Central Coast Health in Gosford, New South Wales | Medical and health

Central Coast Health

Locality: Gosford, New South Wales

Phone: 4320 2111

Address: Holden Street 2250 Gosford, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/

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25.01.2022 LOOKING FOR WORK? | Want to know more about employment opportunities available with Central Coast Local Health District? We are taking part in a virtual jobs fair where we will be showcasing employment opportunities and looking to connect with locals looking for work. Our staff and reps from other organisations across a range of industries will be available to discuss job opportunities and career options on the Central Coast. There will also be a number of online workshops t...hroughout the day to help you get job ready and secure your next role. The virtual jobs fair will take place on Wednesday 30 September. You can log in online anytime between 9.30am-1.30pm from the comfort of your own home. For more information or to register please visit: https://www.employment.gov.au/CentralCoastVJF

23.01.2022 MALNUTRITION AWARENESS | Did you know that one third of adults admitted to hospital are malnourished? You are also twice as likely to have a hospital acquired complication, like a pressure injury, fall or chest infection, if you are malnourished. That is why our Dietitians are raising awareness about the condition this week as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week (6 to 9 October 2020).... Malnutrition is often thought of as something that only affects the elderly, but it can come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes affecting the most unlikely of people. It occurs when a person does not consume enough energy or protein for their body’s needs. This can be due to increased nutritional needs while being unwell, or not eating enough. Some warning signs of malnutrition include: losing weight without meaning to, eating less than usual or a reduced appetite, having to tighten your belt buckle or noticing clothing or jewellery becoming looser. If you are experiencing these signs, talk to your GP or Community Nurse and ask them to complete a Nutrition Risk Screen. If you have a positive score, you may benefit from seeing a Dietitian. You can find out more about our nutrition services here: www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services/nutrition

23.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE | We are providing care and support to a third Central Coast resident who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. As this person had been identified as a household contact of a previous Central Coast case linked to the Avalon cluster, they were already isolating at home before becoming infectious. There is therefore no risk to the community and no venues of concern to alert people to. This person remains in self-isolation at home, with health staff undertaking dai...ly wellness checks. ************ Remember: If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, please get tested immediately. If you do need to get tested, it is important that you isolate right away, even if you have the slightest of symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell. Our COVID-19 testing clinics, located at Gosford and Wyong hospitals are open every day over the Christmas and New Year period, including public holidays: Gosford Hospital: From 29 December 3 January the Gosford clinic will be open from 9am to 3pm. From Monday 4 January 2021, the clinic will resume normal hours which are 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends. The clinic is located at 75 Holden Street, Gosford. Bookings are encouraged on 4320 5055, however walk-ins are accepted. Wyong Hospital: From 29 December until 3 January, the Wyong clinic will be open from 9am to 3pm. From Monday 4 January 2021, the clinic will resume normal hours which are 9am to 5pm 7 days a week. Bookings are encouraged on 4394 9200, however walk-ins are accepted. For a full list of COVID-19 clinics and opening times, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-a/clinics For the latest advice and information about COVID-19 visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

23.01.2022 KNOW YOUR LIMITS | What are you up to this long weekend? Have fun, relax and enjoy while being COVID safe. If you’re having people over at your home, please remember to limit your visitors up to 20 visitors, including adults and children, may visit another household at any one time. A member of the household is not counted as a visitor. If you’re catching up with friends or family outdoors, small groups are key - limit your group to no more than 20 people as a precautio...n. The best protection against COVID-19 is to know your limits and do the following: Keep 1.5 metres apart. Wash your hands regularly. If you’re unwell, stay home and get tested immediately our COVID-19 clinics are open this long weekend. Wear a mask if you will be in a situation where it will be a challenge to physically distance. It is important to still try to physically distance if you are wearing a mask. Keep up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 advice by visiting: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 For information on our COVID-19 clinics visit: : https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au//central-coast-local-/

