The Hastings-Macleay Renal Service, working from Port Macquarie Base and Kempsey District Hospital, has a $13,000 video conferencing system thanks to the support of Lions.

 The state-of-the-art IT system, which includes TV screen, computer, and conferencing phone, will allow patients, nurses and allied health staff to link with specialists in the Port Macquarie Renal Unit.

 The video conferencing project was taken on by Tacking Point Lions Club, a long-time supporter of Port Macquarie Base Hospital, with funding support from Lions NSW/ACT Public Health Care Foundation. Kempsey Lions and South West Rocks Lions clubs also came on board, along with Port Macquarie Renal Unit to ensure the project was fully funded.

 The IT install at the Kempsey Renal Unit relies on wireless technology to connect the patient and renal nurses with other members of the dialysis team, including doctors and specialists.  The system also means improved access to renal specialists at John Hunter Hospital and other major dialysis centres.

 Hastings Macleay Renal Services Nursing Unit Manager Trish Campbell said the exciting project simply would not have happened without the support of Lions.

 “When we approached Tacking Point Lions about this project, we knew it was a big ask of them but we also knew the technology had the potential to make a huge difference to our Renal Team by reducing the hours they were spending travelling between hospitals. We also knew the technology was a valuable tool in helping our renal patients at Kempsey.

 “It means patients can access specialist information via video link while they are with a nurse and they can access education opportunities to improve their own health,” Ms Campbell said.

 “The technology will also enable our outreach renal teams to run multidisciplinary clinics from Kempsey by linking with specialist allied health and medicos at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and elsewhere.

 “It really has opened the door to significant changes in the way the Renal Teams communicate with each other and how we can continue to improve the way we care for our patients.”

 Tacking Point Lions Club President Bob Forster said it had been an exciting project to be involved in, particularly because it was one that meant a great deal to members following the recent passing of fellow Lion Neil Tubb due to kidney failure.

 “Our club has a proud history of achievement in our community and service to it, so when Port Macquarie Base asked for our help, the only real consideration was how to raise the funds.

 “Thankfully, Lions NSW ACT Public Health Care Foundation could also see value in this project, and together, with support from Kempsey and South West Rocks Lions clubs, we’ve been able to deliver something very special to both hospitals which will benefit their renal patients.”

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CPB Contractors have been hard at work on the Pacific Highway upgrade and Coffs Harbour Health Campus Expansion, but took time out of their busy schedule to hold a fundraiser in support of Coffs Harbour Health Campus’ Paediatric Unit.

CPB’s Precast Facility in Coffs Harbour reached a milestone last month when the last of its super-tee girders, used in long-span bridges, left the site, destined for the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade.

To celebrate the occasion, Safety Coordinator Dave Rayner called on some of his suppliers for raffle prizes, then hosted a barbecue lunch for his team.

With welders and power tools on offer, it didn’t take long for the raffle to raise $1500, which was promptly presented to the hospital’s Paediatric Unit.

“Without the support of local businesses and our workforce buying raffle tickets, the donation wouldn’t have happened, so a huge thank you to everyone involved,” Mr Rayner said.

Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager Kate Connell accepted the generous donation, which will be used to help purchase specialised paediatric equipment.

“We can’t thank Dave and the CPB team, the suppliers and the work crews enough for digging deep in support of our young patients,” Ms Connell said.

“Their support means we can buy resources for the children while they are in hospital, or put the funds towards new medical equipment.”

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Coffs Harbour Health Campus’ Stroke/Rehabilitation team has been bowled over by the generosity of Park Beach Bowls Club.

 Thanks to a ClubGrants allocation, the Stroke/Rehabilitation Unit now has four new walkers and a standing aid valued at $3500.

 Nurse Unit Manager Karen Longworth said the generosity of Park Beach Bowls Club amounted to practical support for patients who were recovering from stroke, injury or illness.

 “This is a wonderful donation which enables patients to maintain a degree of independence; to get them back on their feet after a stroke or an injury so they can complete their rehabilitation,” Ms Longworth said.

 “We have a dedicated team of nurses, doctors and physiotherapists working together to help our patients with their rehabilitation. That team also includes the community – individuals, service clubs and sports clubs, such as Park Beach Bowls, who donate equipment that helps us help our patients.”

 Park Beach Bowls Club Chief Executive Thane Duncan, Chairman Beverly White and Director Laurie Boekeman visited the hospital for the presentation.

