Health News
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
Published
4 years agoon
By
JeffGCOVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
Members of the public aged 50 and over can now access the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination through a new clinic at Lismore Square Shopping Centre.
The clinic will be open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4pm. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 1800 438 829 (1800 GET VAX).
Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said the clinic was an added measure to support the vaccination rollout currently underway for those who cannot access the vaccine through their usual General Practitioner (GP).
“By providing this vaccination clinic at such a central and accessible location, we’re making it even easier for people in the community to receive their vaccination,” Mr Jones said.
“We know that this pandemic is far from over, and vaccination is a key part of protecting our community from the most severe effects of COVID-19.
“I encourage everyone who is eligible to get a vaccination, to do so as soon as possible.”
Anyone in Northern NSW aged 50 and over can book to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine through GPs or other participating clinics, by visiting covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
People aged 40-49 can register their interest to receive the Pfizer vaccine at https://www.nsw.gov.au/
In Northern NSW the Pfizer vaccine will be available through clinics at The Tweed Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital and Grafton Base Hospital.
The Lismore Square COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is located at Shop 13, next to Kmart at Lismore Square, corner of Brewster and Uralba streets, Lismore.
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Breaking News
Coalition to Reinstate Full Medicare-Supported Mental Health Services
Published
6 days agoon
30 January 2025By
LiamCoalition to Reinstate Full Medicare-Supported Mental Health Services
By Jeff Gibbs
The Coalition has announced its commitment to reinstate the 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions, which were halved by the current government. This move aims to ensure Australians have access to the mental health support they need.
Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, highlighted the urgency of restoring these services amidst rising costs of living and increasing mental health challenges.
“With the cost of living going up, many families and individuals are struggling, and the Government’s cuts have left people without the care they need,” Mr. Hogan said.
Criticism of Current Cuts
Mr. Hogan strongly criticised the Labor Government’s decision to reduce the sessions from 20 to 10, claiming it ignores the needs of Australians living with long-term mental health conditions.
“By making these cuts, the Government has ignored the needs of Australians who live with long-term mental health issues. This shows they don’t take mental health seriously or see it as a priority.”
A Commitment to Mental Health
The Coalition’s proposal aims to ensure individuals have access to the full care their doctors recommend.
“We understand how important it is for people with mental health challenges to get the full support their doctors recommend. We will make sure they have access to that care,” Mr. Hogan said.
Mental Health as a National Priority
The Coalition believes mental health should be treated as a national priority. By reinstating the full subsidy, the party aims to deliver affordable, compassionate, and effective care to Australians in need.
This policy commitment underscores the Coalition’s recognition of mental health as a cornerstone of well-being and their dedication to addressing the needs of the community.
For more local news, click here.
Breaking News
Does Watching TV Increase Dementia Risk?
Published
3 weeks agoon
16 January 2025By
LiamDoes Watching TV Increase Dementia Risk?
By Robert Heyward
New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) sheds light on the relationship between sedentary activities and cognitive health, revealing that the type of sedentary behaviour plays a significant role in maintaining brain function.
The study, which assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults aged 60 and above, underscores that not all sitting activities are equal when it comes to protecting cognitive abilities.
Which Activities Benefit Brain Health?
The findings reveal that sedentary activities involving mental stimulation or social engagement — such as reading, crafting, listening to music, praying, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others — are beneficial for memory and thinking skills.
In contrast, passive behaviours like watching television or playing video games were found to have a detrimental effect on cognitive health.
According to researchers, there appears to be a hierarchy in how different sedentary activities impact the brain. Some activities support cognitive function, while others may increase the risk of decline. This insight is crucial, especially since approximately 45% of dementia cases are potentially preventable through modifiable lifestyle factors.
Why Context Matters
Dr. Maddison Mellow, a UniSA researcher, emphasised the importance of understanding the context of sedentary behaviours.
“We discovered that the context of an activity significantly influences how it relates to cognitive function. Activities that encourage mental stimulation or social interaction, such as reading or conversing with friends, are far more beneficial than passive activities like TV watching or gaming.”
While physical activity remains a top recommendation for reducing dementia risk, Dr. Mellow highlighted that even swapping one sedentary activity for a more engaging one could improve brain health.
