Country Health SA - Media Releases

Kapunda wins third ‘Baby Friendly Hospital’ accreditation - 7 May 2012
Kapunda Hospital has received its third ‘baby friendly’ accreditation. The Hospital’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery Sue Kelly said the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a worldwide program that aims to give every baby the best start in life.

Consumer, Carer and Community Engagement for Mental Health Services - 20 April 2012
Mental health consumers, carers and community members in Naracoorte and surrounding areas are being invited to an opportunity to network and share views about mental health services at a forum in Naracoorte on Monday 23 April 2012.

Strathalbyn Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Task Group - 18 April 2012
Over the past 12 months the Strathalbyn Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Task Group has worked with members of the local community to develop a coordinated approach to suicide prevention throughout the region.

Local Artists Display Their Talent - 12 April 2012
The Tarpari Wellbeing Day with the 2012 theme being “Our young people, our future….positive and strong”, will showcase Aboriginal art by local artists on Wednesday 18 April at Memorial Park in Port Pirie.

Mount Gambier Redevelopment Milestone - 27 March 2012
The first part of the $26.7m Mount Gambier Hospital Redevelopment has been completed with the relocation of The Rainbow Club, an adult social support program, to a new home in James Street.

Bedside computers go live at Port Augusta - 23 March 2012
Patients at Port Augusta Hospital will be the first in country South Australia to benefit from the installation of new bedside computers, with 69 of the units going live at the hospital this week.

New equipment for Mannum Hospital - 19 March 2012
The Mannum District hospital has been able to purchase new hospital equipment totalling more than $11,000 thanks to the help and generosity of the local Auxiliary Volunteer Group.

In Country Health Issue 1 - December 2011
Introducing the first edition of In Country Health, a publication that brings together information and news of interest to health practitioners from rural and remote South Australia. Feedback, suggestions and story ideas are welcome, please email us at chsa@health.sa.gov.au

$5.6 million redevelopment of Hammill House in Port Pirie complete – 8 December 2011
The 30 bed aged care facility, which was originally built in the early 1960s, has been completely refurbished with the old multi-bed wards converted to single and double rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Road to rural General Practice - 11 November 2011
New resource to help develop strategies to meet rural workforce shortages and lift the public profile of working in rural SA – 11 November 2011. The Road to Rural General Practice Report is now available outlining a strategy to attract, retain and support more trained GPs to take up rural general practice. An Implementation Committee will be established by the end of the year.

Release of Country Inpatient Dashboard Data – 2 November 2011
SA Health is increasing the transparency of the Country Health SA Local Health Network system by releasing Inpatient (IP) dashboard data from Mount Gambier and Port Augusta Hospitals, and the Rural and Remote Inpatient Unit at Glenside on the SA Health website. More information available from the SA Health website.

Introducing improvements to PATS - from 1 Nov 2011
Enhancements are being introduced to streamline the process when patients need to travel to access specialist health care.

Invitation to information forums on the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme - Sep-Oct 2011
In one hour health practitioners involved in the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme will be able to make sense of improvements to the Scheme, including the introduction of clinical criteria for air-travel and escorts, amongst much more.

Invitation to the opening of the redeveloped Ceduna District Health Services - 30 September 2011
The community of the far west coast of South Australia are invited to celebrate the formal opening of the Ceduna District Health Services incorporating the GP Plus Health Care Centre, by Health Minister John Hill at 10.30am on Friday 30 September 2011

Young drivers learn to drive for life - 21 September 2011 (350Kbs-PDF)
Country Health SA is encouraging young drivers to drive for life, with a driver training course in Tumby Bay on 28 and 29 September. Director of Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Mid-West and Lower Eyre Health Services Michele Smith said the defensive driving course is aimed at drivers between 16 and 21 years of age.

Country Health SA improves home delivered meal service - 19 September 2011 (350Kbs-PDF)
Country Health SA has streamlined its home delivered meal service, standardising meal packages and prices across the State. Under the new system, clients in all parts of South Australia will now receive soup, a main course and dessert when they order their $6.80 home delivered meal from 19 September 2011.

Come and try free classes in Naracoorte this month - 15 September 2011 (350Kbs-PDF)
Naracoorte residents are being encouraged to come and try free Tai Chi and Qigong classes this month.
South East Regional Community Health Service is providing free hour-long classes at the St John Ambulance Centre on 23 and 30 September at 10am.

Port Lincoln Health Service staff walk to work - 16 September 2011 (350kBS-PDF)
Staff from Port Lincoln Health Service will join the 13th annual National Walk to Work Day, raising funds for the Cancer Council and the Community Health Palliative Care Team.

Positive response to Mental Health Consumer Forum in Mount Gambier - 28 March 2011
Country Health SA and the Health Consumers Alliance of SA have thanked mental health consumers and carers who shared their experiences at a forum held in Mount Gambier last week.

