who continue to strive to provide the best possible service to our community,” Mrs Lange said.
“Using the feedback, we continue to implement improvements where possible.”
23°C