21.01.2022 LOUD SHIRTS HIGHLIGHT SILENT STRUGGLES | It was a colourful Friday across our hospitals and health care facilities as our staff celebrated Loud Shirt Fairy Floss Friday. An annual event created by our staff for our staff, Loud Shirt Fairy Floss Friday aims to raise awareness about the high rates of mental illness amongst healthcare professionals and looks to encourage staff to seek help if they are finding it difficult to cope. While we were unable to gather in large groups t...o enjoy fairy floss as we would usually, COVID-19 did not stop us from connecting with each other and spreading the message that help is out there - while donning our best and brightest. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 131 114. For more information on Loud Shirt Fairy Floss Friday, including resources for those in need, visit: https://www.fairyflossfriday.com/

21.01.2022 COASTIES CARE | From our operating theatres to our office spaces, our nurses and environmental services staff at Gosford Hospital enjoyed some lovely care packs recently, filled with delicious snacks and pamper products. Thank you to all the students and teachers from St Philips Christian College for the special delivery! We are so lucky to have such a supportive and generous community.

21.01.2022 COVID-SAFE BEACHES | Here on the Coast we are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful beaches. If you're heading to the beach to escape the heat, please follow this advice from NSW Health to stay COVID-safe.

21.01.2022 OUR PEOPLE | Meet Paige, one of our star Mental Health Occupational Therapists (OTs). Paige helps older patients in Wyong Hospital to re-build the skills they need for everyday living. This might mean doing something a little differently than before, learning new skills, or getting some support for a while to help regain their independence. I love my job. I love getting to know people their stories and what they value. I love seeing their face light up when they talk abou...t the things they used to love doing, or the things that are really important to them. I get to work creatively with people to overcome the challenges and barriers that may be holding them back from doing those things again. It could be cooking, or catching the bus, or getting back to participating in a hobby or social activity that brings a sense of enjoyment or satisfaction to life. OTs work holistically, especially in mental health. Every single person needs a different approach even if they have the same diagnosis, because as an OT, it’s about focusing on what’s important to each individual. That’s what keeps it super interesting and keeps you on your toes. One day you might be in the role of a teacher, the next their friend, the next their cheerleader. On the tougher days you hold hope, remind them that recovery is possible, and stick with them through the ups and downs. Every day I am inspired by the strength and resilience of the people I meet. The ability and determination of people to keep moving forward in the face of adversity is incredible. Being human can be hard, but every day I witness the ability of humans to do brave and incredible things and that makes it all worth it. #THISISOT

21.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE | We are providing care and support to a fourth Central Coast resident who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. As this person had been identified as a close contact of a case linked to the Avalon cluster, they were already isolating at home before becoming infectious. This person’s household contact was also already isolating at home. There is therefore no risk to the community and no venues of concern to alert people to. This person and their household contac...t remain in self-isolation at home, with health staff undertaking daily wellness checks. ************ Remember: If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, please get tested immediately. If you do need to get tested, it is important that you isolate right away, even if you have the slightest of symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell. To help more people in our community get tested we have extended the opening hours of our COVID-19 clinics at Gosford and Wyong hospitals. From tomorrow, 31 December until 3 January both clinics will open from 8am to 6pm. Both clinics are open on New Year’s Day. Gosford Hospital 75 Holden Street, Gosford. Bookings are encouraged on 4320 5055, however walk-ins are accepted. Wyong Hospital Building C (opposite the Health Services Building). Bookings are encouraged 4394 9200, however walk-ins are accepted. For a full list of COVID-19 clinics and opening times, including other Central Coast clinics, please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au//covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx For the latest advice and information about COVID-19 visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

