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Health News

FREE TOOL TO MEASURE WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

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FREE TOOL TO MEASURE WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH 

NSW Department of Customer Service

This Mental Health Month, SafeWork NSW is encouraging employers to explore a new digital Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Tool (WWAT) which will help improve understanding and management of workplace mental health by businesses.

Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann, said while 80 per cent of NSW workplaces take a reactive or ad-hoc approach to mental health at work, there are health and economic benefits from having a mentally healthy workplace including reduced absenteeism and staff turnover.

“This is not just about the mental health of your workers, this is about making the best workplace environment in your workplace both mentally and physically,” Ms Mann said.

“A mentally healthy workplace provides many benefits back into the business, including increased staff engagement and productivity. But despite the benefits, many people in NSW are not aware of the role workplaces play in preventing mental health issues and supporting recovery.

“The free self-assessment tool helps set up a survey which businesses can use to confidentially survey their staff, with the results informing businesses how to plan and respond to risks and create workplaces where mental health thrives.

“The tool measures and monitors a workplace’s capability by identifying gaps and areas for improvement. It also provides actions for the business to take to reduce risks and allows them to compare themselves with others across the State.

“As a free resource, it’s a great investment for any small business to make in looking after the mental health of their workers.”

The WWAT was developed as part of the NSW Mentally Healthy Workplace Strategy, whose key priorities include free training programs and coaching services and building the capability of businesses in NSW to create positive and safe environments promoting good mental health.

To access the WWAT tool, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/mental-health-at-work/workplacewellbeing-assessment

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Tweed Valley Hospital to Gain Additional Car Parking Spaces

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Tweed Valley Hospital Parking

Tweed Valley Hospital to Gain Additional Car Parking Spaces

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Patients, staff, and visitors at Tweed Valley Hospital will soon benefit from 130 additional free car parking spaces, enhancing access and convenience at the state-of-the-art hospital. This upgrade will boost total parking capacity to over 1,300 spaces across the hospital campus.

The $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, which opened in May 2024, has transformed healthcare delivery in the region. It offers new and expanded services for around 5,000 patients annually, including interventional cardiology and radiotherapy, which means locals can now access life-saving treatments close to home rather than traveling outside the region.

Operational Review Leads to Enhancements

The decision to add parking and improve traffic management followed an operational review of the hospital’s transport and traffic arrangements. The upgrades aim to maximise the available space and improve the efficiency of existing car parking areas. Key improvements will include:

  • 130 new street-level car parking spaces
  • New signage and line marking
  • Enhanced parking management systems

Work will begin in the coming months and will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to patients, staff, and visitors. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Community and Staff Welcomed the Upgrades

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare for local residents:
“We’ve listened to valuable feedback from Tweed Valley Hospital staff and the community. I’m delighted to announce we will deliver additional car parking to further enhance access to the hospital and vital health services for the local community.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tweed, Emily Suvaal MLC, emphasised how the additional parking would boost convenience and capacity:
“The additional car parking and enhancements to traffic arrangements will provide more options for patients, staff, and visitors. In the nine months since opening, the hospital has already welcomed 787 babies in its new birthing suites. This project ensures the hospital will continue to meet the growing health needs of our region.”

Commitment to Free Parking

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot reiterated the importance of free parking at the facility:

“NSW Labor made a rock-solid commitment that parking would be free for staff, visitors, and patients. Thanks to all in our community who fought so hard for this, and for the additional free car parking spaces. Labor listens and Labor acts.”

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey added that the upgrades will greatly improve the hospital experience for everyone:

“Additional parking will make a real difference to our patients, visitors, and especially our staff. These practical steps will help ensure we continue to deliver first-class healthcare to our community.”

Project Timeline and Community Updates

The project is being funded as part of the Tweed Valley Hospital Redevelopment, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure. Staff and the community will receive regular updates as work progresses to ensure they are informed about the enhancements.

For more information about the Tweed Valley Hospital and parking updates, visit the Northern NSW Local Health District website.

 

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NSW Expands Successful Short-Term Regional Health Deployment Program

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Regional Health Deployment Program

NSW Expands Successful Short-Term Regional Health Deployment Program

 

By Jeff Gibbs

A highly successful regional, rural, and remote health deployment program is set for expansion over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals for short-term placements across the state.

Launched in May 2023, the NSW Health Deployment Program was designed to address critical workforce needs by creating a pipeline of skilled health professionals for short-term roles ranging from two to 13 weeks. These placements offer a unique opportunity for healthcare workers to travel and work in regional, rural, and remote parts of NSW—with travel and accommodation costs fully covered.

