Mobile Testing Clinic Visits Byron Bay for the Holidays
A mobile COVID-19 testing clinic will be stationed in the centre of Byron Bay for the duration of the NSW school holidays. The clinic will be located in Denning Park, Bay Street, and open from 10am to 3pm from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October and again from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October.
Telehealth Extended to March 2021
The Australian Government has extended Medicare-subsidised telehealth until 31 March 2021. Telehealth items were introduced in March this year to help patients access health services by video conference or telephone. Originally the cut-off date was 30 September 2020. Telehealth aims to reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and provide protection for patients and
Queensland Border Zone Expansion
The Queensland Government has announced that the Queensland border zone will expand from 1am on Thursday 1 October. The zone will now include the Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes local government areas. The easing of restrictions has been welcomed by health practitioners and community members in our region. Residents living within the
Support to Stop Drinking During Pregnancy
Many women find it hard to stop drinking alcohol while they are pregnant. Support without judgement is just a phone call away. NSW Health is offering a free Get Healthy in Pregnancy coaching service for all pregnant women in NSW aged 16 and over. The co-ordinator of Healthy Communities Mid North Coast, Amy Sawyer, says there
Beyond Blue Offers Support Through New Language Resources
COVID-19 has put everyone under pressure, so it’s more important than ever that we keep our minds healthy. Beyond Blue has created a series of resources in a range of languages other than English. These aim to help people understand how to find support and feel comfortable talking about their experiences. The new resources are
Nursing in the Community Week Shines a Light on Nurses’ Dedication
It’s Nursing in the Community Week and this year’s theme highlights how nurses can support people to stay safe at home. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan caught up with general practice nurse Isabella Besmehn of Nambucca Healthcare Centre to find out more about the service she provides to the local community. “There are more
NSW Health Service Access Update
Have you travelled to a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days? If so, you may be subject to restrictions when entering health services in NSW. NSW Health has advised new guidelines to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in health facilities. Visitors will not be able to enter NSW Health facilities (such as
Putting the Focus on New Dads
A free program is being rolled out in Northern NSW to help new and expectant fathers through the challenges of parenthood. The program sends text messages to dads, offering valuable health advice and links into pathways to ensure support options are available. Ellie Saberi, Women and Children Health Program Coordinator for Northern NSW Local Health
BreastScreen Bus in Evans Head
The North Coast BreastScreen bus will be back in Evans Head from 9 – 24 September 2020. This is a great opportunity to book a free screening mammogram. Screening mammograms are the most effective way to find breast cancer early. Early detection means more treatment options and a better chance of survival. All women over
Shortage of Hormone Replacement Therapy Patches
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is advising of a shortage of Estradot (estradiol) hormone replacement therapy transdermal patches due to manufacturing issues. To assist patients to access medicines during this shortage, the TGA has published Serious Shortage Substitution Notices (SSSNs) for Estradot 25 and Estradot 100 patches. These SSSNs allow pharmacists to dispense a substitute
Become a StrokeSafe Speaker and Help Save a Life
It’s National Stroke Week from 31 August to 6 September. This year the Stroke Foundation is celebrating everyday Australians who know and can recognise the signs of someone having a stroke. These signs can be summed up by the acronym F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.). As part of its campaign, the Stroke Foundation is seeking
If You’re Doing it Tough, Help is at Hand
We know times are tough for many people in our community. Due to COVID-19, this year hasn’t been easy and still more uncertainty lies ahead. If you want to find mental health support for yourself, a family member or friend, help is at hand. Connect to Wellbeing can put you in touch with the support you
