Five state-of-the-art NSW Ambulance aircraft are set to take to the skies across the state, providing even better care for rural and regional areas.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new fleet would provide a major boost to NSW Ambulance’s fixed wing operations, improving patient transport speeds and reaching even more areas of the state.
“These aircraft are like hospitals in the sky, and they can get to some of the most remote regions of the state and land at both commercial airports and smaller runways,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the brand new fleet of Beechcraft King Air 350C planes would be operated and maintained by Pel-Air under a 10-year contract.
“This new fleet will be an absolute gamechanger, offering the technology, comfort and fuel efficiency never before seen in a NSW Ambulance aircraft,” Mrs Taylor said.
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said the medical fit-out on-board was tailored to the clinician’s needs and could pick up more than 6000 patients every year.
“Our flight nurses, doctors and pilots are among the best in the country and they helped in the design of what is essentially their office. Their expertise and some of the best planes available means it is a perfect fit for everyone, especially our patients”, Dr Morgan said.
The aircraft will begin operation on 1 January 2022, and will replace the current fleet operated out of the Mascot airbase by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
Executive Director of Aeromedical Operations Dr Sarah Coombes said NSW Ambulance was proud of what it had achieved together with RFDS.
“For 19 years, the RFDS has been there working with NSW Ambulance to provide the best for the community of NSW. We thank them for their remarkable and ongoing contribution to health in this state,” Dr Coombes said.
The NSW Government has invested more than $9 billion in NSW Ambulance since 2011, including $1.4 billion in the 2021/22 budget.
Author: admin
NSW Government updates COVID settings and makes Rapid Antigen Tests free
The NSW Government is taking precautionary steps to maintain its safe and measured approach as we continue to learn to live with COVID.
The following adjustments to the NSW Government’s pandemic settings will come into effect:
From 12.01am Friday, 24 December:
- Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including for hospitality staff and in offices, unless eating or drinking.
From 12.01am Monday, 27 December 2021:
- QR code check-ins will be compulsory, including for hospitality and retail; and
- Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule indoors, with no density limit for outdoor settings.
All settings will remain in place until Wednesday, 27 January 2022.
Extending QR check-in requirements will remind people that if they receive a notification they should be tested if they feel unwell. They should also get tested if they are directed by NSW Health or if they have symptoms.
Further to these measures, the Government is asking people to reduce mingling where they can including when eating and drinking, work from home where possible and hold events outside.
The NSW Government will continue to monitor these settings.
The NSW Government will also procure Rapid-Antigen Test kits and make them available for free to people across the State, to give additional options to people and allow those who need to get a PCR test to do so.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures would help take the pressure off our health system and keep the community safe until more people could get their booster shots.
“We said we would tailor our settings as the situation evolved and these steps will help take the pressure of our health system, so the people who need care can access it,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our frontline health workers have done an enormous job keeping us safe over the past two years and we can’t thank them enough.
“Vaccination remains the key to keeping people safe and out of hospital. It is vital people continue to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated and receive their boosters.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked people for continuing to come forward in large numbers to get tested and urged everyone to follow the restrictions.
“We thank people for coming out in large numbers to get tested but we need to make sure that tests are available for people who really need it,” Mr Hazzard said.
“If you don’t have any symptoms, please don’t get a test just for the sake of it. The best thing people can do is follow the rules outlined today. The health and safety of the community continues to be the highest priority.
“I want to again thank NSW Health for the work they are doing in response to the pandemic.”
Put health check-ups first in 2022
Many of us have New Year’s resolutions but the most important one all Australians can make in 2022 is to get any health checks they put aside during the pandemic.
With the heavy focus on COVID-19 for the past two years, many of us haven’t prioritised other areas of our health.
Prevention is a key priority for the Morrison Government. Our 10-year National Preventive Health Strategy focuses on valuing health before illness, highlighting the immense value of maintaining good health throughout a person’s life.
Now is the time to do just that. Australia has a world-class health system and, like COVID, we can prevent many diseases and conditions from developing, or reduce their impact.
One of the best ways to prevent future illness is to keep up to date with regular health checks and early detection programs such as cancer screenings, regular immunisations, and tests for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.
Regular cancer screening saves lives and early detection leads to better outcomes for cancer treatments. Some types of cancer can be detected before symptoms appear, and screening can also find changes in cells before they become cancer.
There are three world-leading population-based cancer screening programs in Australia:
- Cervical screening every five years for women aged 25 to 74, subsidised by Medicare
- Breast screening – or mammograms – provided free every two years for women aged 40 to 74 years
- Bowel screening tests – a free, easy, at-home test posted to men and women aged 50 to 74 every two years.
The timing of your next screening will depend on your age, gender and when your last screening was. If you need screening in 2022, you may need to book an appointment.
To book in for a cervical screening test or check when you’re due, contact your GP or healthcare provider.
To book a free mammogram, call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50 and you will automatically be directed to your nearest service.
For bowel screening, a kit will be mailed to you every two years once you become eligible. If you need a replacement kit, order one for free online.
