Grampians Health Stawell

Rural Outreach workers are calling on farmers to take action if their mental health starts spiralling, amid a devastating season. The Wimmera has experienced its driest autumn in 16 years, forcing farmers to buy in feed and manually distribute it for months on end.

Murray McInnes is one of three Grampians Health outreach workers delivering free mental health assistance across western Victoria, with the trio traveling 28,000 square-kilometres to meet with people in their homes or paddocks.

The non-clinical service aims to prevent serious mental health episodes and, when necessary, help people to navigate the healthcare system.

To contact the free Rural Outreach service phone 1300 OUTREACH (1300 688 732).

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3xkBNyf

Mpox vaccine is available in the Grampians region for those who are eligible. ✅

Vaccination reduces the risk of transmission and disease severity. Two doses of mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection. If you have not had a second dose, get it now.

📍 Learn more about eligibility and where to access the vaccine locally in the Grampians region at www.bhs.org.au/mpox

Appointments can also be booked at Thorne Harbour Health (Melbourne). Learn more at https://thorneharbour.org/sexual-health/mpox/

Do you know what mpox looks like? 👀

Find out what symptoms to watch out for and where to get tested at https://emen8.com.au/find-a-service/

Our Clinic located in the Pride Centre in St Kilda has drop-in availability from 11:30am - 2:30pm tomorrow (Friday). Walk in and we'll sort you out - no medicare required.

Grampians Health’s own Mandie White has been awarded a spot in the Australian College of Nursing’s Emerging Nurse Leader program, one of only a dozen scholarships gifted throughout Australia.

Completing her Division One Nursing degree two years ago, Mandie has been quickly recognised by her peers as a future leader.

This recognition places her among Australia’s nursing elite, ready to make a significant impact in healthcare.

To read more, visit https://bit.ly/45wxY5O

✨Meet Kate, our dedicated Nurse Unit Manager at our Parent & Infant Unit (PIU).✨

Kate has been a vital part of Grampians Health for nearly 20 years, currently leading our community-based and bed-based perinatal mental health and wellbeing service teams. 👶 Our perinatal mental health team's specialise in supporting parents from conception until their infant is 12 months old. We focus on helping parents who may be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing on their journey to recovery and supporting the secure attachment between the infant and their parent/s.

💬 “I love working in mental health and wellbeing because I enjoy understanding a person’s story and playing a small role in helping parents feel supported at a time of great change as they welcome a new baby. I especially love promoting healthy relationships between a parent and their baby, which leads to better lifelong mental health outcomes for the baby.”

🌈 “We are committed to improving mental health and wellbeing for all in our region by engaging with parents and infants, we highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing as a crucial aspect of overall health across the lifespan. Early intervention is key, even for those yet to be born, and we are proud to provide this essential support.”

To learn more about the Parent & Infant Unit please visit: www.bhs.org.au/parenting

Take a look at our new accommodation which will assist staff relocating to Stawell!

The six new units, located about 200 metres from the hospital, will significantly enhance Grampians Health’s accommodation offerings in Stawell, which already includes about 20 properties in the town.

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco said the new units were expected to play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of Grampians Health Stawell, ensuring that new staff members had access to comfortable and sustainable living arrangements.

Stawell Site Director Sue Campigli said securing the new units was a fantastic outcome for Grampians Health.

“The sustainable units are designed to operate carbon neutrally and generate twice the amount of power they consume, helping to achieve Grampians Health’s environmental sustainability targets,” Ms Campigli said.

For more information, please read here bit.ly/45lBBeF

📷 Stawell Site Director Sue Campigli and Stawell Support Services Manager Fiona Bottomley inspect the new accommodation.

The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing teams in Ararat are moving from their current site at East Grampians Health Service to a new premise at 70 High St Ararat. The move is occurring over the next few days and we anticipate that the team will be settled in and back at full function early next week.

If you need to speak with someone from the Ararat Community Mental Health and Wellbeing teams and/or need assistance with your mental health and wellbeing in the next few days please call 53529710 or 1300 247 647.

Mpox vaccine is available in the Grampians region for those who are eligible. ✅

Vaccination reduces the risk of transmission and disease severity. Two doses of mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection. If you have not had a second dose, get it now.

