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Parkes Phoenix

Virtual New Parents Groups

June 12, 2020 By editor

Anne Roth and Meagan Evans.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to finding new ways of working to ensure new parents stay connected.

Child and Family Health Nurses in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are running a Virtual New Parent Group.

“New Parents Groups are normally provided face to face in centres across the district,” said Consultant Child and Family Health Clinical Nurse, Anne Roth.

“We’ve had a great response to the first group with 52 first time parents registering.” “The groups provide new parents with access to other new parents, with Child and Family Health Nurses acting as facilitators.” “This forum gives parents the opportunity to network and have access to professional advice and information.”

“This is particularly important for new parents who can feel vulnerable at this time. It may be hard right now for them to know how to balance the joy and excitement of having a new baby with the fear caused by this unprecedented global pandemic,” Anne said.

The Group is led by Meagan Evans a clinical nurse specialist in child and family health. The groups are held weekly over four weeks with each session running for 90 minutes.

If you would like to join contact Anne Roth Monday to Friday on 6369 8082 or 0429 320 328; or Meagan Evans, Clinical Nurse Specialist Child and Family Health WNSW LHD on Wednesdays on 0436 810 617.

The Re-Birth Of Lachlan Maternity Service

May 22, 2020 By editor

The new Lachlan Maternity Service should be up and running by the end of August at both Parkes and Forbes Hospitals.

Work on establishing the Midwifery Led Group Practice Model has been progressing on track, despite the challenges of COVID-19, according to Lachlan Health Services Manager, Liz Mitchell.

“We are about to start filling several jobs in the midwifery led group practice, including the role of team leader.”

“This is very exciting and we hope to receive a lot of interest from midwives locally and outside of the area for these positions.”

Liz said a number of virtual communication sessions with women across the region were also planned over the next month or two.

In the Midwifery Led Group Practice (MGP) model midwives and doctors work with women to determine whether a birth under the care of a midwife is likely to be a clinically safe option, and one which is preferred by the parents. In those circumstances, parents will be able to choose to birth at either Parkes or Forbes.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Parkes hospital on 6861 2400.

Reach Out For Help

May 22, 2020 By editor

COVID-19

COVID-19 has challenged our lives in many different ways and in response the Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. “There is no doubt times are tough for many at the moment. It is important to get help – regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing. This message is also for our health professionals who are doing a magnificent job under great pressure. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for help.”

Patients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group allied mental health services per year with an appropriately qualified GP, psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Further telephone and online support is available from:
• eheadspace call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
• Black Dog Institute online help
• SANE Australia call 1800 18 7263 or chat online
• This Way Up Clinic online courses
• MindSpot call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.
• Pregnancy Birth Baby telephone, video call and online counselling for parents, call 1800 882 436
• My Aged Care call 1800 200 422
• Head to Health Government’s digital mental health gateway for information, advice, online counselling, treatment and crisis support.

A Meal A Day

May 8, 2020 By editor

Meals on Wheels have become a vital service to many senior residents in our Shire as people have been urged to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and stay at home.

“I cannot stress how important it is for our older residents to stay home as this crisis continues to unfold,” said the Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormick earlier on.

Although faced with challenges, Meals on Wheels in Parkes have continued to not only deliver hot meals to their 90 clients, but to also offer support and social contact.

“It is business as usual for us,” said the Manager Gill Kinsela.

As with other organisations, many volunteers have had to step down during this time, and the office staff at Meals on Wheels have stepped up to help out with the daily deliveries of meals, and checking in on clients to make sure they have what they need. The Parkes Services Club has continued making the hot meals.

The Meals on Wheels service has been at the heart of the community for 56 years delivering hot and nutritious meals, as well as frozen meals to clients in Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.

Winter News: Vaporisers Vs Humidifiers

May 8, 2020 By editor

Humidity, not only prevents good hair days, but can also prevent a number of issues: from static electricity to nosebleeds. It can also help you breathe a little easier when sick!

To increase the humidity of your home, there are two products that work wonders – a vaporiser or a humidifier. Both add moisture to the air, helping to ease cough and cold congestion. The key difference between the two products is how they introduce moisture.

Vaporisers boil water through a heating element to create steam. The steam cools down before it leaves the machine and enters the air. Humidifiers can work in two different ways. Some use ultrasonic vibrations which disperse a cool mist of water into the air. While others may use a disc submerged in the machine which is rapidly turned. As the disc turns it breaks up the water into tiny particles which can be inhaled.

POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION

When selecting a device, it is important to consider several points. Steam vaporisers contain hot water inside, which may cause burns if spilled. Therefore, it is not recommended around small children and pets.

Overuse of the devices can also cause rooms to become overly humid. This may allow mould and bacteria to grow in your home. If you notice water beading up on windows and walls, or damp floors, move the device, decrease its level or discontinue its use. Good ventilation also reduces the risk of becoming overly humid.

Come into Parkes Pharmacy today to dis- cuss which device is best for you!

NPM And COVID-19

April 17, 2020 By editor

The health and safety of CMOC-Northparkes Mines’ employees, contractors, their families and the local community remains their top priority during this pandemic.

“As an industry, we are working closely with NSW and Commonwealth governments, regulators and health professionals to ensure we are able to continue operating safely,” said Managing Director Hubert Lehman. “The Northparkes leadership team continues to meet on a daily basis to review the current measures we have implemented onsite to prevent the potential exposure and risk in our workplace.”