“Our findings suggest a need for a more nuanced approach. For brain health, the message isn’t just about ‘moving more and sitting less’ — it’s about choosing activities that engage the mind and foster connection.”
How to Support Cognitive Health
Taking care of your brain doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Small, intentional adjustments can have lasting benefits:
- Prioritise enjoyable physical activities: Regular movement that gets the heart rate up is highly protective for both brain and physical health.
- Make time swaps: Replace some passive activities with mentally or socially stimulating ones. For instance, swap an hour of TV for reading, crafting, or talking with a friend.
- Incorporate movement breaks: Even during a movie marathon or a gaming session, break up prolonged sitting with five-minute stretches or short bursts of physical activity.
“Every small change counts,” Dr. Mellow advised. “Even minor shifts, like choosing a book over binge-watching, can build healthier habits over time.”
Building a Cognitive Health Routine
With dementia risks largely influenced by lifestyle choices, integrating stimulating sedentary activities and regular physical movement into daily life can offer powerful protection against cognitive decline.
While it’s clear that physical activity remains the gold standard for brain health, this research highlights a key takeaway: not all sitting is bad, but the type of sedentary activity matters.
By making thoughtful choices in how we spend our time, we can nurture both mind and body, reducing the risk of dementia and fostering long-term well-being.
For more local news, click here.
Breaking News
Dementia Risk: It’s More Than Genetics
Published
3 weeks agoon
16 January 2025By
LiamDementia Risk: It’s More Than Genetics
By Robert Heyward
A groundbreaking study from UNSW reveals that social factors play a crucial role in determining dementia risk, highlighting the need to look beyond genetics and lifestyle when addressing cognitive health.
According to Dementia Australia, over 421,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, a figure projected to more than double to 812,500 by 2054. As dementia is set to become the nation’s leading cause of death, the study underscores the importance of considering social determinants as part of comprehensive prevention strategies.
The Role of Social Factors in Dementia Risk
Published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, the UNSW study identifies key social determinants — including marital status, living arrangements, income, and education — as critical influences on dementia risk.
“We’ve long known that lifestyle factors like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking reduce dementia risk. But our findings reveal that social factors are just as important,” said Associate Professor Katja Hanewald of UNSW Business School.
The Poly Social Risk Score: Measuring Social Risk
To better understand the impact of social factors, the research team developed a ‘poly social risk score’, which aggregates 19 social determinants of health across five domains:
- Economic stability
- Education
- Healthcare access
- Neighborhood environment
- Social context
“The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater social risk,” explained Shu Chen, the lead researcher and a UNSW Business School Scientia PhD graduate.
This innovative tool could help businesses and healthcare providers identify individuals or groups at higher risk of dementia, enabling tailored interventions that address specific social challenges.
Key Social Determinants of Dementia Risk
The study, which analysed long-term data from older adults, highlights the profound impact of social factors on cognitive health:
- Marital Status: Being married or in a partnership offers emotional and social support that can reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing. “This support helps lower dementia risk by reducing stress and fostering mental health,” said Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty, from UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing.
- Living Arrangements: Older adults living alone or experiencing social isolation often lack the interactions essential for cognitive health, increasing their risk of dementia.
- Income: Higher household income is linked to better access to healthcare, healthier living conditions, and lower levels of chronic stress, all of which reduce dementia risk.
- Education: Greater levels of education build cognitive reserve, enhancing the brain’s ability to resist damage and delay dementia symptoms.
Implications for Businesses and Society
The findings carry significant implications for businesses, especially those in healthcare, wellness, and employee wellbeing sectors.
“Reducing dementia risk benefits not just individuals but also businesses,” said Hanewald. “It leads to lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism, and higher workforce productivity.”
To address these social determinants, companies are encouraged to:
- Foster social interaction through team-building activities, social clubs, and community service projects.
- Integrate social support into wellness programs alongside physical health initiatives.
- Develop tailored services, like affordable healthcare packages or retirement plans, to enhance economic stability for aging populations.
“By improving social factors in workplaces, businesses can help aging populations while also enhancing employee wellbeing and economic outcomes,” Hanewald added.
For society as a whole, these interventions could alleviate pressure on healthcare systems, reduce the need for long-term care, and enhance the quality of life for older adults.
