Department of Health, Tasmania | Government organisation

Department of Health, Tasmania

Phone: 1300 135 513 - Medical Emergencies 000 - Mental Health Services 1800 332 388

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Government organisation

25.01.2022 A community vaccination clinic will be open in Wynyard from Saturday 10 April. If you are in the Waratah-Wynyard area, are eligible under Phase 1b and your GP is not offering the vaccine, then you can make a booking now. Check your eligibility at www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/rollout and let us help you make a booking by calling 1800 671 738.

25.01.2022 DonateLife Thank You Day on 22 November, is a national day to recognise all Australians who make organ and tissue donation possible. Each year thousands of Australian lives are saved and transformed through the generosity of deceased and living organ and tissue donors and their families. Families play a crucial role in the donation process because they’re asked to confirm their loved one wanted to be a donor and provide health information before donation proceeds. ... Families also help the broader community understand donation by generously sharing their stories, helping to educate Australians about donation and the comfort it can bring families. For more information visit https://donatelife.gov.au/

25.01.2022 Daily Spotlight: Meet Dr Eve Merfield Dr Merfield is a rural GP based in Dover. Dr Merfield has been able to collaborate with a range of specialists and service providers to make sure her patients can connect with their clinicians to receive the healthcare they need without having to travel. This has been especially beneficial to patients who require many frequent appointments and have limited access to transport.... For more information, or to talk to us about how to book a Telehealth appointment, follow this link https://outpatients.tas.gov.au/patients/telehealth_tasmania, or call us on: 1300 027 894 or email [email protected]

24.01.2022 Celebrating Mental Health Week 5-10 October reminds us that we all have a role to play in improving mental health. To overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Tasmanian Health Service Registered Training Organisation devised a way to provide a ‘flipped’ classroom to deliver Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work. Course educator Maree Roche and course manager Charmaine Redding swung into action to ‘flip’ the classroom so they could deliver the course to Hobart, Launceston... and St Helens students. The new virtual learning space involved podcasts, narrated PowerPoint presentations, an online chat forum and phone calls. One student, Kate, says she was really impressed with the high level of course support and guidance. I feel totally supported and encouraged to speak up if I need to ask for information or clarity around a particular issue, Kate says. Well done to all involved in facilitating a highly engaging course with relevant and practical content. To find out more about the Cert IV courses call 1300 793 011 or email [email protected]

24.01.2022 Public Health Services notes South Australia’s progress in managing an outbreak of coronavirus, with extensive contact tracing and testing appearing to contain the risk. It also notes the announcement today by South Australian authorities of some easing of the state’s lockdown restrictions earlier than originally planned. However, SA authorities expect to see further cases among close contacts over the coming days as their investigations progress.... This means that Tasmania continues to require people who left SA on or after 7 November to remain in self-isolation for 14 days after leaving South Australia. Any person who arrived in Tasmania on or after 16 November will need to remain in home or hotel quarantine. Public Health Services will continue to review SA’s responses and case count over the weekend and will issue further advice to the public on Monday.

22.01.2022 Tasmanian Public Health officials are monitoring COVID-19 developments in three States Queensland, Victoria and NSW to assess the risk and make appropriate changes to advice and restrictions to protect the Tasmanian community. Queensland Health today reported 5 locations in southern Brisbane that were visited by a person who was later diagnosed with COVID-19. If you are currently in Tasmania and have been in Queensland since 2 January, please check the contact tracing lis...Continue reading

21.01.2022 The Department of Health is actively participating in Tasmanian State Service action to end violence against women and their children. 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign beginning on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The campaign runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. ... This year, Tasmanian State Service agencies, including the Department of Health, are participating in this campaign in collaboration with Our Watch with the theme: ‘Doing Nothing Does Harm’. From 25 November through to 10 December you will see more posts about ‘Doing Nothing Does Harm’ providing information on how you can act to help end violence against women and their children.

21.01.2022 After an amazing 62 years of service, today is Leigh Higgins’ final shift as a volunteer with Ambulance Tasmania on Bruny Island. What an outstanding effort thank you for your service, Leigh!