“We are happy to help the Stroke Unit, which does remarkable work with its patients,” Mr Duncan said.

 “Our club wanted to support the hospital in some way, and it made sense to look at the Stroke/Rehabilitation Unit which has helped some of our members get back on their feet after experiencing a stroke.

 “We are very proud of our involvement in our community, and this grant was a meaningful way of helping stroke patients with their rehabilitation.

 “The funds stay in the local community to help patients who may be our fathers, sisters, neighbours, fellow bowlers or work colleagues.  I couldn’t think of a better outcome for a grants program.”

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Mid North Coast palliative care patients will receive some extra comfort thanks to Yesteryear Truck and Machinery Club’s long-standing support of Wauchope District Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.

The club’s exhibition at the Wauchope Showground on 13-14 July attracted plenty of community support, with the show’s annual auction fundraiser on the Saturday night raising $1110 for the Palliative Care Unit, one of six beneficiaries supported.

Palliative Care Acting Unit Manager Jodi Gallagher and Resident Medical Officer Dr Kate McCulloch gratefully accepted the donation from the club’s Secretary, Greg Cavanagh. The funds will be used to purchase patient comfort items.

“The Show is always a popular event for exhibitors and truck, tractor and machinery enthusiasts and our auction fundraiser was once again well supported by sponsors, club members and visitors,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“We are delighted to be able to continue to support local people by sharing the funds raised with charities, service clubs and other worthy recipients selected by our members.

“Wauchope District Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit provides incredible support to patients and their families from throughout the Hastings and Camden Haven and we are happy to be able to help.”

Ms Gallagher said the donation would help to enhance patient care.

“We are very fortunate to have so many kind and generous people in our community wanting to help our patients,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The Yesteryear Truck and Machinery Club has had a long and generous relationship with Wauchope Hospital and it’s very much appreciated.”

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Cancer patients across the Coffs Coast are enjoying the benefits of getting active with a new cancer-specific exercise program delivering positive health results.

Participants in the eight-week CAN Ex program undertake weekly supervised group exercise sessions with ongoing support and education to aid their recovery and encourage healthy lifestyle changes.

The joint initiative between the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Coffs Harbour and Mid North Coast Physiotherapy has helped participants to improve their strength, flexibility, fitness and fatigue levels.

Mid North Coast Cancer Institute Nursing and Service Development Manager Jill Harrington said the project was making a difference in the lives of local cancer patients.

“We are delighted with the results of this project.  In particular, the results regarding fatigue as this is one of the main challenges that patients on chemotherapeutic treatments experience,” Ms Harrington said.

“This MNCCI initiative involves patients taking back some control and it is lovely that the patient can see the results of their participation.”

Research shows that the introduction of exercise alongside traditional cancer treatment methods, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can improve the effectiveness of these treatments, reduce adverse side effects and the risk of cancer recurrence, and improve immune function.

Mid North Coast Physiotherapy Director Aaron Hardaker said the program had delivered significant results for its recently completed participants, mirroring the outcomes seen in large research studies.

“The results have been really positive,” Mr Hardaker said. “The most impressive part has been the positive changes in attitude of participants to exercising throughout the duration of the program.”

The program is available for all new cancer patients through referral from their oncologist or GP. For more information, contact Paul Killey at the MNCCI Paul.Killey@health.nsw.gov.au or Aaron Hardaker at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy aaron@mncphysio.com.au

Anyone wanting to donate to the program can contact MNCLHD Corporate Relations Coordinator Sharon Fuller on 0417 982 167.

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 When Wauchope’s ‘man of the people’ Ron ‘Rocket’ Turnbull was diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago, he didn’t expect his association with the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute to continue for more than a decade after his treatment.

But continue it did, and this week Rocket and his mates from Hastings Auto Restorers Society handed over their 11^th annual donation to the cancer team, an incredible $7000.

The donation is the result of the auto club’s annual raffle and its popular Swap Meet held every June at Port Macquarie Racecourse.

The classic and vintage car enthusiasts’ donation included a $500 contribution from Port Macquarie SES volunteers, who help Swap Meet visitors with parking. Bunnings, IGA Wauchope, Settlement City, Port Macquarie Racecourse and long-time raffle ticket sellers Ron Turnbull, Peter Denham, Len Colbert and Norma Dwyer, as well as cancer unit staff, also ensured this year’s donation was one of the club’s biggest.

