In a report following its March monthly meeting, the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee said this includes seeking specialist nurses and an oncology service provider.
In the meantime, based on briefings from hospital managers, Deni LHAC vice chair Lourene Liebenberg said the department is being utilised by those requiring regular transfusions for other health matters.
“At our monthly meetings a manager’s update is provided on activity across most departments, including presentations at emergency, maternity, pathology, and radiology,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“This month we discussed presentations for infusions, which are administered in the oncology unit.
“These infusions are mostly immunobiological treatments, being for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and sometimes some types of cancers.
“Twenty-five infusions were administered in February 2024.
“A provider for oncology services continues to be sought through a tender process, whilst the oncology nurse positions continue to be advertised.
“This remains a difficult and complex process, for which management continue to seek innovative solutions.
“We did want to provide an update to community about this and assure them the process continues, and that the facility is being used for immunotherapy, which is excellent.”
Deni LHAC also continues to advocate for the text-based feedback system for the patient satisfaction survey.
Mrs Liebenberg said progress is being made in this area.
“Once in place, patients will receive a text to provide feedback if they so wish to.
“This will enable a much more streamlined and faster process to be able to act on feedback provided.”
Upcoming health events/services:
• Stroke talk - Wednesday, April 3, 10.30am to midday at Deniliquin Community Health, Macauley St, Deniliquin: The next in the series of Lifting Health Outcomes campaign talks, guest speaker will be Deniliquin nurse Rachelle Austin.
• Women’s Health Clinic – April 9 and 10: Bookings for this visiting clinic can be booked through CCIS on 1800 654 324 (select option 2).
• Conversations on the Couch – Thursday, May 2, Josh’s Bakehouse, Deniliquin: Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s Conversations on the Couch sessions are an opportunity for any community member to pop in for a free coffee and a chat with the MPHN to talk about all things health – particularly in the primary health care space.
Anyone interested in joining LHAC, or providing feedback to its members, can email wallamunga@bigpond.com or go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-health/mlhd/get-involved/local-health-advisory-committees to read more what the role entails.
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