20.01.2022 Congratulations to Royal Hobart Hospital nurse Tracy who has received the October DAISY Award for her extraordinary compassionate care. Tracy was nominated by a visitor who’d travelled from interstate during COVID-19 to visit her elderly mum. Tracy assisted the family during their visit, and her nominator said her help was invaluable. ... Congratulations, Tracy and thank you for all you do. The award honours the compassionate care nurses and midwives provide every day. If you wish to nominate a nurse or midwife at a public Tasmanian Health Service Hospitals South, email [email protected] with the nurse or midwife’s name, where they work and why you think they deserve an award.

20.01.2022 Daily Telehealth Spotlight: Meet Dr Anne Corbould Dr Corbould is an endocrinologist based at the Launceston General Hospital. Dr Corbould has long understood the benefits of telehealth and was well positioned to increase her use of telehealth use during COVID-19. Telehealth is now embedded as a standard mode of care improving access for Dr Cobould’s patients, especially those in regional areas. For more information, or to talk to us about how to book a Telehealth appointment,... follow this link https://outpatients.tas.gov.au/patients/telehealth_tasmania, or call us on: 1300 027 894 or email [email protected] See more

20.01.2022 Daily Telehealth Spotlight: Meet Jo-Anne Hanel Jo-Anne lives in Swansea and needs regular visits with specialists in Hobart. Using Telehealth means Jo-Anne doesn’t need to make the four to five hour round trip away from work and family. Like for all Tasmanians, maintaining social distance has been important for Jo-Anne’s healthcare throughout COVID-19.... For more information, or to talk to us about how to book a Telehealth appointment, follow this link https://outpatients.tas.gov.au/patients/telehealth_tasmania, or call us on: 1300 027 894 or email [email protected]

19.01.2022 The Australian Government has advised that the Pfizer vaccine is now preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults aged under 50 who have not yet received a first dose of AstraZeneca. This decision is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), in response to early investigations into rare but serious adverse reactions to the vaccine. ATAGI has recommended that people who have had their first dose of AstraZeneca without any seriou...s side-effects can safely receive their second dose. This includes adults under 50 years. The Tasmania Government has put an immediate hold on any first dose AstraZeneca vaccinations of people aged under 50 years. People with existing first dose appointments at community clinics will be contacted directly to discuss rescheduling their appointments. Those who have had their first dose will also be contacted directly by the Public Health Hotline. We understand that people will be anxious for more information and that information will be provided via your vaccine clinic provider as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding that this will take time, and we will call those with upcoming appointments as a priority. If you have an urgent query, please call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. Vaccinations for our priority groups using the Pfizer vaccine and using the AstraZeneca vaccine for Tasmanians over 50, will continue as planned. Where possible those aged under 50 years in priority group 1b will be redirected to a clinic administering the Pfizer vaccine. For further information, visit: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/astrazeneca

18.01.2022 Daily Telehealth Spotlight: Meet Julia and Mathew from the Tasmanian Clinical Genetic Service. Julia and Mathew changed their whole business plan to include telehealth as a standard mode of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This allowed them to continue to provide healthcare while also uncovering a range of patient benefits. For more information, or to talk to us about how to book a Telehealth appointment, follow the link https://outpatients.tas.gov.au/patients/telehealth_ta...smania or call us on: 1300 027 894 or email [email protected] See more

17.01.2022 Your first visit to a cancer centre following a cancer diagnosis can be a very scary thing. Check out this lovely story in today’s Advocate about how the North West Cancer Centre is trying to make that journey a little easier www.theadvocate.com.au//the-friendly-faces-of-the-oncolo/