 “The club’s donation just wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for a lot of good people,” Rocket said.

“Everyone understands the importance of this fundraiser because everyone knows someone who has had cancer.

“It may be 12 years since I was a patient at the cancer unit, but I still remember the kindness shown by the MNCCI team, and I remember the financial hardships faced by some patients during their treatment.

“Every dollar raised by Hastings Auto Restorers goes to our local cancer unit so it can continue to provide support to local cancer patients. And it wouldn’t happen without the support of the club, the raffle prize sponsors and the many good people who buy the raffle tickets.”

Acting Nurse Unit Manager Katie Gooch said Mr Turnbull and the car club were generous with their time and energy on behalf of cancer patients.

“Community support makes a huge difference to our patients,” Ms Gooch said.

“It helps us to purchase equipment and patient comfort items, and helps fund food and fuel vouchers for those who need a helping hand while they are receiving treatment.

“Rocket and Hastings Auto Restorers Society members are simply wonderful, and we remain sincerely grateful for their support each year.”

The MNCCI is also the venue for Prostate Cancer Support Group meetings held on the second Thursday of the month between 5 and 6pm.

Meetings are an opportunity for members to support each other through friendship, conversations and the sharing of information.  Partners are also welcome to attend.  

Anyone wanting further information about the support group is encouraged to phone Mr Turnbull on 6585 2051.

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Mary’s Tea House at Bellinger River District Hospital is proving to be such a success that the café will soon add a fourth day to its opening hours, but in order to meet demand, the café needs more volunteers.

Bellingen Pink and Hospital Auxiliary President Deb Anderson is encouraging anyone in the Bellingen and Urunga communities, who want to make new friends while helping their local public hospital, to sign on.

“We have a fantastic group of community-minded volunteers who give their time so that Mary’s Tea House can provide a much-needed service at the hospital,” Ms Anderson said.

“But it’s not all hard work. It’s a lot of fun and extremely satisfying, knowing our café is not only providing fine fare and barista-quality coffees to hospital staff, patients and their loved ones, but it also helps us to fund vital medical equipment for the hospital.

“Every cent of the profits goes toward purchasing medical equipment or patient comfort items that make a patient’s stay in hospital a bit easier. We’re really helping our family members, our neighbours, our friends, or maybe even ourselves.”

Providing volunteers come forward, the café will soon open on Wednesdays, meaning it will open from Monday to Thursday each week.

“Training is offered to new volunteers, so it’s a chance to not only meet some great people, but to learn some new skills,” Ms Anderson said.

“And there’s nothing stopping someone wanting to volunteer from bringing a buddy with them. The more, the merrier.”

The next barista training day will be from 9am on Wednesday, 18 September at Mary’s Tea House in the hospital.

Enquiries can be directed to Lyndall Edsall on 0482 207 529.

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The Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is leading the way in cancer research with specialist staff appearing on the global stage to share findings of clinical trials and programs that are improving healthcare for regional patients.

The dedicated staff from the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute centres at Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie have been invited to prominent national and international conferences to talk about significant research projects.

MNCLHD Director of Research and Knowledge Translation Tony Lower said staff would speak on a range of topics from care options for ovarian cancer, to the integration of vital signs monitoring with electronic medical records and the introduction of new technologies for regional liver treatment.

“These guest speaker engagements will showcase the quality of our research programs and commitment to excellence in healthcare,” Mr Lower said.

“For example, the district’s Director of Cancer Services Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare will present two research papers at an international conference in Chicago next week – the highly prestigious American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) annual meeting which attracts around 10,000 delegates.

“The first paper is an evaluation of patient involvement in choosing their cancer treatment through shared decision-making with their oncologist, while the second presentation will discuss a world first – the outcomes of men from the Mid North Coast using PET scans to help target radiation therapy to the prostate and lymph nodes.
“It is rare to be offered a talk at ASTRO and this confirms the high quality and standard of research work that is being undertaken locally.”

The MNCLHD had been performing important clinical trials and quality assurance programs for about a decade, building on its research and innovation capacity.

“Everything that we do in research is about helping the people in our community by providing world-class locally-based services,” A/Prof Shakespeare said.