📍 Learn more about eligibility and where to access the vaccine locally in the Grampians region at www.bhs.org.au/mpox

Appointments can also be booked at Thorne Harbour Health (Melbourne). Learn more at https://thorneharbour.org/sexual-health/mpox/

With clinics every Friday and Saturday in St Kilda and Abbotsford, we have you covered. 👌

📌 Book a free appointment at https://mpox.thorneharbour.org/

The Grampians Public Health Unit and the Lions Club of Ararat have launched a significant food relief project at the Ararat Community Garden. They are growing vegetables and herbs that community members can pick up at Ararat Neighbourhood House. 🥕🏠

For locals, the Ararat Community Garden serves as more than just a plot of land. By growing produce onsite, the project addresses immediate needs for sustainable food access in the community whilst encouraging healthy eating.

Understanding the complex issue of food insecurity, the project highlights the benefits of collaboration through combining resources and expertise to maximise benefits for community. The Lions Club of Ararat network of dedicated volunteers have been a key success to the initial launch of the project.

Alongside the Lions Club of Ararat, the project has also had support from the Ararat Rural City Council. Both have enabled the purchase of seeds and growing plots to kick-start the initiative.

Residents can also access potted seedlings to grow at home and teach their families about healthy eating. Beyond the distribution of food, the project aims to empower individuals and communities to take ownership of their health and livelihoods, grow their own food, and keep it local. 🌱

As the project progresses, the working group would like to involve Ararat residents in the next steps to expand the community garden. If you would like to take part in this project by growing seedlings at your home to be donated for food relief, please contact the Grampians Public Health Unit at [email protected].

The project is currently growing coriander, garlic, mixed lettuce, Chinese broccoli, bok choy, beetroot, cabbage, pak choy, carrots, silverbeet, spring onions, lettuce and snow peas. 🥬🥕🥦

Photo: From Left to Right: Anita Paula San Ba from the Lions Club of Ararat, Talwinder Kaur from the Ararat Neighbourhood House and Lauren Kennedy from the Grampians Public Health Unit.

🌟 Last month, we celebrated National Volunteers Week with a heartwarming morning tea! 🌟

We were honoured to have Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser and Board Chairman Bill Brown join us for this special event.

Our guest speaker, Rhian Jones, delivered an inspiring speech about her journey as a dedicated volunteer in the Stawell community. She shared her heartfelt thoughts:
"I really cherish and treasure the roles I participate in within our community and hold them very dear to my heart."
"This health service, Grampians Health, like so many organisations locally, rely on volunteers. Without you, some things just would no longer be. Service Clubs are folding here in town - where they were once hives of activity. We need the next generation to find their purpose, and pleasure, in helping others."
"Please take away from today, acknowledging volunteering, just how very valued you are, how appreciated you are, and that your everyday efforts large and small, make such a difference."

If you’re interested in joining our volunteering team, there is a range of ways to get involved.
Find more information here: https://bit.ly/3KuM3XK

Grampians Health team members today made pledges to help protect the planet while marking the launch of a new Environmental Sustainability Plan on World Environment Day.

Through energy-efficient systems, green building practices and waste reduction strategies, Grampians Health aims to create an environmentally conscious healthcare service that serves as a model for others in the industry as part of the new plan.

Team members today showed their support by making a pledge to help implement positive change.

For more information on our new plan, please visit here https://bit.ly/457OuJ7/

Happy !

The Stawell Hospital Auxiliary’s recent Wine & Savoury fundraiser was a hit, raising $11,000 for new vital signs monitors for the oncology unit.

These devices are key to patient care, tracking blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen flow.

To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/4aLGWNp

Happy Global Day of Parents! ✨

Today, we celebrate the amazing job parents, families, and caregivers do in helping children to be happy and healthy. At Grampians Health, we recognise for children to thrive, they need a supportive environment filled with love and understanding.

Thank you to all the parents, caregivers and families in our region for your tireless efforts!

We recognise that every parenting journey is unique, and you might like to explore our specialised services that can support you in achieving your parenting goals:

🏠 Grampians Early Parenting Centre: our newly launched centre is designed for families with children aged 0-4 years. Whether it’s sleep settling strategies, child behaviour guidance, or overall parenting assistance, we are here to help your family thrive.

👶 Parent & Infant Unit: offers comprehensive perinatal mental health and wellbeing support to parents - from conception up until a year after giving birth.

👩‍👦 Infant Child Mental Health Services: aims to provide support to children and their families or caregivers, to have a better understanding of the child’s mental well-being.

