admin – Page 1114

$56 MILLION FOR MORE PALLIATIVE CARE SUPPORTS

People approaching the end of life will have more choice to remain in their own homes for longer thanks to a $56 million funding boost included in the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding is in addition to the $220 million the NSW Government invests in palliative care services each year to benefit patients and carers.
“The unprecedented situation with COVID-19 has shown all of us the importance of having frank end of life discussions with our vulnerable loved ones,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This investment will support individual preferences and improve access to palliative care services, as well as create more jobs for those working with palliative patients.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said, as part of the investment, an additional 5,000 End of Life home support packages will be made available across NSW from 1 July 2021.
“For many people, dying at home, or staying at home longer, offers more peace but it requires access to a comprehensive package of support for carers,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government held roundtables across the state to inform our palliative care strategy and we continue to make good on our promise to provide integrated care.”
Mr Hazzard said the home packages not only offer case management but provide practical personal care and domestic supports, assistance with meals and transport.
Linda Hansen, Chief Executive of Palliative Care NSW said that quality palliative care requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
“This funding recognises the vital role of allied health professionals in supporting the physical and mental health needs of patients at this difficult time,” Ms Hansen said.
“Extending the program of in-home support will mean that more people will be able to achieve their goal of being cared for at home.”
The total funding boost includes:

$30.4 million over four years to support multi-disciplinary approaches for end of life and palliative care to meet the needs of patients and their families and carers.

This includes:

$4.5 million per year for up to 35 additional allied health professional positions such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians and physiotherapists, to address patients’ physical health needs and to support safe discharge from hospital so that people can be cared for at home if they choose
$1.2 million per year, from 2021/22 to implement education and training to develop and grow the specialist palliative care workforce, and enhance capability across the health workforce
$2 million per year to improve access to bereavement and psychosocial support services for people experiencing complex grief
$25.6 million over four years to increase End of Life home support packages across NSW, including:

Case management and services such as; personal care, domestic supports, assistance with meals, in-home respite and transport to appointments.
The new funding will supplement this program with an additional 5,000 packages.

TWO NEW CARPARKS AT DUBBO BASE HOSPITAL UNVEILED

Family and friends visiting loved ones at Dubbo Base Hospital will find it far easier to park, with the NSW Government doubling spaces as part of the $241 million hospital redevelopment.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders released the designs today for the $30 million carpark project – a new, multi-storey car park on the western side of the hospital campus and a new car park on the south eastern side, creating an extra 350 spaces.
“This is great news for the local community. The NSW Government’s investment in Dubbo Base Hospital has boosted carparking capacity to a massive 926 spaces – an extra 761 new and upgraded spaces constructed during the hospital’s redevelopment – ensuring one of NSW’s busiest regional hospitals is well equipped for the future,” Mr Saunders said.
“This important project is moving forward, with construction of the new car parks scheduled to start next year and be open in 2022.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard joined Mr Saunders at the unveiling of the carpark project during a visit to Dubbo for the joint Federal-State Bilateral Regional Health Forum.
“The NSW Government is delivering a record $10.1 billion health infrastructure program across the state, stimulating local economies and creating new health jobs, especially in regional and rural areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The $30 million investment in parking is on top of the $241 million for Dubbo Base Hospital’s major upgrade, ensuring the campus delivers world-class health care closer to home.”
The carpark project also includes local artwork for the façade of the multi-storey car park and infrastructure upgrades such as roadways, footpaths, hospital access, lighting and security.
The $241 million Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment and the $35 million Western Cancer Centre Dubbo (including $25 million from the Federal Government), are on track for completion in 2021.
Stages 1 and 2 opened in 2016 and included operating theatres, a short stay unit and a maternity unit. Stage 3, including a new surgical in-patient unit, opened in 2018, and a new renal dialysis unit opened in December, 2019. The Emergency and Medical Imaging departments opened in March, followed by the Coronary Care Unit in June. The rest of the new Macquarie Building under Stage 4, including the Ambulatory Care Unit and Emergency triage area, will open by mid-2021.