Sexual health is also important to your overall health and decreases in testing and treatment for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections (BBV and STI) mean there could be a lot of people who aren’t aware they have an infection.
If you think you may be at risk, talk to your GP about testing. Medicare items are available for telehealth consultations relating to BBV and STI.
For smokers, the best way to help your health in 2022 is to quit. We know it isn’t always easy, but help is available and there are huge benefits when you kick the habit.
For help to quit smoking, talk to your GP, call Quitline, or visit www.quit.org.au. Research shows that getting the support of a health professional greatly improves a smoker’s chance of successfully quitting.
To help, our Government has extended specific Medicare items for GP nicotine and smoking cessation services – including via telehealth – to 31 December 2023.
For those looking for assistance in reducing their reliance on alcohol and drugs, there is also support available.
Australians can talk to your GP or call the free and confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015. If you prefer to seek online treatment, you can visit Counselling Online, a free and confidential service at: https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/.
The pandemic has not only taken a physical toll on some Australians. Many people have also experienced mental health issues.
Since March last year, our Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding to expand mental health services, including a substantial investment in telehealth.
Help is at hand if you are struggling with your mental health, and there are many ways you can get it. Talk to your GP or visit the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
Our health system is in a strong position to support Australians with health challenges, throughout the pandemic and beyond.
COVID-19 has taught us the importance of our health and speaking to our health experts when we notice something out of the ordinary. In 2022, I urge you to attend medical appointments and health checks and follow through on any referrals for blood tests or scans. It is about living well for long – it could just save your life.
Labor Will Create a Strategic Fleet to Protect Our National Security and Economic Sovereignty
An Albanese Labor Government will strengthen Australia’s economic sovereignty and national security by building an independent Strategic Fleet to secure our ongoing access to fuel supplies and other essential imports.
More than most nations, Australia is dependent on seaborne trade. Shipping accounts for 99 per cent of our Australia’s imports and exports of goods, including fuel.
Despite this, for eight long years the Morrison-Joyce Government has put our national security and economic sovereignty at risk by standing idle as large multinationals dumped Australian flagged and crewed vessels so they could hire cheaper overseas crews.
Right now, less than one per cent of Australian seaborne trade is carried by Australian ships, forcing our nation to reply on foreign governments and companies for our essential imports.
As a first step, an incoming Albanese Labor Government will appoint a Taskforce to guide it on the establishment of the Fleet as quickly as possible. While these ships will likely be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis, we will ensure they are available for use by the Defence Forces in times of national crisis, whether that be natural disaster or conflict.
This Taskforce will include representatives from the shipping industry, major charterers, unions, Australian business and the Department of Defence.
An Albanese Labor Government will also act immediately to close loopholes in the existing regulatory framework to help rebuild Australian shipping. The Taskforce will also advise on how best to enforce existing coastal shipping laws and what legislative or regulatory reforms are necessary to reinvigorate Australian shipping.
In times of conflict and crisis, our economic sovereignty and national security are dependent on Australian seafarers working on Australian ships.
That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will protect Australia and rebuild our strategic fleet.
Labor to Make Fast Rail Between Sydney and the Hunter a Reality
Labor will provide a $500 million down payment in our first budget to start corridor acquisition, planning and early works. We will work closely with the New South Wales Government that has already identified this project as a key priority.
Labor is the party of nation building and during our last period in Government we invested more in rail projects than all previous governments combined. The Phase 2 study report into high-speed rail commissioned by Anthony Albanese as Infrastructure Minister identified Sydney to Newcastle as forming the first component of an eventual line to Brisbane.
An Albanese Labor government will establish the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) as a statutory agency and issue a clear statement of expectations to the HSRA to begin work on the Sydney to Newcastle corridor as a matter of priority. The line would include stops in the Central Coast, with Wyong and Gosford as obvious possibilities.
We recognise the potential of our regions and the vibrant jobs and lifestyle options they offer all Australians. And with the population of the Hunter Valley and Central Coast forecast grow by close to 200,000 people by 2040, Labor knows that planning for our medium to long term future requires vision, dedication and a commitment to work cooperatively with the states and territories.
That’s why only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to build the infrastructure Australians deserve.
What’s the problem?
The NSW Government’s projections show the population of the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley growing by some 200,000 by 2040, making better transport connections a necessity.
Labor shares the NSW government’s vision of a brighter future for our regions, with fast rail connections offering people more choice of where to live and work.
The Morrison-Joyce government has for too long seen infrastructure investment as a political plaything – only Labor has been the party of nation building with a vision for our nation’s long-term future.
Labor’s Plan.
An Albanese Labor Government will ensure the new High-Speed Rail Authority works on the Sydney to Newcastle corridor as its first priority. This will be backed by a $500 million down payment to begin corridor acquisition, planning and early works.
This project will be a signature element of Labor’s plan for smart regionalisation – recognising our regions’ prosperity can be improved by better connectivity between regional centres and from the major population centres and international gateways.
