A
close shave for a good cause
The
cooking's looking good at Collingwood
Many
hands make light work of volunteering|
June 2001 - Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia |
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General News $500 million to rebuild hospitals, nursing homes The Government has unveiled the biggest capital budget for health in Victoria’s history with over $500 million to rebuild the public health system under a four-year plan targeting hospitals in Melbourne’s growth suburbs and country nursing homes. Heather Buchan to head up national institute Department of Human Services Acute Health Division Assistant Director responsible for Quality Heather Buchan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS). Many hands make light work of volunteering Hundreds of Victoria’s unsung army of volunteers took centre stage at Melbourne Central in a ceremonial signing of Hands up for Volunteering banners. Acute Health $325 million Austin project begins Premier Steve Bracks and Health Minister John Thwaites have cleared a path for the largest public hospital project in the State’s history–the $325 million Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre redevelopment. $1.1 billion record health budget The rebuilding of Victoria’s public health system will continue with a $1.1 billion increase over four years to treat more patients, employ more nurses and ease emergency demand. Alfred open day attracts thousands of visitors Thousands of people from all over Victoria converged on The Alfred Hospital for an open day to celebrate its 130th anniversary. Ambulance services have received a $42 million boost over four years with two new stations, 24 new ambulances, an expanded and upgraded air wing and more paramedics, says Minister for Health John Thwaites. $150 million to ease emergency load Up to a third of hospital emergency re-admissions could be avoided under a $150 million Patient Management Strategy announced by Minister for Health John Thwaites. Broadmeadows health facilities on display Broadmeadows Health Service played host to local residents during a Community Day to showcase the facility. Budget brings rural hospitals together The Government will spend $30 million in an innovative information and communication technology project to link rural hospitals and health professionals throughout the State, says Health Minister John Thwaites. Northern Health staff are improving patient services through Language and Cultural Awareness Training. Rural Ambulance Victoria is the first ambulance service in Australia to achieve the new International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Quality Assurance certification. Aged Care $77 million for older Victorians The Government has allocated $77 million over four years for a major upgrading of rural health and residential aged care facilities and an expansion of health services for older Victorians. Public Health Drug safety service for Dandenong A new drug safety service will operate in the City of Greater Dandenong seven days a week with $1.45 million from the Government, says Minister for Health John Thwaites. Information seminars for general practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals will be among activities organised by Genetic Services Victoria during Genetic Awareness Week. The 2001–02 Budget has delivered extra funding to expand breast cancer screening, diabetes detection and to reduce the risk of Legionnaire’s disease, says Minister for Health John Thwaites. Drug treatment beds open in the east Premier Steve Bracks has officially opened 36 new drug rehabilitation beds at The Basin in the eastern suburbs. Women’s Health Victoria, the Statewide women’s health information service, has relocated to Level 1, 123 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Nurses help students kick bad habits Students at some Victorian secondary schools are joining Quit clubs to help kick the smoking habit as the Government’s school nurse program spreads across the State. Community Care The Government has delivered a $43 million increase over four years to reinforce services for children and families at risk. New community service centre for Fawkner Parents, families and the elderly in Melbourne’s north will be the main beneficiaries of the Government’s decision to contribute $368,000 towards building a new health and community services centre in Fawkner, says Community Services Minister Christine Campbell. Mum’s the word on help line anniversary Amid Mother’s Day flowers and new babies at the Northern Hospital, Community Services Minister Christine Campbell joined nurses who helped establish the Maternal and Child Health Line to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
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DisAbility Services Kew set for $100 million redevelopment Premier Steve Bracks has announced the $100 million land and residential redevelopment of the century-old institution formerly known as Kew Cottages. A red-and-white coloured bedroom with a Collingwood poster on the wall—that’s the décor Kew resident David is planning when he moves to a new home in the community. Disability funds at record high A $24-million, four-year boost for new services, starting in 2001–02, takes total disability funds to a record high and underpins the Government’s vision to fully include people with a disability in community life. Message is get active and stay healthy A new booklet for staff will help improve the health and fitness of people with a disability living in Shared Supported Accommodation. Australia’s largest exhibition for people with disabilities, older persons and associated healthcare staff and facilities will be held in Melbourne in October. Local solutions improve access to community When Hepburn Health Service worker Brian Dunn sought to set up a group to help people with disabilities be more included in community life he took a truly ‘local’ approach. Housing Extra beds, services to tackle homelessness The Government will create an additional 300 crisis and transitional accommodation units and expand existing services as part of a $42.8 million effort to tackle homelessness in Victoria. Housing and Aged Care Minister Bronwyn Pike was an eager listener as seven-year-old Hoang and his brother, Hiep, 4, talked about the delicacies available during a recent Collingwood community festival. The $5.6 million redevelopment of the Thomson Estate in Geelong is underway with the upgrade of the first home now completed, says Housing Minister Bronwyn Pike. Community Health Health messages tailored to fit A mobile caravan is visiting businesses in the Yarra Valley to check on the health of country workers. Health service nets ‘Big Fish’ Manningham Community Health Service’s Jo Salmon did not waste any time when fellow Board members decided on a membership drive. Rural Health Communities right across Victoria celebrated Rural Health Week with about 150 health expos, workshops, free screenings, demonstrations, farm safety activities, walks, talks and lunches. Health Minister John Thwaites has announced a major rural health strategy to rebuild the workforce and strengthen rural hospitals and health services across Victoria. Juvenile Justice Juvenile Justice Centre staff joined an estimated 30,000 people around Australia who shaved or coloured their hair for the Leukaemia Foundation, raising $5,000 during the World’s Greatest Shave for a Cure. Mental Health The Government will provide significantly more support and treatment for people with a mental illness as part of a $30 million increase over four years to the mental health budget. |
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