New Pathology Provider for Swan Hill
Austin Health is now the new pathology provider at Swan Hill District Health (SHDH). SHDH would like to acknowledge Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) who have provided a highly valued pathology service to SHDH for many years.
“We thank ACL staff for their dedication and commitment particularly during this transition phase” SHDH Chief Executive Officer Peter Abraham said.
A new pathology collection service will also be established as part of the introduction of Austin Health pathology services to Swan Hill, co-located at Swan Hill Surgical Practice (45 McCrae Street, Swan Hill).
The new collection centre will offer greater choice for the community when accessing pathology services in Swan Hill. “We hope that this service will assist in meeting demand for local pathology collection services which has been an expressed need from the community for some time” Mr Abraham highlighted.
Austin Health Pathology is a public provider of pathology services across the state and are a bulk bill only service. Austin Health will accept pathology request forms from all pathology providers.
The new collection service will operate 7am-4.30pm Monday-Friday and 8am-12pm Saturday. The new service commenced operation on Tuesday 2nd February.
For more information on Austin Health Pathology visit www.austinpathology.org.au/
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SMART Recovery meetings to launch locally
Whether it’s dependence on alcohol, drugs or gambling, SMART Recovery Australia is set to launch free group meetings locally for individuals wanting to take control of addictive behaviours.
Meeting Time: 4th February, 5.30 pm
Meeting Location: Counselling Services, 13 Pritchard St
Contact: 03 5033 9880 to register your interest
What is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery (Self Management and Recovery Training) is a global group-based program using evidence-based tools to help people help each other manage addictive behaviours.
SMART Recovery provides people with all addictive behaviours with an evidence-based mutual aid program that offers people the tools to create a life beyond addiction at free weekly support group meetings, both either face-to-face and online.
The program was established in the US in 1994, has been operating in Australia for well over a decade. There are now over 350 meetings across Australia and New Zealand, including over 75 online meetings and imminent plans to grow these further.
About the meetings
SMART Recovery Australia
SMART Recovery Australia is a non-profit organisation whose vision is to make the SMART Recovery programme accessible to everyone across Australia.
First successfully piloted at St Vincent’s Hospital in 2004, there are currently over 300 SMART Recovery groups held weekly in Australia and New Zealand, facilitated by a combination of professionals and peers (people recovering from addictive behaviours).
SMART Recovery Australia is committed to the program adapting as scientific knowledge evolves, and has a robust research advisory committee to provide ongoing research input to the program.
Power of choice
SMART Recovery Australia embraces a harm minimisation philosophy, which views control over one’s addictive behaviour as an achievement. Abstinence is not the only way to recover from addiction.
“If someone who drinks for seven days a week is able to change to drinking five or six days, that’s success,” says Josette Freeman, SMART Recovery Australia’s National Program Coordinator.
“Some people will say, ‘I really shouldn’t be here – I only have two glasses of wine a day’, but if those two glasses are causing problems in your life, you’re in the same situation as someone who uses a gram of heroin a day,” says Freeman.
For more information:
Ryan McGlaughlin
Executive Director
SMART Recovery Australia
Phone: +61 2 9373 5111
Email: rmcglaughlin@srau.org.au
Website http://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/
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The Primary Health Medical Centre are pleased to announce the arrival of their new Automated Total Body Mapping machine (high-tech FotoFinder system).
This allows for full body photographic records that are available for comparison at a later date such that changes to skin lesions are detected early. The system also uses revolutionary artificial intelligence technology to assist detection and augment diagnosis.
Why should I see a Dr ?
It is the most common form of cancer. The good news: skin cancer is in general both easy to identify and – in the early stages – easy to treat. Early detection minimizes the severity of the disease. For this reason, you should let a doctor check you regularly.
Am I a high-risk patient?
If you can answer ‘Yes” to any of these questions, please make an appointment.
For more information or make an appointment contact the Primary Health Medical Centre on Ph: 03 5033 9900
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Swan Hill District Health provides a number of services in the area of cancer care; our care is designed to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for patient and families with a greater focus on overall care including physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. We have a team of visiting Medical Oncologists from the Bendigo Cancer Centre that come to Swan Hill once a month to provide face to face services for their clients without the concern of having to travel. Whilst your care may not be under the Bendigo Cancer Centre we also have a number of other services to assist cancer patients and there families in the Swan Hill region.