17.01.2022 We’re calling on all nurses and midwives aged 35 years or under working and living in Tasmania to participate in the Nightingale Challenge. We have accepted Nursing Now’s Nightingale Challenge to develop the next generation of young nurses and midwives as leaders, practitioners and advocates in health. The Nightingale Challenge is central to Nursing Now’s aim to improve health globally and we’re inviting eligible nurses and midwives to participate in a leadership development ...program. Places are limited. Applications are open and close 2 November 2020. To apply, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au//conferences_a/nightingale_challenge For further information about Nursing Now's Nightingale Challenge, visit: https://www.nursingnow.org/about-nightingale/

17.01.2022 Unveiling of Janice Ross, Tasmanian Aboriginal Dual Naming watercolour series https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au//dual_naming_series_-_tasmania

16.01.2022 The drive-through coronavirus testing clinic in Launceston is moving to a new location. The current clinic at Inveresk will close today at 12 noon. A new clinic will open at 8.30am tomorrow. The new clinic will be at 246-248 Wellington St, Launceston just down from Hungry Jack’s. ... There will be no change to how to make a booking for a test at the drive-through clinic. People should call the Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738 to make a booking. If anyone requires a coronavirus test this afternoon while the clinic is relocating, they can contact the GP-led Launceston Respiratory Clinic on 6351 0007. Anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms should get tested for coronavirus.

16.01.2022 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you are aged over 40, and it has been more than two years since your last mammogram, call 13 20 50 to make an appointment. Breast cancer is the most common cancer detected in Tasmanian women, with one in seven diagnosed before the age of 85.... When breast cancer is found early through breast screening, treatment is easier and more successful. Breast cancers detected through screening are lower risk than breast cancers diagnosed in women who’ve never been screened. BreastScreen Tasmania provides a free screening mammogram to all women over 40 years old every two years. Women aged 50 to 74 years are particularly encouraged to participate. BreastScreen has clinics in Hobart and Launceston, and two fully equipped mobile units serving 30 rural and regional areas. BreastScreen Tasmania has introduced additional infection control measures to ensure a safe and reliable service during COVID-19. If you’re due for your next mammogram, call 13 20 50 today.

15.01.2022 Tasmanian Public Health officials continue to monitor COVID-19 developments in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). This information informs our local response. Queensland Health again reported no new locally-acquired cases as the state continues its 3-day lockdown of the Greater Brisbane area. This action aims to prevent spread from a case with a highly infectious strain of coronavirus. Tasmania declared Greater Brisbane to be high-risk and is making similar requi...rements of people from this location as is Queensland. Any person who arrived or arrives in Tasmania on or after 8 January, who has been in the Greater Brisbane area since 2 January, remains required to quarantine. If you were in Tasmania before 8 January and were in the Greater Brisbane area on or after 2 January, please continue to self-isolate. Also, please check the contact tracing alerts at https://www.qld.gov.au//cor/current-status/contact-tracing. If you have been at any of these places at the dates and times, contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test. Queensland Health has also identified three sites in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Cappriccios Italian Pizza Restaurant on 6 January and Purple Palate Cellars and Woolworths on 7 January as locations where persons who were there should self-isolate and get tested. An SMS is being sent daily to all persons in Tasmania who were recently in Queensland with this advice. Earlier today Victoria reported no new locally-acquired cases of COVID-19 for the fourth day in a row, while NSW Health reported three locally-acquired cases two linked to the Berala cluster and one to a known Northern Beaches case. Persons now in Tasmania who have been in Victoria or NSW since December 26 should continue to check the latest list of COVID case locations. The Victorian list is at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks, the NSW list is at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. NSW recently added sites in Casula, Bankstown, Campsie and Belrose. If you were at any of the listed sites at the specified date and time, please contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for further advice. If you get any cold or flu symptoms, even mild, please contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test. Visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au for the latest Tasmanian information.

15.01.2022 The Mersey Community Hospital Rehabilitation Services Unit team aren’t afraid to think outside the box, or pot for that matter, when designing individualised care plans for their patients. When Devonport cray fisherman Kim Johnston had a stroke earlier this year, the team arranged for weighted cray pots to be on hand for him to practise and regain confidence in everyday tasks. I would pick up the pot, walk 10 feet and then put it down, before picking it back up again to walk... back, Kim said. In the end I could do it 52 times in an hour. We are happy to report Kim is almost back to his best, which he says is in large part due to the support he received. Without the staff I probably wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today, Kim said.