Social Connections and Daily Choices: A Brain’s Best Defence
While genetics and environment play a role, the study emphasises the power of daily habits and social connections in maintaining brain health.
“Our research uncovers a powerful insight: your social connections and daily habits could be your brain’s best defence against dementia,” said Professor Brodaty.
Simple steps, like staying socially active and nurturing meaningful relationships, can significantly lower dementia risk, even in challenging circumstances.
By focusing on both lifestyle and social determinants, individuals, businesses, and society can build a more supportive and proactive approach to cognitive health.
For more local news, click here.
Health News
Permanent BreastScreen NSW Van Returns to North Coast Fleet
Published
2 months agoon
18 December 2024By
LiamPermanent BreastScreen NSW Van Returns to North Coast Fleet
By Jeff Gibbs
A newly commissioned BreastScreen NSW screening van is set to rejoin the North Coast fleet, providing vital mobile mammography services for women across the North and Mid North Coast regions. This van replaces a temporary vehicle loaned after the original mobile clinic was destroyed in the devastating February 2022 floods.
Equipped with state-of-the-art mammography technology, the van ensures women in these communities have continued access to life-saving breast cancer screening closer to home.
A Unique Design with Cultural Significance
The new vehicle features ‘Biyani’, a specially commissioned Aboriginal artwork by Jasmine Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman. The artwork’s name, a Dharawal word, reflects a healing practice performed by women for other women, symbolising the van’s purpose to protect and support women’s health.
Access to Essential Screening Services
For women aged 50–74, regular mammograms every two years are the best way to detect breast cancer early, improving survival rates and reducing the need for invasive treatments. Aboriginal women are encouraged to screen from age 40 every two years.
Each year, around 34,000 women rely on BreastScreen services across the North and Mid North Coast, with the two mobile vans providing a lifeline for those unable to travel to fixed clinics.
To book a free mammogram, women can call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW Online Booking.
Expert Perspectives
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with age and being female the biggest risk factors—not family history. Early detection is key, and a mammogram is one of the most important things women aged 50–74 can do for their health.”
Emily Suvaal MLC, Labor Spokesperson for Ballina: “This van ensures continuity of breast screening services for thousands of women in the North and Mid North Coasts. I urge women due for a breast screen to prioritize their health. It’s quick, easy, and could save your life.”
Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, NSW Chief Cancer Officer: “More than 6,500 women in NSW are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year, and 1,000 women are expected to lose their lives. We must support all women, regardless of location, to access potentially life-saving screenings.”
Patrick Magee, Acting Director of BreastScreen NSW North Coast: “Detecting breast cancer early improves survival rates and reduces the likelihood of invasive treatments like chemotherapy or mastectomy. This van is a critical resource in delivering care to our communities.”
A Call to Action
Women noticing changes in their breasts, such as lumps, are advised to see their GP immediately. Those with a family history of breast cancer should discuss personalised screening needs with their doctor.
The return of the permanent mobile screening van marks a significant step in ensuring equitable healthcare access, empowering women to take proactive steps for their health, and saving lives across the North Coast.
For more local news, click here.
Health News
Northern NSW Hospitals Manage Record Activity in Late Winter with Improved Performance
Published
2 months agoon
18 December 2024By
LiamNorthern NSW Hospitals Manage Record Activity in Late Winter with Improved Performance
By Ian Rogers
The Northern NSW Hospitals Local Health District (NNSWLHD) reported record-high activity levels during the July–September 2024 quarter, driven by increasing demand for emergency and planned healthcare services. The Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly report highlights notable achievements across the district’s hospitals, including improved planned surgery performance and above-average emergency department (ED) metrics.
Planned Surgery: Significant Progress
Despite high activity, NNSWLHD demonstrated impressive progress in delivering planned surgeries:
- Volume of Procedures: A total of 3,572 planned procedures were performed, marking a substantial improvement in efficiency.
- Timeliness of Surgeries:
- 85.4% of surgeries completed on time, an 8.2 percentage point improvement compared to the same period in 2023 (77.2%).
- Median waiting times decreased in semi-urgent and non-urgent categories and remained stable for urgent cases.