The program’s success has seen 90 staff complete hundreds of deployments in priority areas such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology, and physiotherapy. NSW Health will now expand the program, increasing the team to around 400 health professionals to provide even greater support to regional communities.

Career and Lifestyle Opportunities

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park praised the program as a critical solution to one of the state’s biggest challenges—recruiting and retaining healthcare staff in rural and remote areas.

“Recruitment and retention of healthcare staff in rural, regional, and remote hospitals is one of the biggest issues we face,” Minister Park said.

“This innovative program is not only attracting health workers to regional communities but also strengthening these areas by maintaining essential health services. I’ve heard stories of many professionals who found the experience so rewarding that they chose to stay, providing lasting benefits for patients and the community.”

Luke Sloane, NSW Health Deputy Secretary for Rural and Regional Health, called the program a fantastic career and lifestyle opportunity for health professionals seeking new experiences.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally,” Mr. Sloane said. “Many participants form lifelong friendships in the close-knit communities that welcome them with open arms.”

A First-Hand Perspective

Speech Pathologist Saffron Foy, who took part in the program, said it was a valuable experience that allowed her to expand her skills and embrace a new lifestyle.

“I joined the NSW Health Deployment Program because I wanted a change, and I loved the experience of working in unique and supportive rural communities,” Ms. Foy said.

“At first it was a little nerve-wracking, but the teams I was deployed to were so welcoming and inclusive that my nerves quickly disappeared. I highly recommend giving it a go—it’s a chance to experience something new, improve your skills, and enjoy a different lifestyle.”

Ongoing Recruitment and Expansion

NSW Health is currently recruiting healthcare workers from more than 20 professions for short-term positions in hospitals and health facilities across the state.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a series of measures to bolster the state’s health workforce, including:

  • Safe Staffing Levels initiative in emergency departments
  • Permanent funding for 1,112 full-time nurses and midwives
  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and health workers
  • $200.1 million investment in key worker accommodation
  • Deployment of 500 additional paramedics to regional, rural, and remote communities
  • Increased subsidies for regional health workers

Healthcare workers interested in short-term placements can register their interest via the NSW Health website.

 

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Should Teachers Police Lunch Boxes? The Debate Over Healthy Eating in Schools

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Healthy Eating in Schools

Should Teachers Police Lunch Boxes? The Debate Over Healthy Eating in Schools

 

By Robert Heyward

As schools across Australia strive to promote healthier eating habits among students, an emerging debate questions whether teachers should have the authority to regulate what children bring in their lunch boxes. Parents and dietitian’s argue that while encouraging nutritious choices is important, strict food policies—such as sending food home or preventing children from eating packed items—could do more harm than good, especially amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Lunch Box Scrutiny: Parents Speak Out

Marissa Waters, a mother from Clear Mountain in Moreton Bay, has encountered firsthand the scrutiny that some schools apply to children’s lunches. She recalls instances where her children’s snacks, considered harmless by her standards, were deemed inappropriate by school staff.

“They might have a treat—if you’d even call it that—like a muesli bar or an oat slice, and it would get sent home,” she explained. “My son, who’s in Grade One, wasn’t even allowed to eat it.”

Her daughter, currently in kindergarten, faced a different challenge. “She’s a slow eater, and they wouldn’t let her eat the sweet treats until she finished her entire lunch. But because of the time constraints, she missed out altogether.”

For Waters’ son, who has additional needs and struggles with certain foods, the rigid approach has only made mealtime more difficult.

“For them to say, ‘Pack cucumber’—I can tell you now, he won’t eat it,” she said. “They need to consider the individual needs of children, especially those with dietary sensitivities. If half the lunch goes uneaten and comes home, it’s just wasteful.”

The Psychological Impact of Food Policing

Paediatric dietitian Fiona Nave warns that imposing restrictions on children’s lunches could have unintended psychological consequences.

“We never want to associate shame with food choices,” she said. “Sending an item home or forbidding a child from eating it creates an emotional connection to food that we should be avoiding.”

Waters has also noticed inconsistencies in her son’s school’s approach to healthy eating.

“A child in his class brought cupcakes for a birthday, and they were sent home,” she said. “Yet, the tuckshop sells chocolate chip cookies, brownies, meat pies, and other ‘red food’ items. It doesn’t make sense.”

Nave agrees that schools should ensure tuckshops align with their own messaging.