These measures include, but are not limited to, health screening, increased cleaning and sanitation, working from home arrangements and social distancing. These measures align with the guidelines provided by the government, health professionals and the NSW Resources Regulator.

“The continued operation of our mine site, managed in strict compliance with these COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, will support jobs and allow us to continue to de- liver economic benefits within the community – especially at such a critical time,” said Hubert. “Let’s continue to support each other during these difficult and unprecedented times – we are all in this together.”

For more information visit www.northparkes.com or contact the Community and External Relations Advisor on 6861 3621.

Learner Drivers Can Have Driving Lessons

April 17, 2020 By editor

Learner drivers can continue lessons with a supervisor, including driving to the supermarket.

Learner drivers and their supervisors are allowed to continue driving lessons under the current COVID-19 restrictions.

The advice comes following a highly publicised incident in Victoria last week when a 17-year-old learner driver was fined for non-essential travel – a decision that was later reversed.

NSW Police Chief Inspector David Cooper reminded Parkes residents that the Government’s advice was to stay home and only undertake essential travel.

“Under the Public Health Orders a person cannot leave their place of residence without a reasonable excuse.”

“A reasonable excuse includes travelling for the purposes of work where you cannot work from home, so driving instructors can leave their house for their work – to teach people how to drive.”

“We consider that it would be a reasonable excuse for a person to leave their house to receive driving lessons (either from a driving instructor or a member of their family), given that this is a learning activity that cannot be done from home and is akin to the listed reasonable excuse of travelling to attend an educational institution where you cannot learn from home.”

“Learner drivers could also continue to drive with a supervising family member for any of the listed reasonable excuses for leaving the house – for example driving to the supermarket,” Chief Inspector Cooper said.

Make Mental Health A Priority

April 9, 2020 By editor

Right now, during the Coronavirus Pandemic, it is important that we look after all aspects of our health, including our mental health.

One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year. The most common illnesses are depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. While it’s very common, misunderstanding and stigma surrounding these conditions is widespread, leading to a high incidence of people not seeking help.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds with 800,000 people dying to suicide every year around the world.

Parkes Pharmacy is a safe place to talk about mental health concerns. You’re always welcome to come in or call and chat to our pharmacists. They are trained in mental health first aid – whether it be for a chat, or to sit down in a private space to discuss any concerns. We can help you find services.

As we work together to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it is important that we stay mentally healthy by: eating well, keeping active, staying in touch with family and friends by phone or video calls, and seeking help when needed.

There are other resources and support services also available:
• Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP): 02 6363 8444 / ramhp.com.au
• Mental Health Line by RAMHP: 1800 011 511
• Lifeline 24-hour crisis support: 13 11 14 / Lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 / beyond-blue.org.au

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Join The Fight Against COVID-19

April 9, 2020 By editor

Businesses across the Orange electorate are encouraged to join the fight against COVID-19 and start producing much needed medical equipment for NSW.

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said the unprecedented global demand on much needed medical supplies had seen traditional suppliers unable to fill urgent orders to service NSW.

“Hand sanitiser, handwash, gloves, clean- ing products, protective clothing, masks, eyewear and paper products are now in such high demand,” Phil said.

“The NSW Government is calling on local businesses in the Orange electorate to convert their production lines to make these products to fill the gap.”

The products required urgently include: hand sanitiser, handwash, gloves, cleaning products, protective clothing, masks, eyewear and paper products.

Phil said this was also a great way for businesses who might be seeing a down- turn in revenue due to COVID-19 to adapt and remain strong during these uncertain times.

“This is a great way for business to diversify and keep as many workers in a job as possible.”

Businesses who are able to join the fight against COVID-19 are urged to register their interest at www.nsw.gov.au

Have You Thought About The 20 Year Picture? – Dealing with emotions in a time of turmoil

April 3, 2020 By editor

Emma Brown

I’ve been grieving for our broken world. I’m sad for the freedoms we’re rapidly losing, and sad for all the people who are losing livelihood. I’m overwhelmed with feelings of unpreparedness and not-good-enough- ness at the imminent reality of school at home when mere weeks ago I laughed at the idea of home schooling. I feel overwhelming grief for my beautiful and very dear Grandad, who is alone. Safe but alone. So close to us yet unreachable.

But then I wash my tear-stained face, have a cup of tea and think about 2040. What will the world look like for my 25 and 23-year-old grown children?

I wonder if the protocols and safety measures being implemented now mean we are raising a generation who will have a better understanding of wellness and proper isolation during illness. Maybe we’re raising a generation of surgeons! If you can learn to scrub in for surgery at age three, you’re on the fast track, right?

I wonder will this be the beginning of the end of communicable respiratory diseases like influenza, which so many of my generation ignore the symptoms of and just ‘soldier on’?

I wonder if we’ll see a revolution in social togetherness when we come out the other side. Texting and social media will become passé. Getting together in person will be where it’s at!

I wonder if the church will finally learn what it means to be as one, as Jesus wanted and will take this pause in life as the most sacred opportunity.

I wonder how our kids will remember this. Will it be the way we remember the big events of our childhood that shaped the world? Or will they just remember having more time at home with mum and dad, or will they tell their kids to be grateful for an abundance of toilet paper?

In the meantime, I’m so grateful for all we have today. Snuggle time with my kids is top of the list. Stay safe, be kind to yourselves and each other.

By Emma Brown

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