- Waitlist Reduction:
- At the end of the quarter, only 232 patients were waiting longer than clinically recommended, a 67% reduction compared to September 2023 (709 patients).
- Patient Guidance: Patients whose conditions deteriorate while awaiting surgery are urged to contact their treating doctors for a review and possible reclassification to a higher urgency category.
Emergency Department (ED) Activity: Record Numbers
The quarter saw unprecedented demand for emergency services across the district:
- Emergency Attendances:
- 56,041 ED visits, a 3.4% increase (1,840 additional attendances) compared to the same period in 2023, marking the busiest July–September quarter ever recorded.
- Ambulance Arrivals:
- 9,775 ambulance arrivals, up 6.4% (585 additional arrivals) from 2023, setting a new record.
Key Metrics Exceeding NSW Averages:
- Timeliness of Treatment:
- 69.5% of patients started treatment on time, outperforming the NSW average (61.3%).
- Ambulance Transfer Benchmarks:
- 80.7% of patients transferred to ED staff within 30 minutes, above the state average of 77.5%.
- Timely Discharge:
- 71% of patients left the ED within four hours, significantly higher than the state average (54.7%).
Addressing High Demand Through Innovation
NNSWLHD is employing alternative strategies to alleviate pressure on EDs:
- Hospital in the Home: Integrating this service with community nursing to expand out-of-hospital care capacity.
- HealthDirect Support: Residents are encouraged to use HealthDirect (1800 022 222) for expert advice, including video consultations, clinic bookings, or guidance to appropriate healthcare services.
- Guidance for Non-Urgent Cases: For non-life-threatening issues such as sprains, nausea, or minor injuries, residents can avoid ED wait times by contacting HealthDirect or visiting urgent care clinics.
Individual Hospital Performance Details
- Ballina District Hospital:
- ED visits: 4,635 (+6.7%, 290 additional attendances).
- 62.1% of patients started treatment on time.
- 74% left ED within four hours.
- 87.1% transferred from ambulance to ED staff within 30 minutes (+3.7 percentage points from 2023).
- Byron Central Hospital:
- ED visits: 5,354 (+1.8%, 95 additional attendances).
- 85% started treatment on time, exceeding similar hospitals (77.3%).
- 81.5% left ED within four hours.
- 93.4% transferred from ambulance within 30 minutes, aligning with comparable hospitals.
- Casino & District Memorial Hospital:
- ED visits: 3,456 (+7.4%, 237 additional attendances).
- 59.8% started treatment on time.
- 84% left ED within four hours.
- 93.5% ambulance transfer success.
- Grafton Base Hospital:
- ED visits: 7,023 (+4.4%, 293 additional attendances).
- 56.3% started treatment on time.
- 69.6% left ED within four hours, exceeding similar hospitals (59.0%).
- 87.7% ambulance transfer success (+4.7 percentage points from 2023).
- Lismore Base Hospital:
- ED visits: 10,046 (highest in the district).
- 51.3% started treatment on time.
- 50.6% left ED within four hours, above similar hospitals (48.7%).
- 66.6% ambulance transfer success.
- Maclean District Hospital:
- ED visits: 4,073 (+7.5%, 283 additional attendances).
- 75.5% started treatment on time.
- 86.2% left ED within four hours.
- 93.9% ambulance transfer success.
- Murwillumbah District Hospital:
- ED visits: 5,089 (+5.7%, 275 additional attendances).
- 80.7% started treatment on time, well above similar hospitals (65.4%).
- 85.1% left ED within four hours.
- 89.7% ambulance transfer success.
- Tweed Valley Hospital:
- ED visits: 14,138 (highest in the region).
- 79.1% started treatment on time, surpassing comparable hospitals (53.7%).
- 66.1% left ED within four hours, better than similar hospitals (48.7%).
- 84.3% ambulance transfer success, exceeding similar hospitals (75.0%).
A Commitment to Excellence
Despite record demand, NNSWLHD Northern NSW hospitals consistently outperformed state averages in critical areas. By combining innovative care models and exceptional staff dedication, the district continues to deliver timely and effective healthcare to its growing communities.
For non-urgent cases, residents are encouraged to explore alternative healthcare services to reduce ED congestion and ensure timely care for those in critical need.
For more local news, click here.
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