14.01.2022 Due to a server issue impacting a number of websites in Australia, the coronavirus website (https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/) is currently having issues loading webpages. We will provide an update when the issue is resolved.

14.01.2022 Public Health Services has continued to receive and review information about the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia. Extensive testing in South Australia over the past week has not detected any wider transmission occurring in the South Australian community during the week before 16 November. Accordingly, anyone who arrived in Tasmania before 5.30pm on 16 November, and who spent time in South Australia in the previous 14 days, will no longer be required to self-isolate ...except if they are waiting on a coronavirus test result or are experiencing symptoms. People who arrived in Tasmania from South Australia after 5.30pm on 16 November must remain in quarantine for 14 days from the day they arrived. If anyone experiences cold or flu-like symptoms, they should get tested for coronavirus. Testing can be arranged by contacting the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. A significant amount of contact tracing and testing is proceeding in South Australia. Public Health Services will continue to review this situation and provide further advice in the coming days. For further information, visit https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/

14.01.2022 Daily Telehealth Spotlight: Meet Dr Sean Beggs from the Royal Hobart Hospital Paediatric Clinic. Telehealth usage has grown significantly for the paediatric clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic which has provided some unexpected clinical benefits whilst improving the flexibility for families who need to access the service. For more information, or to talk to us about how to book a Telehealth appointment, follow this link... https://outpatients.tas.gov.au/patients/telehealth_tasmania, or call us on: 1300 027 894 or email [email protected] See more

13.01.2022 Tasmanian women are urged to look, feel and learn about their breasts, and if they are over 40, get a breast screen every two years. Read this excellent Breast Cancer Awareness Month story in the Examiner to find out why: www.examiner.com.au//ladies-its-time-to-take-care-of-your/ Early detection is your best protection a mammogram (breast x-ray) can detect 90 per cent of breast cancers long before they can be felt. ... BreastScreen Tasmania provides a free screening mammogram for all women over 40, every two years. Call BreastScreen Tasmania on 13 20 50 to book your mammogram today.

13.01.2022 Public award to recognise life changing nurses The Tasmanian Health Service has presented its first Daisy award in Northern Tasmania. The inaugural award was presented today to the nursing staff of the Acute Medical Unit at the Launceston General Hospital for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.... The Executive Director of Nursing, Helen Bryan said AMU nurses maintained a high standard of professionalism and skill during what was a difficult and stressful time at the hospital. She said that she was incredibly proud of the way the nursing team had pulled together supporting each other as well as maintaining safe and quality nursing care to their patients. Mrs Bryan said the Daisy award was recognised internationally to celebrate the role of nurses and midwives in improving patients’ lives. She said it was an honour for the AMU team to be the first winners. Anyone can nominate an extraordinary nurses or midwife who has positively impacted their lives through the new DAISY Awards program in the North. Nurses and midwives work closely with Tasmanians through their best and worst moments providing care and support while improving patients’ lives. This is a great way to thank a nurse or midwife you know who has demonstrated compassionate care and excellence in their role, Mrs Bryan said. To nominate a Tasmanian Health Service North nurse or midwife who has gone above and beyond in their profession, email [email protected] with: The name of the nurse or midwife you would like to nominate The area and location they work in Why they deserve to be a DAISY Award winner. The DAISY Award will be presented every month to a nurse or midwife working in the northern region of the Tasmanian Health Service.

12.01.2022 This week is Mental Health Week 2020, which incorporates World Mental Health Day on 10 October. It’s important to support our own mental health, as well as the mental health of family and friends. To find out more about how you can participate in activities during Mental Health Week that promote mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness and how it impacts the lives of people in our community, visit https://mhct.org/mentalhealthweek/

12.01.2022 The Inveresk testing clinic now needs to close due to severe weather. Individuals will be rebooked for tomorrow.