20.01.2022 CARERS CONQUERING COVID | Being a carer is a commitment. One that does not stop, even in a pandemic. That is why continued support for carers is so important and that is what we are highlighting as part of Carers Week (11 to 17 October 2020). While some of our face-to-face carer support programs had to be placed on hold during the height of COVID-19 on the Central Coast, our Carer Support Unit have continued to provide remote support safely through one-to-one phone consultat...ions and welfare checks, as well as regular Wellness Communications via email and post. Over the past few weeks, we have been delighted to have our regular programs start to resume, including our face-to-face consultations and tai chi sessions. Geoff and Terri (pictured) have been particularly grateful to be back at tai chi saying: While it looks a bit different with masks in use, it still provides much needed relief. The tai chi we do is a gentle form of exercise in a relaxed atmosphere. We also have a good laugh and chat over a cuppa and thoroughly enjoy the hour. A carer is a family member or friend who provides support to a person who is living with a disability, a mental health or chronic health condition, or someone who is frail aged. It is important to note that a carer is not someone in a paid position, such as an aged/disability care worker or volunteer who may assist with personal care, shopping. If you are a carer, there is support available. Nationally, the Carer Gateway website offers all sorts of information and advice and can arrange free counselling with a qualified counsellor. For more information call 1800 422 737 or go to https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ Locally, you can find information and support at our Carers Retreat at 91 Holden Street, Gosford (parking is available on site) or you can call our Carer Support Unit on 4320 5556. You can also find out more about our services for carers and other local supports on our website: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/patients-and-visitors//

19.01.2022 HEALTHY HABITS QUIZ | Ever wondered just how healthy your lifestyle is? Now you can take the healthy habits quiz on NSW Health's new Healthy Eating Active Living website to find out. The quiz will identify where you might be able to make changes to lead a healthier lifestyle, as well as signpost you to any further help and support that’s out there including free programs around healthy eating, getting active, and improving wellbeing; free lunchbox planning ideas and recipes, plus much more. To take the quiz visit www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/finding-new-normal/quiz or check out some of the other helpful resources on the site

16.01.2022 HEALTHY EATING ACTIVE LIVING | Changing your routine and getting the whole family on board can seem like a challenge. But there are small steps you can take that will have a big impact on you and your family’s health and wellbeing. @NewSouthWalesHealth's new Healthy Eating Active Living website is full of great resources, tips and helpful information on how you can live a healthy lifestyle. Visit the ‘Getting started’ page for some simple changes that could become part of your day-to-day routine: www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au//getting-started-for-family.a

15.01.2022 SEEKING CULTURAL ARTIST | Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist living on Darkinjung country? We would love to hear from you. As part of our development of the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute at our Gosford Hospital precinct with the University of Newcastle, we are looking for Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists living on Darkinjung country who are interested in having their work displayed in the Ins...titute. As a place of learning and teaching, the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute would like to celebrate this region through art, ensure the land’s first peoples are acknowledged and recognised, and celebrate and cement a strong connection between the Darkinjung community and the Institute. For more information on the project and how to submit your Expression of Interest visit: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/research-and-learning// For any questions, please contact Gillean Shaw, Art Curator, University of Newcastle at [email protected] or 4985 4910. Thank you to Molly Malungka Yates for allowing us to showcase her artwork, entitled Ngaanyatjarra, as part of this Facebook post.

14.01.2022 KEEPING US SAFE | These superstars are from our Infection Prevention and Control Unit. They work tirelessly to minimise infection risks for our staff, patients, carers and visitors and have gone above and beyond to keep everyone safe during these unprecedented times. In the early stages of the pandemic they worked rapidly to equip our staff with the skills, equipment and reassurance they needed to safely care for patients, and they continue to provide an incredible amount of ...advice and assistance. This week is International Infection Prevention Week and while we wanted to celebrate by thanking them for the amazing work they do, they of course, wanted take the opportunity to remind everyone how to stay safe during COVID-19: Clean your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or use your elbow, not your hands. Avoid close contact with people unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, and if you have symptoms stay home and get tested immediately. Avoid touching your face and avoid shaking hands with others. Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others (pool noodles not required ). Wear a mask when in places where you can’t physically distance. See more

14.01.2022 NAIDOC WEEK | It has been a colourful and educational week across our hospitals and healthcare facilities as our teams celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of NAIDOC Week. Our staff donned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs and colours, spaces were decorated, smoking ceremonies and Aboriginal art sessions took place in our Mental Health Centres and Drug and Alcohol Units, and our Aboriginal Health... teams provided resources and information to patients, families and staff at stalls held across Gosford, Wyong and Woy Woy Hospitals and Long Jetty Healthcare Centre. We also launched our Aboriginal Cultural Space at Gosford Hospital and unveiled our new display at the entrance of the hospital which features an Acknowledgement to Country, the National Apology and an amazing Aboriginal artwork by local artist Jenni McEwen. You can watch the virtual event here: https://youtu.be/njafVZQEpvg Thank you to all involved! For more information on the importance of NAIDOC Week visit: www.naidoc.org.au

