All health articles
Super health link
Saturday, 18th May, 2013
By Andrew Robertson
As construction of the city’s superclinic reaches the half way point, talks are underway between its owners and other health care providers to create a “comprehensive health network”.
Dr Funmi Komolafe, who co-owns Outback Family Practice which is building the superclinic in Thomas Street, said the soon-to-be expanded practice and region’s major health care providers are “exploring ways” of working together.
She said discussions were centered around the co-sharing of services as well as avoiding their duplication.
“We are exploring ways of working together and ... collaboratively working towards a comprehensive health network for Broken Hill,” Dr Komolafe told the BDT yesterday.
Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Service, the RFDS, Far West Medicare Local and the hospital were involved in the talks which were also aimed at filling any gaps in services and creating “a clear referral pathway” to each other.
The discussions reflect the growing importance and influence of the practice which Dr Komolafe confirmed was set to become “a major provider” of health care services to the region.
She said it was also keen to forge ties with the Sydney University Department of Rural Health as a means of increasing recruitment and retention of doctors to the region.
“We have a major focus on education and training of doctors and hope to work with the university and other providers to make sure this happens,” Dr Komolafe said.
“We hope to attract the full range of allied health care providers as well.”
She said the practice would soon embark on a large recruitment drive to ensure that “all aspects of multidisciplinary care are represented” in the clinic.
Work on the $7 million superclinic began late last year and completion is expected to be in late October or early November, according to Dr Komolafe.
“It’s getting close to the mid point of construction.
“Everything is on track. The builders are working very hard and sometimes on weekends to ensure the timetable is being followed.”
Dr Komolafe said representatives from the Department of Health were in the city a couple of weeks ago to check on the superclinic and the renovation of the practice’s South clinic, and were satisfied with the progress.
A pharmacy and cafe will be housed with in the superclinic along with radiology and pathology services.
“We are very close to concluding negotiations for co-tenants,” the doctor said.
The practice is operating out of a temporary building until the superclinic is finished.
Meanwhile, work to expand the South clinic, which will have its own pathology service, is expected to be finished in a couple of weeks.
A welcome boost to the nursing ranks
Wednesday, 6th February, 2013
The BH Hospital’s new registered nurses (front, from left) Paige Nash, Cherie Follett, Kirby Purcell, Anne Ball, Kristy Kelly, Amanda Everett, Jessica D-Apice, Alysha Stubbs, Donna Stevenson, Karen Ball, Hannah Miller and Tamara Montgomery
By Erica Visser
Fourteen registered nurses will start their careers at the Broken Hill Hospital this year.
Twelve of the new graduates started with the Health Service at an orientation session this week. The other two will begin in August as part of a "middle intake" program.
Director of Nursing, Dale Sutton, said that the number of new nurses was higher than in previous years.
When baby talk is no laughing matter
Wednesday, 6th February, 2013
Speech pathologist Olwen Morgen expects demand for her skills to be high given the growing prevalence of speech problems in children.
By Kurtis J Eichler
After 26 years of helping children with speaking difficulties in Europe and Africa, speech pathologist Olwen Morgen has decided to settle in Broken Hill.
Following a brief stint in the hospital's speech pathology unit two years ago, Ms Morgen is setting up a permanent practice at the Morgan Street Allied Health Service.
The Zimbabwe-raised pathologist specialises in paediatrics for infants up to 18 months old. She also works with children suffering from autistic spectrum disorder and a range of learning difficulties.
Health minister visits city
Monday, 26th November, 2012
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek with local doctor Funmi Komolafe.
By Emily Roberts
The recent visit by the Federal Health Minister shows the government's commitment to health in Broken Hill, according to the city's Deputy Mayor and Labor Branch President.
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek visited the city over the weekend and during her stay she attended the new GP Super Clinic site, the University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Butterflies deliver important message
Friday, 23rd November, 2012
Social Worker Susan Peisto, Mental Health Clinician Michele Williams, Jodie Miller from the Community Mental Health Team, Community Midwife Amanda Clark, and Child and Family Health Nurse Donna Gers at a Postnatal Depression information stand in the Town Square yesterday.
By Gayle Ball
The need to provide support for young families was one of the key messages delivered to locals yesterday as part of Postnatal Depression Week.
More than 3,000 butterfly cut-outs have been used around town this week to draw people to the main message that postnatal depression should not be hidden.
The Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) and Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation handed out the butterflies to visitors to their information stand in the Town Square.