12.01.2022 The Tasmanian Health Service-North West (THS-NW) Consumer and Community Engagement Council (CCEC) celebrated it's 10th anniversary last week, with a special function in Ulverstone. The CCEC partners with the THS to monitor and improve the services provided by the THS for our consumers and community. This provides the opportunity for a variety of people to have a say about how health services could be delivered to improve patient outcomes, with members contributing specialist knowledge and expertise by providing consumer, carer and community perspectives. Here are some of the long-serving CCEC members, from left - Gordon and Josephine, pictured with placards donated by Gordon as part of the anniversary celebrations.

12.01.2022 Please be advised that the COVID-19 testing clinic in Burnie will move from its current location at West Park to 37 Marine Terrace (Portside) Burnie. The West Park site will close at 12 noon Monday 30 November and the new clinic on Marine Terrace will commence testing at 8.30am Tuesday 1 December. This is a drive-through clinic, and no appointment is required. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, even mild symptoms, get tested.

12.01.2022 Seconds really count in a cardiac arrest! The countdown is on to Restart a Heart Day and your chance to learn how to help save a life. On Friday 16 October, tune in to a live stream event between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm featuring an exciting line-up of experts in cardiac arrest, and CPR and AED training sessions every hour.... The event will be streamed live on www.restartaheart.net and many social media platforms. For more information visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/restartaheartday Together, we can improve cardiac arrest survival rates.

12.01.2022 As we celebrate Mental Health Week 5-10 October, it’s good to know we all have a role to play in helping improve mental health for ourselves and those around us. The Tasmanian Health Service is building skills to provide greater support to Tasmanians during uncertain times by delivering Certificate IV courses in Mental Health and Mental Health Peer Work. Maree Roche, an educator with lived experience, has co-designed course content.... Maree says students are responding well to the interactive and supported learning environment. One of the privileges of being an educator, writer, teacher and a PhD student with a lived experience of mental health is the ability to see yourself in the learning, Maree says. It allows you to intuitively understand what a student needs. When I was learning during my own challenges, there were a variety of strategies that I would use to continue my tertiary education. Using that ‘insider knowledge’ I was able to wholeheartedly co-produce the teaching and learning materials for the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work to inclusively support a student-centred learning approach, which is so empowering. To find out more about the Cert IV courses call 1300 793 011 or email [email protected] Maree (right) with staff member Jo.

11.01.2022 Please note that the Campbell St entrance to the Royal Hobart Hospital will be temporarily closed between 10.30am and 12 noon tomorrow (Sunday) for the official unveiling of artwork by Tasmanian aboriginal artist Janice Ross. Patients and visitors will be able to use the entrance in Liverpool St as an alternative.

10.01.2022 Severe weather closes testing clinics Severe weather has forced the closure of coronavirus testing clinics in the North and North West of Tasmania. The clinics at West Park in Burnie, East Devonport Recreation Ground and at Inveresk in Launceston have all had to close due to the weather conditions.... Patients booked to attend the Inveresk clinic have been rebooked to attend tomorrow. It is important that anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms gets tested. People needing a test should ensure they remain isolated until they can obtain one. We can assure the public the clinics will be open as soon as it is safe to do so.

09.01.2022 Tasmanian Public Health officials continue to monitor COVID-19 developments in Victoria and NSW to assess the risk and make appropriate changes to advice and restrictions to protect the Tasmanian community. Victoria has reported only one new locally-acquired case of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The source of this person’s infection is being investigated. The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has listed several premises within the Chadstone Shopping...Continue reading

09.01.2022 Daily Spotlight: Meet Dr Blair Dr Blair is a geriatrician based at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Dr Blair has been able to use telehealth to reach patients in nursing homes and include family members in important conversations regarding the healthcare of their loved ones. For more information, or to talk to us about how to book a Telehealth appointment, follow the link https://outpatients.tas.gov.au/patients/telehealth_tasmania... or call us on: 1300 027 894 or email [email protected] See more

