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The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
John Hunter only admitting patients with 'threat of limb or life loss'
Surgeons at John Hunter Hospital have been told to admit patients only with "threat of limb or life loss" amid an extreme bed shortage. Hospital management sent surgeons a message on Monday afternoon that said "John Hunter Hospital is going into the evening with minus 37 beds". The message, titled "extreme bed compromise", said "we are on life and limb". "This means any acceptance of patients into John Hunter Hospital must be via surgeons (not registrars) and must be for patients who have threat of limb loss or life loss," it said. "Please continue to ... identify all patients who can be discharged home or to HITH [Hospital in the Home]." This followed patients waiting up to four hours when arriving by ambulance to John Hunter at the weekend. The waits coincided with high presentations and admissions to hospitals across the state for influenza-like illness. "It's been pretty bad in the last 28 to 48 hours," said Brendan McIlveen, a Newcastle-based paramedic. Mr McIlveen, the Australian Paramedics Association NSW secretary, said "this is probably the worst it's been in a long while". More than 10 ambulances were seen lined up at the John Hunter on Sunday. One hospital staffer told the Newcastle Herald there were "40 patients in overflow". "The cardiac catheterisation laboratory and endoscopy recovery have been used for overflow patients. "Patients are waiting excessively because we don't have anywhere to see them. We have no movement of patients. "Staff feel overwhelmed and fearful that something will go wrong. They get scared that someone will die." The staffer said the hospital executive "refused to call a code yellow" on Sunday. "This would mean they recognise we have an internal emergency." In this scenario, moves could be made to ease pressure on the hospital. A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said on Monday: "John Hunter Hospital is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients, including a significant number of seriously unwell patients". "In response to demand and to alleviate pressure in the ED, we are activating surge areas to temporarily increase our capacity as required. "During periods of high activity, we monitor inter-hospital transfer requests and prioritise the most unwell patients." Mr McIlveen said the patients brought to the hospital by ambulance on Sunday were "genuine cases". "It's not as though they could see a GP or be referred to an urgent care centre," he said. "It's flu season, so there were a number of unwell people on Sunday." He added that "trauma happens during weekend sports". "John Hunter does take all the trauma. It flows well, considering the number of ambulances and patients presenting in the waiting room as well," Mr McIlveen said. "It does show how well the nurses and doctors do to see as many patients as they do. They were doing everything they possibly could." But as the workload increases, so do delays at the hospital. "This does put a burden on the response available for the community," Mr McIlveen said. "The warmer weather will probably start again soon so that will hopefully settle all the respiratory cases down a bit." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report showed "influenza activity is still at a high level", but cases among children had fallen during the school holidays. "COVID is at a moderate level of activity and decreasing. RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] activity is decreasing and at a moderate level," the report said. ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, particularly in those aged less than one, but they were decreasing. While another month of winter lies ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer than average days and nights in south-eastern Australia from August to October. The bureau said there was an "increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures". Surgeons at John Hunter Hospital have been told to admit patients only with "threat of limb or life loss" amid an extreme bed shortage. Hospital management sent surgeons a message on Monday afternoon that said "John Hunter Hospital is going into the evening with minus 37 beds". The message, titled "extreme bed compromise", said "we are on life and limb". "This means any acceptance of patients into John Hunter Hospital must be via surgeons (not registrars) and must be for patients who have threat of limb loss or life loss," it said. "Please continue to ... identify all patients who can be discharged home or to HITH [Hospital in the Home]." This followed patients waiting up to four hours when arriving by ambulance to John Hunter at the weekend. The waits coincided with high presentations and admissions to hospitals across the state for influenza-like illness. "It's been pretty bad in the last 28 to 48 hours," said Brendan McIlveen, a Newcastle-based paramedic. Mr McIlveen, the Australian Paramedics Association NSW secretary, said "this is probably the worst it's been in a long while". More than 10 ambulances were seen lined up at the John Hunter on Sunday. One hospital staffer told the Newcastle Herald there were "40 patients in overflow". "The cardiac catheterisation laboratory and endoscopy recovery have been used for overflow patients. "Patients are waiting excessively because we don't have anywhere to see them. We have no movement of patients. "Staff feel overwhelmed and fearful that something will go wrong. They get scared that someone will die." The staffer said the hospital executive "refused to call a code yellow" on Sunday. "This would mean they recognise we have an internal emergency." In this scenario, moves could be made to ease pressure on the hospital. A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said on Monday: "John Hunter Hospital is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients, including a significant number of seriously unwell patients". "In response to demand and to alleviate pressure in the ED, we are activating surge areas to temporarily increase our capacity as required. "During periods of high activity, we monitor inter-hospital transfer requests and prioritise the most unwell patients." Mr McIlveen said the patients brought to the hospital by ambulance on Sunday were "genuine cases". "It's not as though they could see a GP or be referred to an urgent care centre," he said. "It's flu season, so there were a number of unwell people on Sunday." He added that "trauma happens during weekend sports". "John Hunter does take all the trauma. It flows well, considering the number of ambulances and patients presenting in the waiting room as well," Mr McIlveen said. "It does show how well the nurses and doctors do to see as many patients as they do. They were doing everything they possibly could." But as the workload increases, so do delays at the hospital. "This does put a burden on the response available for the community," Mr McIlveen said. "The warmer weather will probably start again soon so that will hopefully settle all the respiratory cases down a bit." