At these monthly meetings a manager’s update is provided on activity across the health service, as well as discussion around new initiatives both within the health service and by LHAC.
Deniliquin facility manager Ginny Lange advised that the hospital has seen a large increase in presentations due to respiratory issues.
“This is reflective of what is occurring across the district,” she said.
“Winter is always a busy time, but this year the numbers have risen much earlier in the season, with high rates of COVID, influenza, pneumonia and RSV within the community.”
Mrs Lange advised the community that if you are normally on medication for a chronic condition, you should bring those medications with you when you present at the emergency department.
This eliminates any confusion if the patient is unsure of what they have already taken or been prescribed.
The ‘Lifting Health Outcomes’ program is continuing, and the fourth talk in this series was held on June 4.
This was attended by 50 people, and was presented by Andrea McCarthy, our local Mental Health Aged Care Clinician.
For further information, Dementia Australia have a large amount of resources on the website.
There is also a National Dementia Helpline - 1800 100 500 - which is free and confidential, and provides expert information, advice and support at all hours.
Deniliquin LHAC chair Lynda Barclay also advised that we are continuing advocacy around provision of rehabilitation services within the community, including cardiac rehab, and falls prevention services.
Discussion also occurred around provision of cancer screening awareness services in Deniliquin.
Your free copy of the Health Services Information Guide is available at the front desk of the hospital, the library, Community Health Centre, local pharmacies and doctor surgeries, amongst some other locations.
This guide - produced in partnership with the Deniliquin Pastoral Times - lists all things health in Deniliquin and is great to have on your desk at home.
Anyone interested in joining the LHAC or providing their feedback can contact the group by email to wallamunga@bigpond.com or jump onto the website https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-health/mlhd/get-involved/local-health-advisory-committees to read more about what the role of LHAC entails.
~ Contributed by Deni LHAC
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