Steph Cooke | 02 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Education Health
Key healthcare workers in regional NSW will be given the opportunity to enter the workforce or upskill, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this will help support people to enter a career in healthcare with extra support.
“This program isn’t only open to current workers, it’s for people entering the workforce too,” Ms Cooke said.
“These scholarships range from helping out with the cost of travel or relocation to study to reskilling our current workforce to ensure each individual is equipped to treat our community the best they can.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the program will not only attract new staff to the regions but support existing healthcare workers.
“From Bourke to Bega, I’ve heard loud and clear that our health workers want to be provided with the opportunities to advance their careers without having to leave their families, their workplace and their communities,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These scholarships are flexible to individuals needs and are available across a range of health professions including allied health, nursing and midwifery and Aboriginal healthcare.”
“This is about growing and empowering our regional health workforce and builds on the NSW Government’s $883 million regional health workforce incentive scheme, announced as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.”
The Rural and Regional Health Scholarships form part of Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025, a NSW Government initiative outlining immediate priorities and long-term strategies to make regional NSW an even better place to call home. To find out more about Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ourvision
Steph Cooke | 01 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Community Health News
The NSW Government is easing the pressure on patients who find it difficult to get an appointment with a GP, following the announcement of easier access to more medications through their local pharmacy.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the reform will expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can administer, as well as trialling pharmacists prescribing medication for urinary tract infections and developing a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medications for a range of other conditions.
“These ground-breaking reforms aim to relieve pressure on emergency departments and wait times to see a GP by giving our community more access to primary care services,” Ms Cooke said.
“This announcement is yet another innovative way in which the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering reforms to combat the pressures currently facing health systems across the nation.”
The NSW Government will increase the community’s access to primary care through:
Authorising pharmacists to administer a wider range of public health and travel vaccinations from 14 November 2022, including Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Typhoid and Zoster.
Funding a 12-month trial to evaluate allowing pharmacists to prescribe medication for urinary tract infections; and
Supporting a state wide pilot where appropriately trained pharmacists can prescribe medications for certain conditions, such as skin ailments, ear infections, and hormonal contraception.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a prime example of just how vital of a role local pharmacists play in keeping the community safe and well.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic many of us opted to visit our local and trusted pharmacist to receive a vaccine,” she said.
Following the implementation of this announcement, the community will be able to visit an appropriately trained pharmacist to get a script for things like a urinary tract infection or birth control, easing the burden on our local GPs and reducing wait times for others that require more specialised care.
NSW Health will work with pharmacists to support the expansion of the vaccination program with education modules and materials for both themselves and their customers.
NSW pharmacists are currently able to administer six vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
An expression of interest process for participation in the urinary tract infection trial will commence on 14 November 2022.
The Western NSW Local Health District will receive $250,000 for important works to be carried out at Weigelli Centre Aboriginal Corporation as part of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this funding will go a long way to ensuring the important work carried out by Weigelli Centre continues not only now but into the future.
“This amazing facility has been operating since 1996, offering an all-important drug and alcohol rehabilitation service,” Ms Cooke said.
“I know this investment will allow Weigelli to provide open and welcoming spaces to those in the community who need their support.”
“It is important that we continue to support these services as they provide the assistance needed for those on their journey to recovery.”
Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said 30 of the infrastructure projects will be in regional NSW ensuring communities across the state benefit from this program.
“This program is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people across rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said this funding will provide Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services the funding they need to better support their local communities with optimal services and infrastructure. “This important funding will deliver safe and effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across the State which are delivered by Aboriginal people, services and specialists,” Mr Franklin said.
Steph Cooke | 28 Nov 2022 | Health Narrandera Shire News
Local Aboriginal communities will have access to improved and upgraded health services with Murrumbidgee Local Health District receiving $63,000 for a Cultural Sorry Business Area at the Narrandera Health Service as part of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced this funding during a visit to Narrandera Hospital, stating that this area will meet the needs of the Aboriginal communities from the Wiradjuri Nation with culturally appropriate care.