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report showed "influenza activity is still at a high level", but cases among children had fallen during the school holidays. "COVID is at a moderate level of activity and decreasing. RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] activity is decreasing and at a moderate level," the report said. ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, particularly in those aged less than one, but they were decreasing. While another month of winter lies ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer than average days and nights in south-eastern Australia from August to October. The bureau said there was an "increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures". Surgeons at John Hunter Hospital have been told to admit patients only with "threat of limb or life loss" amid an extreme bed shortage. Hospital management sent surgeons a message on Monday afternoon that said "John Hunter Hospital is going into the evening with minus 37 beds". The message, titled "extreme bed compromise", said "we are on life and limb". "This means any acceptance of patients into John Hunter Hospital must be via surgeons (not registrars) and must be for patients who have threat of limb loss or life loss," it said. "Please continue to ... identify all patients who can be discharged home or to HITH [Hospital in the Home]." This followed patients waiting up to four hours when arriving by ambulance to John Hunter at the weekend. The waits coincided with high presentations and admissions to hospitals across the state for influenza-like illness. "It's been pretty bad in the last 28 to 48 hours," said Brendan McIlveen, a Newcastle-based paramedic. Mr McIlveen, the Australian Paramedics Association NSW secretary, said "this is probably the worst it's been in a long while". More than 10 ambulances were seen lined up at the John Hunter on Sunday. One hospital staffer told the Newcastle Herald there were "40 patients in overflow". "The cardiac catheterisation laboratory and endoscopy recovery have been used for overflow patients. "Patients are waiting excessively because we don't have anywhere to see them. We have no movement of patients. "Staff feel overwhelmed and fearful that something will go wrong. They get scared that someone will die." The staffer said the hospital executive "refused to call a code yellow" on Sunday. "This would mean they recognise we have an internal emergency." In this scenario, moves could be made to ease pressure on the hospital. A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said on Monday: "John Hunter Hospital is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients, including a significant number of seriously unwell patients". "In response to demand and to alleviate pressure in the ED, we are activating surge areas to temporarily increase our capacity as required. "During periods of high activity, we monitor inter-hospital transfer requests and prioritise the most unwell patients." Mr McIlveen said the patients brought to the hospital by ambulance on Sunday were "genuine cases". "It's not as though they could see a GP or be referred to an urgent care centre," he said. "It's flu season, so there were a number of unwell people on Sunday." He added that "trauma happens during weekend sports". "John Hunter does take all the trauma. It flows well, considering the number of ambulances and patients presenting in the waiting room as well," Mr McIlveen said. "It does show how well the nurses and doctors do to see as many patients as they do. They were doing everything they possibly could." But as the workload increases, so do delays at the hospital. "This does put a burden on the response available for the community," Mr McIlveen said. "The warmer weather will probably start again soon so that will hopefully settle all the respiratory cases down a bit." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report showed "influenza activity is still at a high level", but cases among children had fallen during the school holidays. "COVID is at a moderate level of activity and decreasing. RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] activity is decreasing and at a moderate level," the report said. ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, particularly in those aged less than one, but they were decreasing. While another month of winter lies ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer than average days and nights in south-eastern Australia from August to October. The bureau said there was an "increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures". Surgeons at John Hunter Hospital have been told to admit patients only with "threat of limb or life loss" amid an extreme bed shortage. Hospital management sent surgeons a message on Monday afternoon that said "John Hunter Hospital is going into the evening with minus 37 beds". The message, titled "extreme bed compromise", said "we are on life and limb". "This means any acceptance of patients into John Hunter Hospital must be via surgeons (not registrars) and must be for patients who have threat of limb loss or life loss," it said. "Please continue to ... identify all patients who can be discharged home or to HITH [Hospital in the Home]." This followed patients waiting up to four hours when arriving by ambulance to John Hunter at the weekend. The waits coincided with high presentations and admissions to hospitals across the state for influenza-like illness. "It's been pretty bad in the last 28 to 48 hours," said Brendan McIlveen, a Newcastle-based paramedic. Mr McIlveen, the Australian Paramedics Association NSW secretary, said "this is probably the worst it's been in a long while". More than 10 ambulances were seen lined up at the John Hunter on Sunday. One hospital staffer told the Newcastle Herald there were "40 patients in overflow". "The cardiac catheterisation laboratory and endoscopy recovery have been used for overflow patients. "Patients are waiting excessively because we don't have anywhere to see them. We have no movement of patients. "Staff feel overwhelmed and fearful that something will go wrong. They get scared that someone will die." The staffer said the hospital executive "refused to call a code yellow" on Sunday. "This would mean they recognise we have an internal emergency." In this scenario, moves could be made to ease pressure on the hospital. A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said on Monday: "John Hunter Hospital is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients, including a significant number of seriously unwell patients". "In response to demand and to alleviate pressure in the ED, we are