“We have also been successful in publishing local research and quality assurance outcomes in peer reviewed scientific journals such as the Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences and Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.”
– ENDS

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Mid North Coast residents are being reminded to avoid handling or touching injured or dead flying foxes or microbats.

In the last month, 10 people have been bitten or scratched after handling flying foxes or microbats across the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts.  

Assistant Director North Coast Public Health Unit, Greg Bell, said members of the community should not handle flying foxes or microbats unless they have been trained, vaccinated against rabies and use the proper protective equipment.

“If you find an injured or distressed flying fox or bat, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Call your local wildlife rescue service,” Mr Bell said.

“Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), while very rare, is a serious infection similar to rabies, that has been found in flying foxes and microbats, including on the North Coast.

“If you are bitten or scratched by a flying fox or bat, immediately wash the wound gently but thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine, and consult a doctor as soon as possible to assess the need for further treatment.”

NSW Health provides post-exposure rabies vaccinations for people in NSW who have been bitten or scratched by bats. This is in addition to routine management of the wound, with proper cleaning reducing the risk of infection.

“In the event of an extreme heat stress or starvation event affecting bat populations, people should follow the directions given by wildlife rescue coordinators,” Mr Bell said.

For more information regarding safely handling flying foxes, visit the NSW Health website https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/flying-foxes.aspx

For more information on Australian Bat Lyssavirus, visit the NSW Health website https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Rabies-Australian-Bat-Lyssavirus-Infection.aspx

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Local breast cancer event volunteers have turned pink merchandising at the annual Mother’s Day Classic into an art form that, year after year, supports cancer patients at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI).

Several members of local breast cancer support group the Pink Girls have combined their efforts with organisers of the Mother’s Day Classic for the volunteer group’s latest donation, four tablet computers with wireless headsets and a docking station, worth $1500, which was presented to the cancer unit this week.

Mother’s Day Classic organiser Kylie Bulmer said this year’s donation was highly practical in that it would provide cancer patients with a much-needed distraction while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

“After talking to the cancer team, we learned not every patient has a tablet or mobile phone they can access during treatment,” Ms Bulmer said.

“The donated tablets mean patients can communicate with family and friends on Facebook, read articles or watch movies while they receive treatment, which helps to pass the time.

“We looked at a range of options and with the assistance of our local Big W team, who really helped us out, we sourced some great tablets and accessories for patients to use.”

The Mother’s Day Classic is a 5km fun run and walk from Westport Park held each May which raises funds for breast cancer research. The volunteer group also hosts an additional fundraising event each year.

Their upcoming Pink High Tea at The Westport Club on 28 September will also support breast cancer research and the MNCCI. Tickets cost $59 and details are available on the Mother’s Day Classic Facebook page.

Pink Girls Tracy Stone and Magalie Lameloise, who sell pink merchandise at the fun run and high tea in support of local MNCCI cancer patients, are members of a support group for about 40 young women living with, and beyond, breast cancer.

Acting Nurse Unit Manager Katie Gooch said the tablets would make a difference to patients who did not own a mobile device.

“Some patients receive treatment for up to four hours in one session, which is a long time to be in a chair, especially if you don’t have a visitor to talk to or a mobile device to interact with.

“The volunteer group’s donation is, once again, very practical and very much appreciated.”

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The Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Cetnaj Coffs Harbour, a division of Metal Manufactures Limited are making a difference to Coffs Harbour Health Campus with the donation of an Intellivue MX450 Monitor with Accessories valued at $22,240 to the Paediatric Unit.

The Intellivue MX450 Monitor with Accessories is a stand-alone monitor which records a sick child’s vital signs – pulse, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiration rate.  The equipment provides immediate and accurate information about a child’s medical condition, which means staff can make the best possible decisions regarding the care and treatment of their young patients.  A Paediatric Unit cannot properly function without equipment of this kind.

“Cetnaj’s support of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the local community in which they operate is immeasurable.  Their support of families in Coffs Harbour means children have access to the latest life-saving medical equipment.  I applaud this contribution to Coffs Harbour Health Campus as it demonstrates Cetnaj’s commitment to the wider community,” said Paul Francis OAM, Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Executive Chairman.

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One of the Mid North Coast’s biggest charity golf days gets underway later this month with the aim of helping local women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Port Macquarie Women’s Golf Club will host its third annual Breast Cancer Charity Golf Day thanks to an enthusiastic army of lady golfers and event sponsor KFC (Port Macquarie and Port Macquarie Service Centre).