To learn more about our Maternity, Parenting and Children’s Services please visit: https://www.bhs.org.au/parenting and https://www.grampians.org.au/mentalhealth

🚭 World No To***co Day, observed annually on May 31st, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of to***co use and to encourage smokers to quit. Quitting can make a huge impact on your life! In 2020, 14.3% of adults smoked daily in the
Grampians region, which is 19% more than the Victorian average*. Central Goldfields also has the highest smoking rate in the state at 22.1% (84% higher than the Victorian average). Smoking is taking a toll on our community’s health and finances. 🩺💰

*Victorian Average = 12%

🗨 "It was the norm growing up to start smoking at a young age, and I picked up the bad habit when I was 16 and hanging out with friends. When I became pregnant with my eldest child in 1997, I spoke to my GP about quitting. I went cold turkey, which isn’t for everyone, but it worked for me. Since then, I haven’t touched a cigarette in 27 years. This has positively impacted my family, and my four children have never smoked. I believe I’ve been a good role model for them. Quitting has also saved me a lot of money; smoking was a big expense even in the late '90s, and quitting has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. If you are thinking about quitting, I would recommend that you talk to your doctor about ways to start. It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done" – Sandra, 51 years old (Former Smoker, Ballarat region).

🗨 “I quit smoking nearly 12 months ago, my only regret is not quitting earlier. Not only has it benefitted my health, but I have saved so much money – I don’t know how people are affording it these days. I don’t miss smoking, I always thought I would miss it if I quit, now the thought or smell of it makes me feel sick.” – Male, 62 years old (Former Smoker, Grampians region).

Ready to make the change? Victoria’s Smoking Calculator is a tool that can help you understand the financial impact of quitting. By entering your smoking habits, you can see how much money you can save over time. Try the calculator: https://www.quit.org.au/tools/cost-of-smoking

For more information and resources on quitting smoking, visit https://www.quit.org.au/ or call QUIT on 13 78 48 📞. Your local community health centre can also support you.

Reference: Victorian Outcomes Dashboard (data from 2020)

The donation of a specialist theatre microscope made by the Stawell hospital a decade ago is still providing benefits for patients at a Tongan clinic.

Through the help of ophthalmologist Dr Michael Toohey and St. John of God Hospital’s ‘Twinning’ program, the microscope was donated and shipped to Tonga in 2014, and 10 years later, it remains in constant use.

To read more, visit https://bit.ly/3Rs9OUf

👒Recently, the Stawell Hospital Auxiliary hosted a Fashion Parade at Powerhouse Stawell.👗

The night was a huge success, and we couldn't have done it without the incredible support of our wonderful community. Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we raised an amazing $2,500 for our hospital!

We'd like to extend a special thank you to the shops that provided the stunning outfits and the models who brought them to life on the runway. Your contributions made the event truly unforgettable.

Thank you once again for making this event such a triumph! 🌟

Last week, on Thursday 23rd of May, local health professionals and community leaders attended a forum to learn more about viral hepatitis and come together on the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

A collaboration between Liverwell Victoria, Ballarat Community Health and the Grampians Public Health Unit, the event was an opportunity to hear from speakers across the sector who either work in the viral hepatitis space or work with priority populations.

An interactive workshop with attendees highlighted the challenges, strengths and opportunities for increasing the diagnosis and treatment for people living with viral hepatitis in the Grampians region.

The PHU would like to thank all who attended and those who were able to share their insights. We look forward to continuing to work together to achieve elimination of viral hepatitis in the Grampians region.

Looking to be involved in future Viral Hepatitis or sexual health discussions? Email us at [email protected].

For more information, please visit:
https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/grampians-public-health-unit/sexual-and-reproductive-health/

🚧Temporary Carpark Closure🚧
Our carpark at the front of Stawell Medical Centre will be closed on Thursday 30th May & Friday 31st of May due to priority maintenance works.

During this time parking will be available at the rear of the clinic, access via Wimmera Street.

If you have any mobility concerns, please let us know by calling 5358 1410. We're happy to open the side door for easier access. Your comfort and convenience are our priority.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your support.

🌟Exciting opportunity alert! 🙌

👩‍💼 We are seeking a skilled RECEPTIONIST to deliver exceptional customer service to patients at Stawell Medical Centre, as well as handle various financial and clerical duties as needed. 👨

If you're seeking a fulfilling position that offers fantastic benefits such as five weeks of annual leave, monthly ADOs, an attractive salary with sacrifice options, and a supportive team atmosphere, then this could be the perfect fit for you!

Interested? Reach out to Practice Manager Kelly Lee on 03 5358 6523 for a quick chat.

Visit https://bit.ly/3WQo2BK for more info and to view the detailed job description.

Don't miss out - applications close on 2 June 2024. Apply now and take the next step in your career journey!

A new case of measles has been reported in Victoria in a returned overseas traveller. This is in addition to a case reported on 11 May 2024. See https://go.vic.gov.au/3WN9tio for exposure site details.