13.01.2022 VISITOR RESTRICTIONS EASING AT EDs | Starting tomorrow, patients attending our Emergency Departments can be accompanied by one support person. On arrival, each support person will be asked to: *Sanitise their hands *Wear a mask (their own or provided by us) *Keep a 1.5m distance from others... *Register their name, phone number and reason for visiting at the hospital entry screening point or via a QR code provided. Our clinicians will advise if it is possible to accompany the patient into treatment areas depending on their condition, treatment required and available space. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work toward easing restrictions in a COVID safe way.

12.01.2022 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN | Each year we hold a memorial service to remember a person we care about who has died. This year our memorial service, a ‘Celebration of Life’, will be held online. We encourage you to join us from the comfort of your own home, and take a moment to remember the person you love. We will be lighting our candles for those we have lost, and invite you to do the same.

12.01.2022 KIND COMPANIONSHIP | After immigrating from Malaysia with his family to find safety and security in Australia, Eric now spends his retirement giving back. I’ve been a volunteer at Gosford Hospital for five years now, initially working in the respiratory ward and now in the geriatric ward. I provide company to patients who may not have many visitors. I enjoy a chat and especially love to sit and listen to the stories patients tell me, finding out about their lives and provid...ing assistance at meal times if required. I find my role uplifting and love to meet all kinds of people. One of the most memorable memories I have was spending time with a non-verbal patient. I remained at her bedside providing a sort of silent companionship. When the time finally came for her to be discharged, she raised her head and gave me the most beautiful smile that spoke a thousand thank yous! We’re so lucky to have such wonderful and caring volunteers like Eric. Thank you for all that you do!

12.01.2022 DELIVERING DIGNITY | That is what our new Mental Health Op Shops aim do. These safe spaces that have been set up at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals allow mental health patients to access good quality second-hand clothing and new underwear, socks and footwear free-of-charge during an unexpected admission. They are designed to support patients and to give them dignity when they are at their most vulnerable by giving them their own choice of what to wear in our inpatient units and a...ccess to clean basics. Thanks to the generosity of staff, community members and community managed organisations, we have been able to keep our op shops stocked. If you would like to contribute to this initiative, the Mental Health team are in most need of new underwear, socks and bras for patients, but are also accepting good quality second-hand clothing and shoes too. All new and second-hand donated items are washed by our wonderful volunteers prior to being made available in op shops. If you would like to donate, please contact Niki Wardrope, Mental Health Activities Manager at [email protected] Pictured: Some of our Mental Health team making sure our Op Shop items are good quality and clean.

12.01.2022 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Meet Kate, Clinical Nurse Specialist. Kate supports people on the road to recovery from long term mental health issues; helping them regain their confidence and independence so they can enjoy being part of their communities again. I have always been very passionate about mental health and the impact it has on people’s lives. I’ve been doing this job for 12 years it’s the only thing I’ve wanted to do as a nurse. I know that so many people have strugg...led during this pandemic, but I also think it brought us together in a lot of ways. We are all so busy these days and I think it forced us to really slow down and think about what is important. We took the time to check in with each other; to make sure others were ok, to try and lift their spirits and let people know we cared. Our local coffee shop put up a sign thanking nurses for the work we’re doing; saying we’re doing a great job. It was a small gesture but it really helped to remind us that the work we do is so worthwhile. A lot of elderly and immunosuppressed people couldn’t leave their homes so I would drop extra toilet paper at their house, or pick up groceries for friends with new babies. Even making a simple call to check in with our clients was so important, as that may have been the only contact they’d had all day. For a lot of people, we are the only support they have. I love building long term, therapeutic relationships with people; they feel cared for, and you know you have a real impact on their lives. #WorldMentalHealthDay2020 See more