Club president Patsy Choo said interest in the charity day was growing each year because participants knew the proceeds would stay in the local community to help local women with breast cancer.

“Many of us have lost a friend or relative to this disease so the opportunity to support women recovering from it simply resonates with everyone,” Ms Choo said.

It’s a sentiment echoed by KFC franchise owner Fran Scutts.

“My family has been part of the Port Macquarie community for almost 30 years and we have a proud history of supporting worthy community projects,” Ms Scutts said.

“The women’s golf club charity day is an event I really look forward to being involved in, both as a sponsor and as a participant on the day. It’s a fun way of getting behind an important issue and an opportunity to say to women with breast cancer that we’re here for you and your family.”

The Mid North Coast Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist, Joanne Woodlands, said Port Macquarie Women’s Golf Club was part of the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute’s team.

“Amazing work in cancer care and treatment is carried out at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute by many people, some of whom work hard in their community to ensure our oncology team has what it needs to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients,” Ms Woodlands said.

“This year’s charity golf day will not only help fund that important support work with patients, but it is also an opportunity to remind everyone that breast cancer affects one in eight women and that 90 per cent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

“It’s an opportunity to talk about breast cancer and to talk about the best way to beat it – early detection through screening.

“I’m very grateful to the women’s golf club for hosting this important charity day and for the opportunities that come with it – to do some really positive things in our community for women with breast cancer.”

Port Macquarie Women’s Golf Club will host its Breast Cancer Charity Golf Day on Wednesday 30 October at Port Macquarie Golf Club. Book entries and carts through the Pro Shop on 6582 0784, and for further information about the charity day, email Captain Jackie Rider at pmwg.captain@gmail.com.

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BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women to get together with a friend to book a mammogram during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to boost screening rates and save lives.

More than one in eight women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but almost half of women aged 50-74 are not getting their recommended two yearly mammograms.

BreastScreen NSW North Coast Director Jane Walsh said that by taking the time to talk to a friend about screening and arranging to go for a mammogram together, you could not only save her life, but your own.

“We know there are many reasons why women might be missing their recommended mammogram – they put it off because they are too busy, they are nervous about going, or nervous about the results,” Ms Walsh said.

“By encouraging a friend to go with them, women can ensure that making the appointment becomes a priority. It also means that they will have someone to support them on the day, and as they get the results.”

Figures from the Cancer Institute NSW, show that on the Mid North Coast 217 of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow explained that around 60 per cent of breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50-74, which is why screening is so important for women in this age group.

“Our research shows that a lot of women believe that breast cancer will never happen to them. We want Mid North Coast, women particularly those between the ages of 50 and 74, to be aware that breast cancer can happen to them, but that if caught at the earliest stage, can be successfully treated in almost all cases,” Professor Currow said.

“A regular mammogram every two years is the best way for women in this age group to find breast cancer early. By detecting breast cancer early, breast screening not only saves lives but also reduces the likelihood of a woman needing invasive treatment, such as a mastectomy or chemotherapy.

“We have come a long way with cancer treatment but the reality is still that the more extensive the cancer is, the more it can diminish quality of life.”

An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free and takes about 20 minutes in total. In addition to 46 BreastScreen sites, BreastScreen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, including in rural and remote areas.

To book a mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW, please phone 13 20 50. You can search for your nearest BreastScreen NSW service or book online by visiting book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au

BreastScreen NSW is located at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Coffs Harbour Health Campus and at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The mobile unit will be at South West Rocks from 18 November to 9 December.

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The Hastings community will march together in a united show of support for their right to feel safe at night at the annual Reclaim the Night event on Thursday, 24 October 2019 at Wauchope.

Reclaim the Night is a community partnership event led by the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD), Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, TAFE NSW, Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service and Headspace. The march brings together people with different backgrounds and experiences to raise awareness of the right that all people have to feel safe and free from violence in their community.

MNCLHD Domestic Violence Prevention Educator Renee Bell said the event provided an opportunity for community members to take a stance against violence, in a public sphere, creating gentle dialogue about the need to shift responsibility from the victim, in particular, violence against women.

“Violence against women is a whole of community issue, the more you question or challenge it, the more you change community attitudes.