A new measles case has been identified in Victoria. This is in addition to a case reported last week. Both cases visited exposure sites in Melbourne. People who have attended the listed exposure sites during the specified times should monitor for symptoms.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person-to-person and potentially lead to serious health complications.

For the list of exposure sites and symptoms to monitor, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/3WN9tio

🌈 It was great to see our wonderful Stawell team celebrating IDAHOBIT Day! 🏳️‍🌈

IDAHOBIT Day is a day when people all over Australia stand against discrimination in support of le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, q***r and asexual people.

At Grampians Health, we are committed to making our facilities and workplace more welcoming for all, an important action in our Gender Equality Action Plan.

For more information on how you can become an ally or use more inclusive and supportive language please visit https://www.idahobit.org.au

Last week, we bid farewell to Betty Meumann, who has concluded an extraordinary 57-year career as a nurse.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Betty remarked, "Working at Stawell Medical Centre has been a fulfilling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served for 57 years."

As Betty transitions into retirement, we express our deepest gratitude for her service and wish her a retirement filled with happiness and fulfillment.

IDAHOBIT Day is a day when people all over Australia stand against discrimination in support of le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, q***r and asexual people.

At Grampians Health, we are committed to making our facilities and workplace more welcoming for all, an important action in our Gender Equality Action Plan.

On IDAHOBIT Day (Friday 17 May), we encourage all to wear colourful clothing, host a morning or afternoon tea with their colleagues and take a moment to learn how to become an ally and use more inclusive and supportive language. Assessing the words you use is an important allyship step. How do you greet someone new? How do you introduce yourself? How do you address a room full of people? Please visit https://www.idahobit.org.au for some great free resources.

However you choose to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day, know that every rainbow activity makes a difference and sends a message of inclusion.

📸 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members Joanne Pegg, Luke McEldrew, Chair Veronica Furnier-Tosco and Acushla Thompson holding rainbow and unicorn cupcakes in readiness for IDAHOBIT Day.

Exciting opportunity alert! 🌟

👨‍🍳We're on the lookout for Chef/ Food Services Supervisor to provide an effective and efficient catering program to the patients, residents, clients and staff of Grampians Health Stawell.👩‍🍳

If you're looking for a rewarding role with perks like five weeks’ annual leave, monthly ADOs, an attractive salary including sacrifice options and a supportive team environment, this could be perfect for you!

Interested? Reach out to Support Services Manager Fiona Bottomley on 03 5356 6559 for a quick chat.

Visit https://bit.ly/44IV08V for more info and to view the detailed job description.

Don't miss out - applications close on 26 May 2024. Apply now and take the next step in your career journey!

Today is International Nurses Day!

Today – and everyday – we are grateful for all of our amazing nurses across Grampians Health.

For your commitment, incredible work and the vital care you provide to our communities, we say a very big, heartful thank you ❤

Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community, resulting in an increase in people being hospitalised with COVID-19 😷 There are new monovalent vaccines available that are highly effective at preventing severe disease.

You can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID at the same time. Book now with your pharmacist or doctor.

Learn more: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/stay-well-this-winter

Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community, resulting in an increase in people being hospitalised with COVID-19.

At the same time, we are seeing increasing cases of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as we head into winter.

You can protect yourself & your loved ones from COVID with these 6 steps:

😷 Wear a mask
🏠 Stay home if sick
⏰ Test if you have symptoms
🌳 Let fresh air in or meet outdoors
💉 Stay up to date with your vaccinations
💡 Talk to your GP about COVID medicines

Yearly flu vaccination is also recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and free for eligible priority groups.

More: https://go.vic.gov.au/4bhUFg8

Today is Are You Safe At Home Day, a day that focuses on the crucial role we all play in recognising and responding to Family Violence in our communities.

If you’re worried about someone you know, it can be hard to know what to do. But just by asking, listening and believing, you can have an enormous impact on someone’s journey to safety.

The Are You Safe at Home? website features lots of helpful tips, conversation starters and information to help you support someone in your life.

Visit www.areyousafeathome.org.au.

In the lead up to AHA Day, meet Kellie Friend, an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) at our Stawell campus.

Kellie has worked within Allied Health for the past seven years, and loves being able to help people improve their daily life skills and keeping her patients mobile. Kellie enjoys the team she works with at Grampians Health, stating, “I work in a fantastic team that works together for our patients, which is very rewarding.”

Please join the AHAs on Wednesday 8 May 2024 at Grampians Health to celebrate the valuable contribution they make to our health workforce.

Today we celebrate International Day of the Midwife.

Our midwives are an invaluable part of Grampians Health, and we thank each and every one of them for their role in caring for our new families and tiniest community members, and delivering high quality care throughout the year.