11.01.2022 HAVE YOUR SAY | Have you been supported by, or cared for someone who has used our health services in the community setting? We’re talking about community services like Community Nursing, Community Mental Health services, Child and Family Health services, Drug and Alcohol services, Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Aged Health Care services among others. If the answer is yes, we want to hear from you.... We know that listening to people who use our services is the best way to understand their experiences and learn how we can make health care better. That is why our District’s Health Planning team are inviting you to participate in a short survey to help us shape the future of our community health services. The survey is anonymous, will take about five to ten minutes to complete and will close on 15 November: https://qars.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/Survey If you have trouble accessing the link, please copy and paste it into a Google Chrome window. Thank you for your help!

11.01.2022 TEST EARLY, STAY SAFE | Everyone plays an important role in keeping our community safe. If you notice any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s best to get tested immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away or get worse COVID-19 can spread within 24 hours. Testing is quick, free and easy, and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, p...lease come forward for testing right away. Our COVID-19 clinics at Gosford and Wyong are open every day. Bookings are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Find out more about COVID-19 symptoms and our clinics here: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au//central-coast-local-/ We’re all in this together. Let’s continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community by washing our hands regularly, ensuring we keep 1.5 metres apart, wearing a mask in situations where physical distancing is a challenge, and getting tested if we’re unwell.

11.01.2022 Have you heard about the 'Thirsty? Choose Water!' program? The research program is the first of its kind in Australia, looking at the consumption habits, attitudes and knowledge of our secondary school students regarding water and sugary drinks. It’s a no brainer that water is an ideal drink choice for our children, so we’re calling on you to help create positive change for our kids. ... Check out our new Thirsty? Choose Water! website and explore the wide range of handy resources for parents, carers, teachers and students from fact sheets and top tips, to videos, a sugar consumption calculator, a free and fun educational game for kids, and heaps more! www.choosewater.com.au #Thirstychoosewater #Choosewater #TCW #Everysipcounts #Drinkme #CCLHD #HealthykidsNSW #NSWhealth #stayhydrated #TCWgame #AquaSprint

10.01.2022 LOCATION CHANGE | Our free childhood immunisation drop in clinic scheduled to start from Tuesday 5 January 2021 at Woy Woy has moved to the below location until further notice: Gateway Child Health Centre, Level 1, 237 Mann Street, Gosford. The drop in clinic will run from 9am to 12 midday. ... For enquiries, please call 4328 7900. For more information on our Child and Family Health services visit: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au//child-and-family-hea/

09.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE | A Central Coast resident returning from overseas has tested positive for COVID-19 while in hotel quarantine in Sydney. The resident has been in isolation in hotel quarantine since arriving in Australia. Health staff are undertaking daily wellness checks and they will be released from isolation once health staff confirm that the infection has cleared. While this case does not present any ongoing risk to the community, people are reminded to monitor their he...alth. If you experience any symptoms, no matter how mild, please come forward for testing immediately, then isolate until you receive a negative result. Testing is quick, free, and easy. Local COVID-19 testing is available at: Gosford Hospital 75 Holden Street, Gosford, 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends, bookings are encouraged on 4320 5055 however walk-ins are accepted. Wyong Hospital Building C (opposite the Health Services Building), 9am to 5pm daily, bookings are encouraged on 4394 9200 however walk-ins are accepted. For a full list of COVID-19 clinics across the state, please visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.../covi.../Pages/clinics.aspx For the latest advice and information about COVID-19 visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

09.01.2022 OUR PEOPLE | This week we are celebrating our wonderful Occupational Therapists (OTs) for the important work they do for so many local families. OTs support people to participate in a range of functional activities (or 'occupations') that they find meaningful. This might mean they help: a hospital patient to toilet, wash, dress, eat and drink independently ... a stroke survivor to re-learn how to budget, shop, cook, and access transport a person with chronic pain to understand, manage and control their pain in everyday tasks a child to manage their sensory struggles so they can feed themselves, brush their teeth, go to school a wheelchair user to have specialised seating support and pressure care for their skin plus so much more! This International Occupational Therapy Week, we thank our talented OTs for helping people to live a life of meaning and value, no matter what challenges they are facing. Thank you for the difference you are making in our community. #THISISOT