“The march is a show of our community strength and a collective demand for freedom from violence and harassment. We all have the right to feel safe at night, no matter where we are, what we are wearing or if we are walking on our own”, Ms Bell said.

Local craft and community groups have donated their time to knit, crochet and sew almost 100 pussycat hats, which will be available at the event for a gold coin donation, with proceeds going to Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre.

“The pussycat hat is a symbol of solidarity for women’s rights, this year we are also tying in the Seeing Red violence prevention campaign, saying NO to violence in all relationships.”

Reclaim the Night is a family event, welcoming the entire community, and will include live music by Sharon Noble and the Little Ripper Band and a free barbecue in Bain Park Wauchope from 6pm. The march will begin at approximately 6.45pm and will proceed from Bain Park down along High Street and back.

Paper lanterns decorated by Wauchope Public School students will be available to use along the march.

“March for your friends and family, your colleagues, and for your sons and daughters. Stand up and speak out against violence and abuse,” Ms Bell said.

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Macksville’s big day out, the Garden Gala and Markets Day, has delivered an impressive $6000 to the BowraMacksville hospital volunteers.

The donation will help the United Hospital Auxiliary (UHA) branch fund vital medical equipment and patient comfort items for the new Macksville Hospital.

BowraMacksville UHA President Isabelle Hooper said the donation was “truly wonderful”.

“We are very appreciative of the donation, and all the efforts of the Gala organisers and wider community,” she said.

“This is grass roots support, and it makes a huge difference to anyone who stays, visits or works at the hospital.”

The donation was the proceeds of the annual garden day, hosted by the Nambucca River District Agricultural Association last November.

Association stalwart and event organiser May Harris said the funds were raised through the main raffle and donation buckets at the gate.

“It was another great day with a good turnout of stallholders and lots of community support given we’d just had the bushfires,” Ms Harris said.

“So a big thank you to everyone who gave, and well done to the hospital staff who did a great job manning the buckets and selling raffle tickets.

“The event is a fantastic day that brings the valley together for the benefit of the community.

“And everyone is excited about the new hospital, which is so important for the district. We get so much support because people know that we are fundraising for equipment for it.”

The latest Garden Gala and Markets Day brings the event’s fundraising total for Macksville Hospital to more than $46,000 over the years. This year’s show will be held at the Macksville Showground on 31 October.

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Wauchope’s Bago Tavern has delivered welcomed support to children being cared for at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

The tavern’s owners, Peter and Judy Bugden, wanted to give back to the community and decided a toy raffle in the lead up to Christmas was the perfect fundraiser for the base hospital’s Paediatric Unit.

They purchased $2000 worth of toys, and were supported by Hastings Co-op, Wauchope Seafoods, Balmoor Distributors and The Big Banana who also donated raffle prizes. John and Pam Smith made a significant donation and the tavern’s patrons and visitors joined the fundraising effort by purchasing tickets.

The result was a $2625.60 donation, delivered to Paediatric Nursing Unit Manager Kym MacCullagh this week.

“Our Paediatric team is very grateful for the support because every dollar donated helps us buy equipment and patient comfort items for the youngsters we care for,” Ms MacCullagh said.

Mr Bugden said the idea for the fundraiser came from a desire to give back to the community.

“We wanted to do something for others, but we also wanted to keep it local,” Mr Bugden said.

“We came up with two options – children who are in hospital and families who need palliative care services – so we decided to support both.

“Our Christmas raffle will help paediatric services at the base hospital and our upcoming Easter raffle will support palliative care patients at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital.”

Mr Bugden said he hoped the tavern’s visitors would get behind the seafood and Easter egg raffle, the details for which would soon be on Bago Tavern’s Facebook page.

“We really are looking forward to making these two fundraisers annual events that everyone can look forward to and support in the knowledge that every dollar raised will help the services that support children and the seriously ill,” Mr Bugden said.

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A new pilot project being implemented on the Mid North Coast thanks to a grant from the NSW Government’s My Community Project – Healthy Communities, will begin at Coffs Harbour Health Campus this week.

The project is the brainchild of talented local musician and community arts facilitator Stephanie Sims who had heard about a similar project in the State’s Central West and approached Arts Mid North Coast to sponsor the project locally.

“An important element of the project is to provide local musicians with further employment opportunities and, in doing so, benefit some of the most vulnerable patients in our community,” Ms Sims said. 