SURF CLUB HEROES GET FUNDING BOOST

Surf Life Saving Clubs which became places of refuge for thousands of residents during last year’s bushfires have been given an additional $600,000 in funding from the NSW Government.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the Bushfire Support Program will help 11 surf life saving clubs on the NSW north and south coasts for upgrades, restoration or construction.
“During last year’s bushfires, surf life saving clubs turned into emergency evacuation centres providing comfort and sanctuary for thousands of people,” Mr Lee said.
“I am so grateful to our amazing volunteers and their clubs which supported the community during those devastating bushfires.
“These men and women always put their bodies on the line to save us from danger and this funding is essential to keep their facilities updated for future generations.”
The funding comes on top of $4 million provided to surf life saving clubs earlier this year under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Mr Lee will join Member for Bega Andrew Constance at Bateman’s Bay Surf Life Saving Club today to meet members and confirm funding for a new generator, pre-incident planning resources, external floodlighting, mobile VHF repeater station, 5000 litre rainwater tank, bedding and storage, ice machine and kitchen upgrade.
“This funding recognises the important role these clubs play and the sacrifices of these heroes, and is our way of saying thank you for your efforts in helping the community during a time of crisis,” Mr Constance said.
“These resources will enable the club to remain operational in all weather conditions if the mains power is cut which is vital in emergencies like bushfires.”
Other surf life saving clubs to receive funding include Broulee Surfers, Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Tathra, Pambula, Mollymook, Crowdy Head, Taree Old Bar and Blackhead.
CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said the latest funding would ensure facilities remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure.

Greens Back Independent Inquiry Into Melbourne Cup Death

The Greens have backed calls from animal welfare groups and an equine veterinarian for an independent investigation and necropsy report into the death of the racehorse Anthony Van Dyck following Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup race.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens spokesperson for Animal Welfare, said:
“Tuesday’s race was horrific. There are serious questions to answer about this racehorse death. There must be no industry cover-up.
“Horse racing kills. No horse is safe at the Melbourne Cup.
“Every year, more and more people are saying ‘nup’ to the Cup and rejecting this carnival of cruelty.
“Ultimately we need to see an end to the Melbourne Cup and the brutality of commercial horse racing,” she said.
Ellen Sandell MP, Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, said:
“Every year the Greens call on the state government to end animal cruelty at the hands of our racing industry – and every year the government tries to pretend they have no power to stop it.
“The reality is that our government’s cosy relationship with the racing industry has prevented them from putting an end to cruelty against horses. Even a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic wasn’t enough to warrant them closing the gates this year.
“We need an independent investigation into Anthony Van Dyck’s death so that our government can wake up to the unnecessary pain and cruelty the Melbourne Cup inflicts on horses.”

Australia well prepared for COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Australia is well placed for the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine, once clinical trials and the regulator has confirmed safety and effectiveness.
Under the Morrison Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy, Australia has secured 134.8 million doses through advance purchasing agreements with four suppliers: AstraZeneca/Oxford, University of Queensland/CSL, Novavax and Pfizer/BioNTech.
In addition, Australia has access to a further 25 million doses through the COVAX facility.
This is well in excess of covering the entire population of 25 million.
Against that backdrop, Chris Bowen’s comments are not only patently incorrect, they are weird and irresponsible. Labor clearly can’t add up, in claiming it’s not enough.
The Government has already secured distribution within Australia for the Pfizer mRNA vaccine.
Indeed the manufacturer has humiliatingly refuted Chris Bowen’s statement. Sometimes Chris, it is better to remain silent if you have no idea what you are talking about.
The Australian Government continues to undertake thorough planning to ensure the doses Australia receives are kept as safe and secure as possible. The Australian Government continues to prepare for the temperature requirement scenarios for all candidates, including: 2-8 ºC, -20ºC and -70ºC.
Tenders are being issued today to co-ordinate the distribution of the vaccines across the country to deliver on those requirements.
Suppliers that have a proven track record in vaccine logistics and distribution or booking systems, tracking and reporting of vaccines are being invited to participate in this process by limited tender.
Australians know that we have one of the best vaccine distributions in the world, backed up by the latest immunisation rates which have hit a new record.
Our Plan is on track for the initial roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program with in the first quarter of 2021.
The Shadow Minister for Health continues to show how out of his depth he is in understanding the fundamental necessities of securing access to and preparing a national roll-out for world-leading vaccine candidates.
If the Shadow Minister had taken the time to read this morning’s announcement, he would have seen that the Government’s vaccine roadmap is clear, and each agreement has scheduled delivery dates.
Preliminary advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is that the priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccine are those people who are at increased risk of exposure, such as health and aged care workers, the elderly and those working in services critical to societal functioning.
Australia will continue to listen to the advice of the medical experts and act accordingly.