07.01.2022 COVID-SAFE HALLOWEEN | Are you ready for the spookiest time of the year? This year, there is more to consider than what costume you are going to wear. Here are our top tips for making sure you stay COVID-safe this Halloween: Stay home if you have symptoms and get tested immediately. Celebrate outside, don’t go to people’s front door. Carry hand sanitiser with you and use it regularly.... Stay in small groups. Stay 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with. Use a disposable bag for trick-or-treating and throw it out afterwards. Stay local, avoid crowded treat streets. Only accept treats that are individually wrapped. Don’t share your treats with others from different households. For more information visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.../halloween-advice.aspx

06.01.2022 EARLY SCREENING MEANS OPTIMAL VISION | Have you had your four-year-old’s eyesight checked? Having their eyes checked before they start school is important to detect and treat any potential problems affecting their vision, some of which could impact their education and development. We are reminding all parents today, on World Sight Day.... Because children rarely complain of eye problems and often don’t realise they can’t see properly, the only way to tell if your child has a vision problem is to have their eyesight tested. Your child’s vision can be tested for free by the NSW Health Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening program better known as StEPS. Our StEPS screeners visit preschools and early childhood education centres across the Central Coast. Your child can also have their vision tested at a local catchup StEPS clinic, at a NSW Health Child and Family Health service or with your GP. For more on our local StEPS program visit: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au//c/vision-assessments/

06.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE | A Central Coast resident returning from overseas has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident was diagnosed in a quarantine hotel in Sydney, where they have remained in isolation since arriving in Australia. The person will be released from isolation once it is confirmed that the infection has cleared. Health staff are undertaking daily wellness checks while the resident is in hotel quarantine and they are doing well. There are no close contacts of this... case. There is no ongoing risk to the community in relation to this case. Please remember, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, please get tested immediately. For more information on where to get tested please visit: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au//central-coast-local/ For the latest advice and information about COVID-19 visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 See more

06.01.2022 NEXT GENERATION INSPIRATION | What inspired your career choice? We asked our undergraduate student nurses and midwives, studying at the The University of Newcastle, Australia and completing placements at our hospitals, as part of International Year of the Nurse and Midwife and got some special answers. Thank you to all our staff and university academics and facilitators for supporting the next generation of nurses and midwives!

05.01.2022 ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DAY | Today is Allied Health Professionals Day and we are celebrating our incredible allied health staff! Our allied health staff work in a diverse range of roles and settings, but the one thing they all have in common is their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of their patients. This year, we are particularly proud of how quickly our allied health staff adapted to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, finding innovative ways to continue to provide the best possible care for their patients. Thank you all for your care and commitment we truly appreciate the amazing work you do! #alliedhealthprofessionalsday #allied4areason #strongertogether #proudtobeAH

05.01.2022 THE POWER OF PATHOLOGY | Today is International Pathology Day and we are not only celebrating the vital role pathology plays in protecting the health, wellbeing and safety of all of us. We also want to thank the people behind this important work. They are the people working around the clock in labs, clinics and offices carrying out clinical and scientific investigations.... They are the people safeguarding and transporting precious samples. They are the people delivering the answers that matter so together our healthcare teams can improve and save peoples’ lives. They are part of your team of frontline heroes helping protect all of us from COVID-19. Thank you to all of our hard working, passionate and dedicated Pathology staff. If you want to learn more about how they are protecting us during the pandemic, watch this short video: www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/latest-news/for-all-of-us

04.01.2022 #KINDNESSWORKSHERE | What does kindness look like to you? From a smile or a greeting in the hallway, through to an offer of assistance or support during an appointment, simple acts of kindness make a big difference every day across our health system. On the Central Coast, we are proud to have so many of our staff and volunteers embody this and today, on World Kindness Day we celebrate and thank them.