Chemotherapy
Staffed by specialist chemotherapy nurses, under the guidance of Bendigo Cancer Centre oncologist’s. Available from Tuesday—Friday.
Telehealth Oncology
Along side the monthly oncology visit we also provide monthly telehealth session between client/family oncologist and chemotherapy nurses.
McGrath Breast Care Nursing Services
Service managed by a specialist breast care nurse. Provides supportive care for clients and families following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Available Monday to Thursday with alternate Tuesdays.
Cancer Care Coordinator
Provides supportive care for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. There as a support, advocate and contact for patients and families, when diagnosed with cancer. Available Tuesday – Thursday.
Lymphoedema Services
Run by a lymphodema trained physiotherapist where patients are provided with education and management advice for those people with or at risk of lymphedema.
Oncology Exercise Group
Offered to patients undergoing cancer treatment or within 12 months of completing. Appropriate exercise has shown to help manage some common side effects of fatigue, loss of muscle mass, speed up recovery and to improve your quality of life. Available Monday and Wednesday.
Wig Service
Swan Hill District Health is the lead agency for the coordination of the vital local Wig Service. A local hairdresser will work with you to help choose, order and fit your wig.
Allied Health
We have a number of allied health services that can also assist you throughout your treatment including physiotherapy, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, dietitians, speech pathologists, social work and counselling.
Advance Care Planning
Enable you to share with your family, doctor and those close to you, your preferences, beliefs and values in regards to your future healthcare. Available Fridays
Palliative Care
Is specialised care and support provided in the community for someone living with a life threatening or life limiting illness. It is designed to improve quality of life for clients, their families and caregivers.
We offer services for prevention via community education and clinical services for National screening programs such as the Cervical Screening Test.
Cancer patients can receive support and treatment from our medical and multi-disciplinary team to ensure optimal care within the Swan Hill region.
For enquiries on any of these services, please contact:
Cancer Care Coordinator
Tuesday – Thursday
60 McCrae Street, Swan Hill
Phone: (03) 5033 9201
Or go to our Cancer Services page
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Swan Hill District Health Board Chair, Andrew Gilchrist has officially launched the Swan Hill District Health Strategic Plan 2021-2024 on behalf of the Board of Directors.
The new plan is titled ‘Leading with Purpose’ and has four key overarching strategies:
1. Delivering services that make a positive difference
2. Building a leading culture
3. Working together for improved performance
4. Creating environments for individuals to thrive
The Board of Directors, Executive team and staff at SHDH strongly believe that Leading With Purpose Strategic Plan 2021-2024 will produce a range of benefits to our those who seek care from us and their families, staff, partners and community.
According to Mr Gilchrist, the next three years of this plan will see SHDH stepping up its role as a community and regional health service leader to enable better health experiences and outcomes for the community.
SHDH will continue to advocate for improved infrastructure and facilities, to upgrade and redevelop our buildings and infrastructure to ensure better access to safe, quality health care now and well into the future.
The Board of Directors are excited by the possibilities that lay ahead as they embark on this ambitious plan.
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Visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
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22nd May 2020
Welcome –Dr Sayeed Mohammed
Doctor Sayeed Mohammed joined the Swan Hill Primary Health Medical Centre (SHPHMC) this week as a General Practitioner.
Passionate about primary care, Dr Mohammed is looking forward to serving the community in his new role.
A familiar face around town Dr Mohammed first moved to Swan Hill in 2015 and has worked at two other medical practices in the area.
Originally from a small town in South India Dr Mohammed said the Mallee feels just like home and he enjoys the work at a country practice.
Dr Mohammed completed his medical schooling in Ukraine, and also trained in emergency medicine, working in critical care for a year in India.
Dr Mohammed said his experience practicing in the Mallee has helped hone his skills as a GP.
He enjoys the broad spectrum of GP work, getting to know his patients and their different needs to tailor their medical care to each person. He also has a key interest in preventative care.
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