09.01.2022 Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and signals the start of our 16 Days of Activism ‘Doing Nothing Does Harm’ campaign. ‘Doing Nothing Does Harm’ is designed to encourage people to act when they witness disrespectful or harmful behaviours, whether in a work setting, online or in public. Over the next 16 days we will be sharing key tips and ideas that represent small but important and practical steps we can all take to contribute to t...he prevention of family violence. In this video, Our Watch ambassador Tiffany Cherry talks about why it’s so important to do something in response to disrespect towards women. For more information, visit the Doing Nothing Does Harm campaign website https://www.doingnothingdoesharm.org.au/

09.01.2022 Tasmania’s Covid-19 testing clinics will be open for longer over the next few days. Capacity has been increased for Saturday, Sunday and Monday following the Tasmanian Government’s decision to declare Greater Brisbane a high-risk area. If you are now in Tasmania and have been in the Greater Brisbane area since 2 January, please check the list of risk locations at https://www.qld.gov.au//cor/current-status/contact-tracing. If you have been at any of these places at the dates... and times, please self-isolate and contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test. The extended opening times are: South: 8.00am 5.00pm Saturday with increased booking capacity 8.00am 4.00 pm Sunday and Monday with increased booking capacity North: 8.30am 5.00pm Saturday - Monday East Coast (mobile clinic) St Helens 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday only North West Devonport 7.30am 4.00pm Saturday - Monday Burnie 8.30am 5.00pm Saturday - Monday

08.01.2022 If you're travelling to Tasmania, check out this post from Stay Healthy Stay Connected.

08.01.2022 Due to severe weather, West Park and East Devonport testing clinics are now closed for the rest of the day. They will reopen tomorrow.

08.01.2022 Congratulations to the nurses and midwives recognised at the Tasmanian Public Sector Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards on Friday evening. Finalists and winners were acknowledged for their individual and collective contributions to the Tasmanian community. Award winners:... TasNetworks Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Cheryl Carr. Tasplan Team Excellence in Practice State-wide Mental Health Services Clarence & Eastern Districts Adult Community Mental Health. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Tasmania Emerging Nurse/Midwife Leader Clare Collins. HESTA Early Career Nurse or Midwife Excellence in Practice Emma Pennicott Individual Nurse/Midwife Excellence in Practice Carly Kirrane. From left - Emma, winner of the HESTA Early Career Nurse or Midwife Excellence in Practice Award with Finalist Meriem.

07.01.2022 With hot weather forecast across the state this week, it’s time for Tasmanians to make plans to cope with the hazards of very hot days. It’s important to know the signs of heat illness and know what to do if someone is suffering from heat. People should plan to keep in touch with elderly or sick relatives, or vulnerable friends and neighbours on very hot days as dehydration and heat exposure can quickly cause death.... Now’s a good time to get fans out of storage and check air-conditioners are working and set to cool. It’s also worth thinking about what to do with your pets on very hot days. Do not leave pets or children in cars on hot days, even if windows are down or the air-conditioning is running. Seek medical advice if someone is not coping with the heat and call triple zero 000 in an emergency. Public Health Services has resources to help people plan for and cope with extremely hot days. Visit www.health.tas.gov.au/publ/healthy_communities/extreme_heat for more information, including a guide on how to cope in the heat.

07.01.2022 Smithton residents are invited to join a free persistent pain self-management program that provides skills, tools and techniques to help overcome pain. You’ll learn how to manage pain and fatigue, get better sleep and eat well to improve your health. The free course is suitable for anyone with long term pain.... The six-week program begins on Thursday 29 October at 68 Emmett St, Smithton. Sessions run from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Call 6452 1266 to register.