activating surge areas to temporarily increase our capacity as required. "During periods of high activity, we monitor inter-hospital transfer requests and prioritise the most unwell patients." Mr McIlveen said the patients brought to the hospital by ambulance on Sunday were "genuine cases". "It's not as though they could see a GP or be referred to an urgent care centre," he said. "It's flu season, so there were a number of unwell people on Sunday." He added that "trauma happens during weekend sports". "John Hunter does take all the trauma. It flows well, considering the number of ambulances and patients presenting in the waiting room as well," Mr McIlveen said. "It does show how well the nurses and doctors do to see as many patients as they do. They were doing everything they possibly could." But as the workload increases, so do delays at the hospital. "This does put a burden on the response available for the community," Mr McIlveen said. "The warmer weather will probably start again soon so that will hopefully settle all the respiratory cases down a bit." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report showed "influenza activity is still at a high level", but cases among children had fallen during the school holidays. "COVID is at a moderate level of activity and decreasing. RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] activity is decreasing and at a moderate level," the report said. ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, particularly in those aged less than one, but they were decreasing. While another month of winter lies ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer than average days and nights in south-eastern Australia from August to October. The bureau said there was an "increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures".
The Advertiser
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Essentially shut': health authorities deny child mental health service in crisis
More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community". More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community". More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community". More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community".
ABC News
11-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Wee Waa Hospital beset by leadership instability, operational failings, review finds
An independent review has found a rural hospital in north-west New South Wales is experiencing leadership instability and operational failings. Wee Waa Hospital has been operating under reduced hours since 2023 due to staffing shortages. The public hospital, operated by the Hunter New England Health (HNEH), is open from 8am until 5:30pm, forcing locals to travel 40 kilometres to Narrabri to seek after-hours medical treatment. Following intense lobbying from the community and Barwon MP Roy Butler, state Health Minister Ryan Park announced in February that a review would be undertaken. Four independent health experts released their findings on Friday and noted "serious leadership instability" within the hospital that had led to a "deterioration of workplace culture". The review made 20 recommendations, including moving to a single-service model that covered the Wee Waa and Narrabri health campuses to improve leadership and recruitment. It also recommended reinstating a palliative care bed in the hospital and updating the emergency department to an urgent care model. The report described the urgent care model as a "nurse-led model that ensures expert triage, assessment while maintaining flexibility and accessibility for patients." Mr Butler said the findings vindicated the feelings residents had about the health service. "The community has some long-held concerns about culture and around staffing within the hospital and services available out of Wee Waa," he said. Mr Butler highlighted the recommendation to update the ED to an urgent care model as a "crucial decision". "An urgent care model is easier to staff and it will remove confusion about what services are available in Wee Waa," he said. Narrabri Mayor Darell Tiemans welcomed the review with cautious optimism. "It's a step in the right direction," he said. "We absolutely welcome the fact that there is recommendations … but it's still the only hospital in Australia that closes at 5:30pm." Cr Tiemans hoped the report would lead to positive change for the community of 3,000 people. "This report has identified that the community really does need a hospital here," he said. Mr Butler said he would work with the state government to ensure change occurred as quickly as possible. "The next stage is the implementation plan, where the rubber hits the road and we actually see action," he said. A time-frame for the implementation of the recommendations is yet to be finalised. Hunter New England Health chief executive Tracey McCosker also welcomed the review. "This review provides us with a valuable opportunity to strengthen how care is delivered in Wee Waa, now and into the future," she said in a statement. "Our immediate focus is on recruitment and we'll be launching a new campaign shortly. "At the same time, we're beginning planning and community consultation to progress the broader recommendations." Mr Park said he recognised the need for change. "While there is more work to be done, I know we're on the right track," he said in a statement. "I look forward to seeing Hunter New England Local Health District work closely with the Wee Waa community as they develop and implement their response to the recommendations." Narrabri councillor Ethan Towns was born at the hospital in Wee Waa and said the last few years had been a "nightmare" for the town. "It's been a level of stagnation — it's been terrible," he said. "We have been left for so long without any knowledge if anything is going to change, the fence came in [around the hospital] and we thought it was going to close." Cr Towns was involved in the "Save Wee Waa Hospital" petition, which received more than 10,000 signatures. Mr Tiemans praised the community for helping to ensure the review took place. "This community has been amazing … I'm immensely proud," he said.
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Health Minister puts 'troubling' Calvary Mater maintenance mess at arm's length
A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said. A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said. A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said. A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said.
The Advertiser
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'They give me goosebumps': simple joys, special moments for dying kids
When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us." When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us." When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us." When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us."
