Whilst many are still recovering and coming to terms with the impact that recent weather events have had on the Lismore, Casino and Kyogle community, it’s timely to come together to reflect on what has happened and what the future looks like for flood impacted primary health care services.
Healthy North Coast wants to hear from the local primary health care workforce about what worked well in the flood response and what can be improved upon in future disasters.
For this Lismore, Casino and Kyogle Clinical Society we have engaged three key speakers to provide an overview of the primary health care response to recent floods. While these speakers will help to ‘set the scene’, it’s YOU we want to hear from. This is your opportunity to connect with other flood-impacted clinicians and to provide input into the Northern Rivers health recovery plan. There will be plenty of time for a facilitated discussion, which will focus on:
- the primary health care experience
- what worked/what can be improved/what are the opportunities?
- insights from HNC’s Northern Rivers Flood-Affected Primary Health Care Services survey – click here if you have not yet had a chance to have your say
- what comes next? (future planning)
This discussion will be facilitated by Jack Coghlan, Consulting Manager at Social Ventures Australia. Following the meeting we invite you to stay on for some light food and refreshments.
Event details:
- Saturday 14 May 2022
- 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Invercauld House, Goonellabah
Doors open at 12:30pm for tea and coffee and participants are encouraged to stay on and have a bite to eat and a drink following the meeting. RSVP by 11 May 2022.
Who should attend?
This clinical society event invites all flood-impacted (direct or non-direct) primary healthcare providers from the Lismore, Casino and Kyogle region. This includes GPs, Practice Nurses, Pharmacists, Allied Health Professionals, Practice Managers and Medical Specialists. If you have feedback regarding ways to improve the primary healthcare response to emergencies, come and speak up and have your say.
What to expect
Before we dive into a rich, facilitated discussion, we will hear from:
- Dr Penny Burns, General Practitioner, Chair of NSW & ACT General Practice Disaster Management Committee and Co-Chair of World Association Disaster & Emergency Medicine Primary Care SIG. Dr Burns will provide:
- a high-level overview of the PHN white paper on natural disasters and emergencies as well as a look at the Royal Commission into disaster management arrangements
- The increasing nature of disasters in the future
- tips for leading the way together
- Steve Hompes, Regional Emergency Management Officer NSW Police, who will provide an introduction to Disaster Management Frameworks and Response, describing the governance and coordination arrangements and roles and responsibilities of agencies.
- Julie Sturgess, CEO Healthy North Coast, who will talk through the Healthy North Coast experience, including coordination around evacuation centres, checking in with practices, equipment and supplies and immediate mobilisation of staff and volunteers.
Primary objective
To provide an opportunity for a primary healthcare debrief on what worked well and what could work better in future emergency responses.
Secondary objective
To provide an opportunity for primary health care providers to connect with other flood impacted clinicians and provide input into the Northern Rivers health recovery plan, while increasing your understanding of the emergency response structure and processes.
A chance to come together
Just like any other Lismore, Casino & Kyogle Clinical Society event, this opportunity to connect and discuss the Northern Rivers flood response invites you to network with your primary healthcare colleagues. Now, more than ever, clinical connections are important.
The meeting and discussion will run over two hours, but we invite all those in attendance to stay on for a bite to eat and a drink in the beautiful setting of Invercauld House. Nestled amongst a beautiful treescape with relaxing sunset views, you can enjoy a moment of reflection with your colleagues over a refreshing beverage, continuing the conversation or simply taking a moment to relax.
Please share this event with any primary healthcare colleagues you think may benefit from attending.
Healthy North Coast has published information about local primary health services who have been impacted by the floods. Information includes relocation details, how to access appointments, expected service impacts and contact information. To find out more or to add details about your service, click here.