“The NSW Government is focused on improving access to culturally safe services, and these programs will go such a long way in ensuring the delivery of effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“This project includes signage, furniture, art, discrete screenings, and the ability to conduct smoking ceremonies, which will enable the period of cultural practices that take place after someone’s death to be performed.”
Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said 30 of the infrastructure projects will be in regional NSW ensuring communities across the state benefit from this program.
“This program is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people across rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said this funding will provide Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services with the funding they need to better support their local communities with optimal services and infrastructure.
“This important funding will deliver safe and effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across the State which are delivered by Aboriginal people, services and specialists,” Mr Franklin said.
The program will share the funding across 24 organisations for 45 infrastructure projects, which include upgrades to health services, refurbishments to staff accommodation and new mobile outreach vehicles.
Steph Cooke | 24 Nov 2022 | Health News Temora Shire
As part of the NSW Government’s $80 million commitment to the redevelopment of the Temora Hospital, information stands and an online information session are being held.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that these information sessions are an important step to ensuring health services are carefully planned to meet community needs now and into the future.
“The project team are currently in the early planning stages for delivering a redeveloped hospital that meets the needs of the Temora community,” Ms Cooke said.
“These pop-up information stands and online session provide the opportunity for the local community to learn more about this project and what is involved in the process.”
The stand will be available on Wednesday 30 November:
The $80 million Temora Health Service redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.
Steph Cooke | 17 Nov 2022 | All LGAs Community resources Grants Health Local projects
Applications are now open for the 2023 NSW Women’s Week Grants Program, with $100,000 in funding available for women-focused events held between 6-12 March, 2023.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has encouraged local councils and not-for-profit organisations to apply for a share of the funding to hold events that celebrate and connect women and girls across the region.
“NSW Women’s Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments of women and girls in the region,” Ms Cooke said.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said NSW Women’s Week is a time to shine a light on what we can do to bring women together, share our strengths, support each other and work towards gender equality.
“I urge organisations to submit their applications to help them deliver these important events for their local community,” Mrs Taylor said.
Events funded by the grants program must support at least one of the key priorities of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-26:
Steph Cooke | 14 Nov 2022 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Employment Health News
TAFE NSW is helping to build a pipeline of nurses in the Cootamundra area through increasing the accessibility of high-quality training.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Diploma of Nursing which recently commenced at TAFE NSW Cootamundra is expanding opportunities for regionally-based students to get in-demand skills in the booming industry.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with students embarking on a career in nursing. We know there is a great demand for Nurses right across NSW but particularly in rural and regional areas.” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s fantastic that students will be able to learn these Nursing skills right here in their own community and when they finish they will have their placement in a regional hospital.”
“By running the course with both virtual classroom and face-to-face components with local accommodation where required, TAFE NSW is making it easier for people to fit study around their other commitments.”
“Our healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and it’s crucial we continue to support them to deliver quality healthcare.”
Recent funding for a Connected Learning Point at TAFE NSW Cootamundra also shows the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting locals to upskill.
“Connected Learning Points like the one at TAFE NSW Cootamundra are technology-enabled spaces designed to increase access to education and training by virtually connecting students to teachers and courses they may not otherwise have access to,” Ms Cooke said.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
“By investing in our local communities and in courses like this, we can help secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Henskens said.
“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training, with more people in training than any other state, ensuring that we continue to build a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers to help grow our economy.”
Next year TAFE NSW Cootamundra will offer an Introduction to Careers in Health course which will provide further opportunities to pick up in-demand skills for a rewarding career.
For more information on courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
Thousands of new patients have taken advantage of the increased financial assistance available to people in regional communities who need to travel long distances to receive specialist care.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said over 1600 patients in the electorate have lodged claims under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) since the changes came into effect on August 1.