Australia secures a further 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Two more COVID-19 vaccines have been secured for the Australian population under new agreements, bringing the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine investment to more than $3.2 billion.
Under the agreements, Novavax will supply 40 million vaccine doses and Pfizer/BioNTech will provide 10 million vaccine doses, should the vaccines be proven safe and effective.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy had now secured access to four COVID-19 vaccines and over 134 million doses.
“By securing multiple COVID-19 vaccines we are giving Australians the best shot at early access to a vaccine, should trials prove successful,” the Prime Minister said.
“We aren’t putting all our eggs in one basket and we will continue to pursue further vaccines should our medical experts recommend them.
“There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, however our Strategy puts Australia at the front of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.”
The Novavax and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are expected to be available in Australia from early to mid 2021 – subject to approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia.
The Pfizer/BioNTech is a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) type vaccine and the Novavax vaccine is a protein vaccine containing an adjuvant (Matrix-M) which enhances the immune response.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine portfolio now had two protein vaccines and one mRNA and one viral vector type vaccine, strengthening Australia’s position to access safe and effective vaccines as soon as available.
“The goal and the expectation is that Australians who sought vaccination will be vaccinated within 2021,” Minister Hunt said.
“There are no surprises, health and aged care workers and the elderly and vulnerable will be the first to gain access to a vaccine that’s deemed safe and effective.”
These new agreements build on the Australian Government’s existing commitments to purchase the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and a local candidate from the University of Queensland together with Australian manufacturer CSL Limited (Seqirus).
Subject to the vaccine being registered by the TGA as safe and effective, preliminary advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is that the priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccine are those people who are at increased risk of exposure, such as health and aged care workers, the elderly and those working in services critical to societal functioning.
The Australian Government is currently consulting with the states and territories, key medical experts and industry peak bodies on the framework for the initial roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program in early 2021.
Key vaccination sites will initially include GPs, GP respiratory clinics, state and territory vaccination sites and workplaces such as aged care facilities.
Australia has a world class vaccination program with world leading vaccination rates. The COVID-19 vaccine will not be mandatory and individuals will maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate. The vaccine will be available for free to those who choose to be vaccinated.
This commitment forms a crucial part of the Australian Government’s response to COVID-19 and the strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the national economy.
Internationally, Australia has also joined the COVAX facility, which will provide access to a large portfolio of COVID-19 candidates and manufactures around the world for up to 50 per cent of the Australian population.
The Australian Government has also committed to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for the Pacific and Southeast Asia, as part of a shared recovery for our region from the pandemic, as well as $80 million to the international COVAX Facility for the benefit of high-risk populations in developing countries.
Our agreements allow Australia to donate to partners in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, should these vaccines prove safe and effective, and units are available above domestic needs.
The Government is contributing significantly to vaccine research and development both in Australia and around the world, investing $363 million in vaccines, therapeutics and COVID medicines – including $257 million in vaccines.
The roll-out of a potential COVID-19 vaccine is a significant logistical challenge, suppliers that have a proven track record in vaccine logistics and distribution or booking systems, tracking and reporting of vaccines are being invited to participate in a limited tender process.
As part of our COVID-19 vaccines strategy and broader vaccines strategy, the Australian Government is considering an amendment to the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 to mandate reporting of all vaccinations to the Register.
For the latest COVID-19 vaccine information visit: health.gov.au

Appeal following reported teen approach – Hamilton

Police are appealing for two teenage girls to come forward after an incident in a park in Hamilton yesterday.
Police have been told two teenage girls – believed to be aged around 16 and 17 – were walking through Gregson Park at Hamilton about 10.30pm yesterday (Thursday 5 November 2020), when they were approached by a man.
The man reportedly spoke to the girls before they ran to a nearby hotel as the man left the scene in a late 1990s-model white Toyota Hilux utility.
A security guard at the hotel – who assisted the girls – reported the incident to Newcastle City Police District officers. He has told police the ute drove past the venue several times before leaving towards Tudor Street.
Detectives are hoping to speak with the girls involved in the incident, as well as anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything in the Gregson Park area.
Police have been told the man’s described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, with a medium build and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lifesaving Telestroke Service comes to Dubbo