Work begins on Port Lincoln Hospital second-floor upgrade - 23 March 2011
Work to upgrade the Port Lincoln Hospital second floor has begun, with Country Health SA investing more than $500,000 in the project. Director of Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Mid West and Lower Eyre Health Services Michele Smith said five purpose-built specialist consulting rooms, a waiting room and reception area will be created as part of the upgrade.

Mental Health consumers invited to share views on services - 17 March 2011
Mental health consumers and carers in Gawler, the Barossa, Clare and the Yorke Peninsula are being invited to share their views about mental health services at a Country Health SA meeting in Balaklava on Tuesday 29 March.

Mental Health Stall at South East (Lucindale) Field Days - 11 March 2011
Mental health consumers and carers in the South East can find out more about the services available to them at the South East Field Days in Lucindale on 18 and 19 March. A mental health stall at the event will be staffed by members of the South East Mental Health Team who will be available to talk to consumers and carers about the services available in the region.

Port Pirie wins 'Baby Friendly Hospital' accreditation - 16 March 2011
Port Pirie Hospital has received its first ‘baby friendly’ accreditation and will celebrate with a certificate unveiling ceremony at 2pm on Thursday 24 March. The Hospital’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery Michael Eades said the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a worldwide program that aims to give every baby the best start in life.

Health Service explores women's cancer support network - 8 March 2011
Gawler Women’s Health Centre, in partnership with local women, is exploring setting up a support network for women who have or who are currently experiencing cancer. Acting Director of Inner North Health Service Deb Martin said when formed, the network will be specifically for women in Gawler and surrounding areas, and will be offered from the Gawler Women’s Health Centre.

Mount Gambier Hospital Theatre Review - 3 March 2011
An inpendent review of Mount Gambier Country General Hospital’s operating theatre service has suggested 42 measures for implementation. Professor Belinda Moyes, Chief Executive of Country Health SA, said the review provides an opportunity to improve the operating theatre services at Mount Gambier hospital and across the region.

Popular family support program calls for volunteers - 24 February 2011
Country Health SA’s Rural Health Team is holding an information session on Tuesday 8 March for prospective new volunteers interested in joining the Together Building Families program. The two hour information session will be held at Booleroo Hospital Community Room from 10am.

Mount Gambier Country General Hospital 10 year health service plan released- 17 February 2011
The Mount Gambier Country General Hospital 10 year local Health Service Plan is one of four to be released by the State Government across the state this week. Click here to download complete media release....

Port Lincoln Country General Hospital 10 year health service plan released- 17 February 2011
The Port Lincoln Country General Hospital 10 year local Health Service Plan is one of four to be released by the State Government across the state this week. Click here to download complete media release....

Riverland Country General Hospital 10 year health service plan released- 17 February 2011
The Riverland Country General Hospital 10 year local Health Service Plan is one of four to be released by the State Government across the state this week. Click here to download complete media release....

Whyalla Country General Hospital 10 year health service plan released- 17 February 2011
The Whyalla Country General Hospital 10 year local Health Service Plan is one of four to be released by the State Government across the state this week. Click here to download complete media release....

Country General Hospitals plan for the future - 16 February 2011
Community-led plans charting the next decade for four of South Australia’s major country hospitals have been released. Health Minister John Hill said the plans have been drawn up by local Health Advisory Councils for Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Whyalla and the Riverland. Health Advisory Councils were set up for country communities to provide advice to Government and the Health Department and also act as advocates for patients. Click here to download complete media release....

Country Health SA reaches agreement with Millicent doctors - 2 February 2011
Country Health SA and the doctors of the Medical Clinic Millicent have reached agreement regarding the provision of services at Millicent Hospital. Medical Clinic Millicent doctors will provide hospital emergency services for at least 21 days of 28. There is strong commitment between the doctors and CHSA to continue to provide an obstetric service. Roster gaps that occur will be covered by locums arranged by CHSA. Chief Executive of Country Health SA Professor Belinda Moyes thanked the doctors for their continued participation in the talks which culminated in the agreement..” Click here to download complete media release....

Clare wins ‘Baby Friendly Hospital’ accreditation - 25 January 2011
Clare Hospital has received its first ‘baby friendly’ accreditation. The Hospital’s Director of Nursing Lesley Phillips said the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a worldwide program that aims to give every baby the best start in life. “By creating health care environments that encourage and promote breast feeding, Baby Friendly Hospitals offer a higher standard of care to mothers and their babies,” Ms Phillips said. “The Initiative focuses on mother-centred care, which helps and supports the new mum to better understand and respond to her child’s needs.” Click here to download complete media release....