In collaboration with Registered Music Therapist Bonnie Nilsson, an intensive training program has been created to educate the musicians on how music can be effectively administered in a hospital environment to achieve greater therapeutic health outcomes. 

Coffs Harbour Health Campus has always supported arts-based projects, however this is the first time that a project with a greater emphasis on training has been implemented.

To ensure long term sustainability of the project, a partnership has been established with the University of Southern Queensland who have generously donated their time to evaluate the project and create new research in the field of music in health.

Ms Nilsson said music programs of this type have been steadily on the increase so it was important for her that the musicians had a level of training to understand the full potency of their art form.

“Music can be purposefully used to enhance the auditory environment and also to calm or stimulate patients’ biological responses in consideration of their illness,” she said.

Music therapy as a profession largely grew out of the need for a college curriculum after World War II when injured musicians were regularly performing in hospitals. The Mid North Coast project aims to re-establish this long-held belief of the use of the arts in health to aid recovery, as well as further employment opportunities for local musicians.   

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The BreastScreen NSW mobile van is returning to Nambucca Shire this month to provide free mammograms to eligible women.

The mobile unit will be located in Nambucca Heads from 2 March until 12 March 2020 in Bellwood Park, off Riverside Drive. The service is free and there’s no referral needed.

A mammogram can pick-up cancers that cannot be seen or felt. In NSW, one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women over 50 years, a mammogram is the most effective method of finding breast cancer early.

Director BreastScreen NSW (North Coast) Jane Walsh says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women aged 50-74 can do for their health.

“A mammogram every two years takes just 20 minutes and it could save your life,” she said.

Many women believe they aren’t at risk of breast cancer because there’s no family history of the disease.

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. This is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.”

Ms Walsh said having a BreastScreen NSW van in Nambucca Heads makes it easier for women to attend their recommended two-yearly screening. 

“Bringing these vital services to the Nambucca Shire means more local women can participate and receive support,” she said. “Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority.”

BreastScreen NSW mobile vans include the latest digital mammography technology and secure wireless communication system. The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is investing $62.2 million in breast cancer screening this financial year.

Book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW via 13 20 50 or email: book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au

Year-round screening services are available at BreastScreen NSW clinics at Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

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The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging residents and visitors to the Mid North Coast to take extra precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites after detections of the mosquito-borne Ross River virus in the region.

Acting Public Health Director Dr Jane Jelfs said autumn was a peak time of year for mosquitoes to carry infections.

“Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways,” she said.

“There is no treatment for these viruses so the best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten.”

Steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:

• When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
• Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin.
• Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.
• Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
• When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.

Symptoms of Ross River virus include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints, typically within three weeks of being bitten. They can subside after several days but some people may experience them for weeks or even months.

“People should see their doctor if they experience these symptoms,” Dr Jelfs said.

More information about mosquito-borne infections is available on the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mosquito.aspx

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The sound of song is reverberating across Coffs Harbour each Thursday as people with Parkinson’s Disease and their carers participate in a specialised singing program.

Led by Music Therapist Bonnie Nilsson, the ‘Parkinson’s Voice Program’ is funded by the Coffs Harbour Rotary Daybreak in a partnership between Parkinson’s NSW, the Younger Person’s Parkinson’s Support Group, University of Newcastle and the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) to improve the quality of life of participants.

Communication impairment is one of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, significantly affecting quality of life. Singing shares many of the neural networks and structural mechanisms used during speech and, thus, has potential for therapeutic application to address speech disorders.

MNCLHD Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Vince Carroll said up to 90 per cent of people living with Parkinson’s experience speech and communication disorders yet few seek help.

“The local Parkinson’s support group program aims to improve health outcomes such as vocal intensity, speech intelligibility and respiratory output,” he said.

“Singing in a group context also enables social connection, increases in conversation, and shared emotional states, which facilitate empathy, cohesion, and bonding.”

The next session will be held in the Lifehouse Church in Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour from 1pm to 2.30pm on Thursday, 12 March.

The session will include 30 minutes of high intensity music-based vocal exercises, a sing-a-long with everyone’s favourite songs, the chance to sing solo, and 30 minutes of social interaction and conversation practice over morning tea.

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition which affects the brain’s ability to control movement and may also be associated with other symptoms including mood, depression and anxiety. There is no cure.

For further information, contact Vince Carroll, Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mid North Coast Local Health District on 6659 2300.

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