Patients in the Dubbo region will have access to a 24-hour telestroke service, as part of a $21.7 million groundbreaking program being rolled out across NSW.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton were joined by NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Health and Women, Bronnie Taylor, and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, to make the announcement at Dubbo Base Hospital ahead of today’s joint Federal-State Bilateral Regional Health Forum.
Mr Hazzard said the jointly funded, lifesaving telestroke service exemplifies how the State and Federal Government can work together to bring world-class health care to people in regional and rural areas.
“This statewide telestroke service effectively breaks down geographical barriers, immediately linking local doctors with specialists, so patients can be diagnosed and treated as fast as possible,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Today, with key State and Federal health experts and consumers, we are all focused on how we can create a sustainable health service for rural and regional communities.”
Mr Coulton said expanding telehealth services, such as this, in the regions meant local doctors in Dubbo would be supported by first-class specialists to deliver enhanced stroke care and treatment for local patients.
“Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and is a leading cause of disability – which is why rapid access to specialists is so important in reducing the impact of stroke,” Mr Coulton said.
“In the unfortunate event of a stroke, this service will ensure that people in the Dubbo region have access to specialist stroke consultants, which will be a huge benefit to patients and their families.”
Mr Coulton said today’s Bilateral Regional Health Forum will continue to look at innovative ways in which the NSW Government can partner with the Federal Government to deliver better access and health outcomes for rural residents.
“This year’s Federal Budget has again demonstrated the Liberal and Nationals Government’s strong commitment to rural health with a $1.2 billion injection to improve healthcare in the bush,” Mr Coulton said.
“That package includes funding to implement locally-led primary care models in southern and western NSW – including the four Ts model for the Dubbo region – to help address workforce challenges and improve health service delivery.”
Mrs Taylor said telehealth for mental health consultations had been a lifesaver for people in regional and rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s Forum will also focus on supporting resilience in regional communities. The community spirit of people in regional communities is well known, but multiple crises in the past year – drought, bushfires and now the pandemic – and causing significant distress for many people, placing their mental health at risk,” Mrs Taylor said.
The NSW Government committed $14.6 million over 2018-19 and 2019-20 for the Emergency Drought Mental Health Package to improve access to and delivery of mental health services to rural and remote NSW.
The Forum will discuss the impact of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 on the mental health of patients, clinicians and residents in the regions; as well as the use of telehealth for sustainable models of healthcare, including allied health and smaller rural hospitals.
Mr Saunders said he was pleased the Forum, established last year, was being held in Dubbo and welcomed the telestroke service announcement.
“This collaboration between the bush and the city and State and Federal governments has the potential to change lives in our community for the better, forever,” Mr Saunders said.
In June, the NSW Government announced the service, which has already helped 200 patients. Telestroke will be rolled out to up to 23 sites over three years and follows a successful pilot between Hunter New England, Central Coast and Mid North Coast local health districts. Telestroke is now available at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Orange with Dubbo due to come on line later this month.
The funding to deliver Telestroke comprises $12.3 million from the NSW Government and $9.4 million from the Commonwealth Government.
In 2018-19, 13,651 people were hospitalised for a stroke in NSW. Of those, 32 per cent were from regional, rural or remote areas.
The NSW Government has committed $10.1 billion in health infrastructure investment across the state in this term of government.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has built or upgraded more than 130 hospitals and health facilities, with over 80 projects currently underway – more than two-thirds of those have been in regional and rural areas.

RBA lodges a vote of no confidence

The RBA’s decision to cut interest rates to new historic lows and start a new round of quantitative easing is a vote of no confidence in the Government’s recovery plans, Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Nick McKim says.
“This decision shows the RBA has no faith in the Liberals’ agenda of tax cuts for the super wealthy and more handouts for the big corporate polluters,” Senator McKim said.
“Cutting rates to 0.1 per cent and $100 billion of quantitative easing is a sign that the RBA knows that things will continue to worsen for the economy because of deliberate decisions taken by Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg.”
“It suggests that the RBA expects tax cuts will be saved rather than spent, as they were last year before COVID hit.”
“The RBA wouldn’t need to be going to such extremes if the Government was actually trying to fix the economy by investing serious money in green infrastructure and setting income support above the poverty line.”
“Australians face more difficult times ahead unless the Liberals dramatically change course and start investing for the future, and ensuring a decent quality of life for all.”
“Under this government, printed money that should pump prime the economy is instead likely to inflate the housing market.”
“This will be doubly so if responsible lending laws are overturned.”
“The double-whammy of cheap money and looser lending standards is a recipe for an even bigger housing bubble.”

Author: admin