“Tuckshops work hard to provide variety, but they should consider how they can make healthier swaps,” she suggested. “For example, using high-quality lean meat in sausages and serving them on wholemeal bread instead of hot dogs. Even swapping breaded chicken for grilled chicken can make a difference.”

Who Decides What’s in the Lunch Box?

Waters believes that ultimately, it should be parents who decide what their children eat. Nave, while advocating for balanced nutrition, agrees that communication between teachers and parents is key.

“Teachers have the best intentions, but if there are concerns about a child’s nutrition, conversations should be approached with sensitivity,” she said. “No parent should feel judged, but they should also be mindful of how food choices impact their child’s learning and energy levels.”

Education Queensland has clarified that while schools can encourage healthy eating, the contents of a child’s lunch box remain the responsibility of parents.

“Our Smart Choices strategy provides guidelines for tuckshops but does not regulate home-packed meals,” a spokesperson said.

What Makes a Healthy Lunch Box?

For parents aiming to pack a nutritious and balanced meal, Nave offers a simple formula:

  • Fruits and vegetables: Crunchy options like tomatoes, cucumbers, snow peas, or raw carrots
  • Protein: Lean meats such as grilled chicken, falafel, cheese cubes, or yoghurt
  • Carbohydrates: Wholegrain sandwiches, rice, or pasta

When it comes to discretionary foods, she stresses the importance of balance.

“Forty percent of children’s diets come from processed, low-nutrient foods,” she noted. “If a child isn’t getting enough nutritious food at school, parents should look for opportunities to introduce fruits and vegetables at other times of the day.”

As the debate continues, one question remains: where is the line between promoting healthy habits and over-policing children’s diets? With the cost of living on the rise, ensuring every child gets enough to eat—without shame or restriction—should be the priority.

 

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Public Health Alert: Suspected Case of Botulism Linked to Unregulated Anti-Wrinkle Injections

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Public Health Alert: Suspected Case of Botulism Linked to Unregulated Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Public Health Alert: Suspected Case of Botulism Linked to Unregulated Anti-Wrinkle Injections

 

By Ian Rogers

NSW Health Issues Urgent Warning Over Cosmetic Injection Risks

NSW Health has issued a public health alert following a suspected case of botulism in a Sydney woman, believed to be linked to an unregulated anti-wrinkle injection administered at a private residence. The woman is currently receiving intensive care at a Sydney hospital as health authorities investigate the case.

Authorities are urging the public to ensure that cosmetic procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections, are only performed by appropriately registered and licensed practitioners. NSW Health is working closely with the Health Care Complaints Commission and NSW Police to examine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, emphasized the severe health risks associated with unregulated cosmetic procedures.

“Cosmetic injections, when improperly administered, can cause severe health complications, including life-threatening conditions,” Dr. McAnulty stated. “Although botulism is rare, it can be fatal, which is why it is crucial to receive cosmetic treatments only from authorised medical professionals.”

Understanding the Risks: Symptoms of Botulism

Botulism is a serious condition caused by toxins that affect the nervous system, leading to progressive muscle paralysis. Symptoms may appear up to two weeks after exposure and can worsen rapidly. NSW Health is urging anyone who has recently undergone cosmetic injections, especially from unregulated sources, to be vigilant for the following symptoms:

  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
  • Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
  • Difficulty breathing

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency department or calling Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance.

The Importance of Choosing Licensed Practitioners

The incident highlights the risks associated with cosmetic procedures performed outside of accredited medical facilities. NSW Health advises consumers to verify the credentials of any practitioner before undergoing treatment. Only registered professionals with appropriate training should be performing cosmetic injections.

“The use of botulinum toxin in cosmetic treatments requires expert knowledge to ensure patient safety,” Dr. McAnulty stressed. “Unregulated providers may not only lack the necessary expertise but may also be using unsafe or counterfeit products.”

Where to Seek Advice and Assistance

For non-emergency health concerns, individuals can contact Healthdirect Australia at 1800 022 222 for professional medical advice. This free service connects callers with registered nurses who can provide guidance on appropriate care options.

Consumers are also encouraged to report any concerns regarding unregulated cosmetic treatments to the Health Care Complaints Commission for further investigation.

With the increasing popularity of cosmetic enhancements, NSW Health urges the public to prioritise safety over convenience. Choosing a qualified practitioner not only ensures better results but also protects individuals from serious and potentially life-threatening health risks.

 

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Coalition to Reinstate Full Medicare-Supported Mental Health Services

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Kevin Hogan at the new Mental Health Services Headspace in Grafton

Coalition 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.

 

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