04.01.2022 TEMPORARY PARKING CHANGE | The P1 car park at Gosford Hospital (accessible from Racecourse Road) will be temporarily closed due to Emergency Lighting System works from 5pm tomorrow, 15 January to 2.30pm on Saturday, 16 January. The P2 car park (accessible from Showground Road) will remain open, with direct access to the main entrance of Gosford Hospital. Security staff will be present to assist with the redirection of traffic from P1 to P2.... Any vehicles entering P1 earlier in the day and remaining past 5pm tomorrow will still be able to exit the car park. There will be no impact on Emergency services or access to our Emergency Department.

04.01.2022 ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE | This year’s NAIDOC Week theme recognises that the First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Yesterday, to mark the start of celebrations, our Nunyara Aboriginal Health team organised COVID safe smoking ceremonies and Aboriginal art sessions for our inpatients and staff in our Mental Health Centres and Drug and Alcohol Units at Wyong and Gosford Hospitals. Thank you to Uncle Gavi from Darkinjung Local Ab...original Land Council for hosting these special ceremonies. Watch this space! We’ll be sharing more on our NAIDOC activities later this week as we celebrate our rich history and growing Aboriginal community on the Central Coast. For more information visit www.naidoc.org.au

03.01.2022 WHEELS IN MOTION | Meet Brooke and Megan. They are part of the Wyong Hospital’s Green Travel Plan Working Group which has been created to look at opportunities during the Wyong Hospital Redevelopment to reduce the environmental impact of travel to and from Wyong Hospital and to encourage staff, patients and visitors to be more active. As Wyong Hospital grows it’s important we look for ways to be more sustainable and one simple way to do this is to consider more environment...ally-friendly ways to get to and from work. We know it isn’t possible for everyone, but if you can ride or walk all or part of your way to work, it will not only help the environment but it will be good for your health as well! Brooke said. It’s National Ride2Work Day and Central Coast Go Active 2 Work Day on Wednesday 21 October. It’s also Biketober this month, which makes it the perfect opportunity for all Coasties to get on their bikes and start enjoying the physical and mental health benefits! See more

01.01.2022 #BREASTFRIENDS CHECK IN | Did you know that a 20 minute mammogram every two years could be the key to detecting breast cancer early? That is why this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are urging all women aged 50 to 74 to make sure they’re up-to-date, and to check in with their loved ones to make sure they are too. When was your last mammogram?... If it was more than two years ago, book today and why not bring your #breastfriend. The BreastScreen NSW - NSW GOV mobile screening unit is currently located at Lake Haven Shopping Centre until 4 December. BreastScreen NSW also has a permanent site at 155 The Entrance Road, Erina. The service is free for women aged 50 to 74 and no referral is needed. Bookings are encouraged to assist with physical distancing. Call 13 20 50 or visit: https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/

01.01.2022 VIRTUAL REALITY RETRIEVALS | Yesterday was our annual RED Day, or Retrieval Education Day, at Gosford Hospital. RED Day is a multidisciplinary education and training program developed by our Central Coast Regional Retrieval Service to allow clinicians working across Central Coast Local Health District to gain skills and knowledge in preparing and transporting critically ill patients. Throughout the day clinicians rotate through a series of six clinical scenarios to develop a...n understanding of the retrieval environment, limitations, hazards and implications for patient management. The exercises are interactive, and encourage participation and critical thinking in a safe simulated environment. This year we trialled virtual reality technology for the first time to simulate a scenario in a real ambulance. A 360 degree camera view of the interior environment of an ambulance teamed with virtual reality technology gave participants a realistic experience complete with the sights, sounds and motion of a real ambulance whilst caring for a critically ill patient. Thank you to our Retrieval, Trauma and Learning and Development teams along with partners NSW Ambulance for making this happen!

01.01.2022 HAPPY FRIDAY | We love getting special messages like this: Hi I am Zoe, me and my sister Siahn decided we wanted to say thank you, not only for your every day service to Australia and the Central Coast but to the whole community! Saving lives and bringing new lives into the world every day! Thank you! To show our appreciation and love for what you do, we decided to do a chalk drawing on our driveway, this is how it turned out... Thank you Zoe and Siahn for thinking of our staff and brightening our day!