New South East Residents urged to kick off February with free fitness classes - 25 January 2011
Residents throughout the South East are being encouraged to kick off February with free Tai Chi, Qigong and Easy Moves for Active Ageing (EMAA) classes. From 1 February, South East Regional Community Health Service is providing free classes at Mount Gambier, Penola Beachport, Millicent, Robe, Port MacDonnell, Kingston and Naracoorte. For the first time, classes will also be available at new location Kongorong. The classes are part of an initiative to help residents increase their physical activity levels. Click here to download complete media release....

New Aphasia Talkback Group for South Coast - 25 January 2011
A new Victor Harbor Talkback Group has been established at Southern Fleurieu Health Service for people suffering from aphasia. Speech pathologist and Talkback Group leader Wendy Clark said the group, which meets on alternate Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12 noon, gives those afflicted with aphasia an opportunity to meet others. “The Talkback Group aims to help people with aphasia to connect with each other and volunteers, support each other, develop confidence and have fun,” Ms Clark said. Click here to download complete media release....

Maitland Hospital Works - 21 January 2011
A six-month program of works to replace the roof of Maitland Hospital will begin on Tuesday 1 February. A/Director of the Yorke and Lower North Health Services Barb Carlin said the works, valued at more than $500,000, will involve removing the existing cement tile roof and replacing it with durable colour-bond steel. “The works will be completed in a staged approach to minimise inconvenience for patients, residents and visitors,” Ms Carlin said. “The Maitland Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department will continue to operate as normal throughout the works.”

Mount Gambier fruit and veg swap meet on 22 January 2011
Gardeners with fruit and vegetables to spare are invited to attend Mount Gambier’s next swap meet this Saturday 22 January from 10am to 11am. Acting Director of Lower South East Health Service Jayne Downs said the swap meet will be held on the Mount Gambier Library verandah. “Swap meets are a great way for people to trade their excess produce, encourage healthy eating and meet fellow gardening enthusiasts,” Ms Downs said “If you grow your own fruit and vegetables and have more than you know what to do with, bring it along to the swap meet and take whatever you think is a fair trade.”

$36m Ceduna Hospital Redevelopment:
Stage 1 works near completion - 19 January 2011
Stage One of the State Government’s $36 million redevelopment of Ceduna Hospital is on time and on budget, with patients and staff set to relocate to the new building in March 2011. Acting Director of Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Mid-West and Lower Eyre Health Services Andrew Lane said Stage One includes brand new acute, hospital and associated services.

Riverland Visitors Alert - Mozzie Warning and Advice - 18 January 2011
People planning to attend the Tour Down Under at Tailem Bend and Mannum tomorrow are being reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites and associated mosquito borne disease.
SA Health’s Director of Health Protection, Dr Chris Lease, said it is important that people take precautions to avoid getting bitten. “While mosquito bites may seem more annoying than harmful, biting mosquitoes can also potentially spread serious diseases, such as Ross River virus (RRv) and Barmah Forest virus (BFv),” Dr Lease said. “The symptoms caused by these infections may vary in severity from person to person and can include joint pain, rash, fever, fatigue or muscle pain. “While most people will recover completely in a few weeks, anyone suffering from symptoms should contact their doctor for advice.”

There are some simple things that people can do to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites if they are heading up to watch the race. “Make sure you use an insect repellent containing either DEET or Picaridin, as these repellents are known to work most effectively,” Dr Lease said. “Because mosquitoes can bite through tight fitting clothing, it’s also useful to protect against mosquito bite by covering up and wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing.” Click here to download full media release with advice to Riverland residents

Increase in Mozzie Infection cases in the Riverland - 18 January 2011
Residents and visitors in the Riverland and Murray Mallee areas are being reminded to protect themselves against mozzies, following an increase in the number of mosquito borne infections in the first few weeks of January. SA Health’s Director of Health Protection, Dr Chris Lease said, the numbers across the state are already higher than last year. “There have been 147 cases of Ross River virus (RRv) and Barmah Forest virus (BFv) across SA this year so far, with 28 of these from residents living in the Riverland,” Dr Lease said. “This compares to only 11 cases across the state at the same time last year. Click here to download full media release with advice to Riverland residents

X-Box and games donated to Mount Gambier Hospital Children's Ward - 6 January 2011
Children at Mount Gambier’s Paediatric Unit will be able to enjoy an X-Box 360 and two games to play on it thanks to a generous donation from the local branch of the Commonwealth Bank. The bank purchased and donated the gift to the Mount Gambier & District Health Service Paediatric Unit after their branch was provided with $500 funding to donate to a local cause. Jayne Downs, Acting Director, Lower South East Health Service, said branch manager Paul Griffin had discussed ideas for a suitable gift with staff at the hospital. “Hopefully this X-Box and games will really brighten the stay of children at the hospital,” she said. “On behalf of all the hospital staff, I want to say a huge thank to the Commonwealth Bank for their generous donation which will benefit many children and families in the local community.