07.01.2022 Congratulations to the three nurses who received Florence Nightingale Grants and Awards scholarships at Government House recently. Visit www.nursesgrantsandawards.com for more information. Photo: Her Excellency Prof the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Governor of Tasmania (left) with 2020 Scholarship recipient Rhiannon Slaughter.... Photo courtesy Geoff Harrisson

07.01.2022 Nursing, midwifery and aged care scholarships are now available. Applications are open for a range of Australian Department of Health nursing, midwifery and aged care scholarships. If you’re passionate about healthcare and are ready to progress your career, this is the perfect opportunity for you! The various scholarships support undergraduate and postgraduate study. ... All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications close 25 October 2020. Visit www.acn.edu.au/scholarships/nursing-midwifery-undergraduate for more information.

07.01.2022 A health-related scholarship scheme is now open for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people studying entry level courses. The national Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme aims to encourage and help undergraduate students complete studies in health-related disciplines and join the health workforce. Up to $15 000 a year is available to recipients for the duration of their course.... Applications open 1 October and close 8 November 2020. For further information visit www.acn.edu.au/scholarships/indigenous-health-scholarships

06.01.2022 Congratulations to Royal Hobart Hospital midwife Emma, who received the February DAISY Award in Southern Tasmania. Emma was nominated by a couple she provided care for during the birth of their child. Emma provided a calming and reassuring presence during a difficult and protracted labour, said her nominators. ... Emma's compassion was genuine and because of this, my wife and I quickly developed a deep trust in Emma's care despite only having met her once prior to the day. Congratulations again to Emma and thank you for all that you do. If you’d like to nominate a nurse or midwife at THS South email [email protected] with their name and unit/ward, and why they deserve a DAISY award.

03.01.2022 The quarantine and self-isolation in place for travellers who have spent time in South Australia since Saturday 7 November 2020 will continue for a further 24 hours. Travellers choosing to stay in Tasmania should remain in quarantine and self-isolation at their premises or accommodation while further information is determined on the scale of the outbreak in South Australia. If assistance is required securing accommodation for a further 24 hours, please contact the Public Heal...th Hotline on 1800 671 738. Travellers intending to continue with their travel to Tasmania, who have spent time in South Australia in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Tasmania, will continue to be required to enter quarantine on arrival. If intending to travel, you will be required to use the G2G system. Travellers can continue to leave Tasmania if they wish. If leaving Tasmania travellers need to travel straight to a port of departure, without stopping on the way. Private transport should be used if possible. If using public transport, travellers should wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene. For further information, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. If experiencing symptoms, contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 and advise that you are currently in quarantine.

03.01.2022 The Daisy Award awards program honours the extraordinary compassionate care nurses and midwives deliver every day. Nominations are now open for the 2020 Tasmanian Health Service-North West Daisy Award. Patients, family, co-workers and staff who experience or observe extraordinary compassionate care by a Tasmanian Health Service-North West nurse or midwife can nominate them for an award.... To make a nomination, email [email protected] with the nurse or midwife’s name, the area where they work and why you think they deserve a Daisy Award.

02.01.2022 The NWRH Children’s Ward received special Easter gift bags this year, thanks to Motorcyclists Advocating Child Empowerment (MACE) North West Tasmania’s 2021 Easter Ride. MACE North West Tasmania delivered the gift bags last week, which were gratefully received by NWRH Nursing Director Operations Hayley Elmer and Paediatric Unit Nurse Unit Manager Chris Fisher (pictured below). They were filled with lots of goodies, including colouring-in books and pencils, note pads, stickers... and a soft and snuggly Easter bunny. MACE is a social motorcycle club designed to empower and mentor young people who have experienced abuse, neglect or ill health. They provide support, connections and advocacy to young people and their families to empower them to live their best life. Thank you to MACE North West Tasmania for their ongoing support of NWRH.

01.01.2022 During the ‘Doing Nothing Does Harm’ campaign we are looking at practical ways that you can do something when witnessing disrespect towards women. We can do this by showing it’s not okay. In this video, Our Watch ambassadors Hester and Ben Brown talk about how you can do something to show that disrespect towards women is not okay.... For more information, visit the Doing Nothing Does Harm campaign website https://www.doingnothingdoesharm.org.au/

01.01.2022 Due to severe weather, West Park and East Devonport testing clinics will be closed for the rest of the day.