“After the NSW Government’s $149.5 million funding boost as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget, patients and families from Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Western Local Health District have enjoyed the increased financial assistance on offer,” Ms Cooke said
“It is fantastic that as a Government we are able to help reduce the financial burden of regional NSW patients and their families when travelling for treatment,”
“The NSW Government has increased subsidies for travel and accommodation and tens of thousands more people are now eligible for the scheme.”
The subsidy for people requiring accommodation has been almost doubled, while the NSW Government has also almost doubled the private vehicle subsidy rate from 22 cents to 40 cents per kilometre for patients who have to travel more than 100 kilometres for care.
As well as receiving more money back, additional patients are now eligible – those attending non-commercial clinical trials, high-risk foot clinics, highly specialised publicly funded dental health clinics and ocularists.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the changes are making an enormous difference for people living in our regional and rural communities.
“We know there were people in our regional and rural communities who were not seeking the care they needed because of the high cost of travel and accommodation,” Mrs Taylor said.
“With the increased subsidies now available, many of these people are now receiving life-changing treatment,”
“This crucial program is helping to ensure that no matter where you live in NSW, you can access the healthcare you need.”
Community-based charity Can Assist provides financial support to cancer patients living in rural and regional areas to help access treatment and care.
“I can’t put into words the weight I see lifted when patients and our volunteers realise what the increase in IPTAAS rebates means for them,” Can Assist Executive Director Emma Phillips said.
The NSW Government is launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote the benefits of the expanded scheme, which will include flyers, fact sheets, an updated website and social media posts targeting existing, new and potential patients and their families and carers. In addition, NSW Health is continuing to review and streamline the IPTAAS application processes to make it easier for patients to lodge claims
Steph Cooke | 28 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Grants Health News
The Mornings, Melodies and Memories community-led initiative from Bland Shire Council has been successful in receiving $50,000 from the third round of the NSW Government’s Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this is a wonderful program to establish connections between community and allow members to share their stories about living within Bland Shire.
“I eagerly await to hear about these amazing stories which will empower our seniors to be active and connected in their local community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Following this round of the program, the NSW Government have now supported 71 different programs with some $2 million to support seniors and keep them connected with their local communities right across the state.”
“Seniors are an integral part of our society and we want to make sure they don’t run the risk of falling into social isolation.”
Ms Alison Balind Director of Corporate and Community Services at Bland Shire Council said that the Mornings, Melodies and Memories program is a series of gatherings held across the Shire to share local history and build connections.
“The project is designed to run for approximately 10 months with monthly events in the communities of Barmedman, Ungarie and Weethalle and bi-monthly in the communities of Tallimba and Mirrool,” Ms Balind said.
It is important to support our local seniors as they play such an important role in breaking down those barriers of social isolation.
Funding of up to $50,000 were on offer in the third round of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grants program. Projects must run through 2022-2023.
Steph Cooke | 17 Oct 2022 | Health News Temora Shire Uncategorized
The NSW Government’s $80 million commitment to redevelop the Temora Hospital has taken a key step forward with the appointment of the project team to oversee the redevelopment.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government is committed to delivering enhanced health services and future-proofing care for the local community.
“An experienced team of project managers, architects and cost managers who have worked on a range of health infrastructure projects in both metro and regional areas have been engaged to progress master planning for the Temora Hospital redevelopment,” Ms Cooke said.
“The appointment of the project team is a key milestone in the advancement of healthcare for the region and will ensure we can move ahead and deliver the best possible hospital to support the health needs of the Temora community now and into the future.”
The project team includes:
Capital Insight as the Project Managers
HDR as the Architect
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the immediate focus for the redevelopment team includes commencing the master planning for the hospital.
“With the project team on board, we will be consulting with key stakeholders including clinicians, staff, patients and the local community to inform the project’s planning and design,” Mrs Taylor said.
“It’s an exciting project for the entire Temora community and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring regional communities like Temora have access to quality healthcare and modern health facilities that meet the needs of the region.
“The full range of services and infrastructure to be delivered as part of the redevelopment will be identified through the planning phase.”
The $80 million Temora Health Service redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities. Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.