An Albanese Labor government will work closely with the NSW Government on this nation-building project. We expect the High-Speed Rail Authority to identify and acquire a corridor of land that would accommodate either an initial fast rail line that could eventually be upgraded to high-speed rail, or move directly to build high-speed rail itself. And as with all our infrastructure projects, we will look build as much of our fast and high-speed rail future in Australia as is possible.
Cost of our plan
Fast and High-Speed Rail connections are not short-term political fixes, they are the kind of significant nation-building projects visionary governments invest in.
We will ensure a down-payment of $500 million is set aside in our first budget to begin work on this project, with further investment options identified between the Federal and NSW Governments once detailed planning work has been completed.
How fast will the trains go?
This line will be built with the capacity for trains to run up to and over 250kmh.
This would slash journey times from Sydney to Newcastle from over 2 and a half hours to just 45 minutes. From Sydney to Gosford would take only half an hour.
Given that this is a staged project with a long-term focus, the new High-Speed Rail Authority would work collaboratively with the NSW Government to determine the best way of delivering the project, whether that be a phased faster rail approach or an immediate provision of High Speed Rail services.
Either way, it will deliver shorter journey times to the people of Newcastle and the Central Coast.
What sections will come next?
The Phase 2 report commissioned by the last Labor government identified this Sydney-Newcastle route as the first stage of the eventual Sydney to Brisbane line.
We will take that advice and make this a priority for the new High-Speed Rail Authority.
While this route is a priority, the High-Speed Rail Authority would continue work on advancing other sections of the line, eventually connecting Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.
Labor Will Save the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours Service
An Albanese Labor Government would reverse over $500,000 of annual Liberal cuts to the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours service, securing the future of these crucial after hours healthcare clinics.
After two years of Liberal cuts to the service, operating hours have been reduced at the GP Access After Hours clinics at Belmont Hospital, Maitland Hospital, John Hunter Hospital and the Toronto Polyclinic, while the clinic at Calvary Mater Newcastle closed its doors on Christmas Eve.
The Prime Minister has refused to rule out supporting a recommendation for a further funding cut, which if approved would end this vital service.
This is a devastating blow to the Hunter community, especially in the middle of a global pandemic. Almost every Hunter family has used this vital service.
This service sees 50,000 patients a year and provides 70,000 telephone consultations, alleviates pressure on overstretched hospitals and has been estimated to save the broader health system almost $22 million per year.
For example, when the Belmont After Hours Clinic was forced to close temporarily, waiting times at the Belmont Hospital Emergency Department blew out from 2.5 hours to six hours.
Like so many Liberal decisions about funding health services, cutting funding to the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours service just doesn’t make sense.
Reduced hours of operation and closure of services have led to an incredible local campaign to get services restored, led by the local community, the Hunter GP Association and the four Labor MPs and candidates who have fought passionately to retain their treasured after hours care service.
Unlike Mr Morrison, Labor has heard the message loud and clear and an Albanese Labor Government will restore cut funding as a priority.
Labor built Medicare, we protect Medicare and we’ll strengthen Medicare if the Australian people elect an Albanese Labor Government.
Two people located deceased in submerged vehicle – Port Stephens
Two people have been located deceased during the recovery of a submerged vehicle at Port Stephens today.
Just after 4.30am (Sunday 02 January 2022), emergency services were called to Soldiers Point boat ramp following reports of a vehicle in the water.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and located a white hatchback fully submerged.
Initial inquiries indicated a person was deceased within the vehicle.
A crime scene was established and during the recovery of the vehicle, the bodies of two people – a man and woman – were located inside. They are yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are being assisted by Police Rescue, Marine Area Command divers, PolAir and SES volunteers.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.
The Soldiers Point boat ramp remains closed.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Woman missing from state's Hunter Region located safe and well
A woman missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located safe and well.
The 74-year-old was last seen at a home at Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest, about 11am (Monday 27 December 2021).
She was reported missing to officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District after she failed to return.
Following inquiries, the woman was located safe and well today (Wednesday 29 December 2021).
Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.
Appeal for man wanted on an outstanding warrant – Maitland
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant in the state’s north.
Daniel Truswell – aged 36 – is wanted on an outstanding warrant for break and enter offences.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have commenced inquiries to locate the man.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair and blue/grey eyes.
He is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland, and Singleton areas.
Anyone with information relating to his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to contact Triple Zero (000).
Police appeal to locate missing elderly woman – Hunter Region
Police are appealing for public information to locate an elderly woman missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Lynette Robson – aged 74 – was last seen at a home at Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest, about 11am yesterday (Monday 27 December 2021).
She was reported missing to officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District after she failed to return.
Police and family hold serious concerns for Lynette as she lives with a medical condition that requires medication.
Lynette is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of slim build, with a tanned complexion and short grey hair.
She was last seen wearing a red and white sleeveless dress and sandals.
Lynette may be driving a 2018 silver Suzuki Vitara with NSW registration plates – LR 445.
Anyone with information about Lynette’s whereabouts, or who sights Lynette, is urged to contact Raymond Terrace police on 4983 7599immediately.