The current wave of COVID-19 infections continues to grow and all NSW residents are urged to ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and to practise COVID-safe behaviours. 

There are fears the number of serious illnesses and death toll will increase significantly as the latest wave is driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said figures showed 56% (or 1,232 cases) of COVID-related deaths this year were in people who have had two or fewer doses. 

“We are at the beginning of the third wave of Omicron which is likely to peak in late July or early August. This increase in community transmission brings with it greatly increased risks for those not up to date with their vaccines,” he said. 

“The best way you can protect yourself from serious illness or worse is to get every vaccination that is available to you.” 

If you are fully vaccinated you have a 65% greater protection against hospitalisation or death from Omicron than two vaccine doses alone affords, according to data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. 

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said in addition to booking in for a booster, people should exercise common sense and wear a face mask in public indoor spaces, where physical distancing cannot be maintained. “Face masks, hand hygiene, staying home when ill, testing yourself when symptoms present, physically distancing, all these measures are not new to us,” Kerry said. 

Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are reminded to speak to their GP or health professional about antiviral medications if they contract COVID-19. Antivirals work best when taken within five days from when symptoms onset. 

COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone 16 years and older who had their last dose of a primary course at least three months ago. To find your nearest vaccination clinic, visit nsw.gov.au. 

We all know what to do when we are injured, but how many of us know where to go when we are experiencing mental health issues?

While 20% of Autralians are impacted by mental health, it still seems to be a taboo subject in our modern lives. 

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb addressed this often painful subject speaking to about 200 students and community members at the Fobes Mental Health Expo on Tuesday.

Sam started his presentation with two words: I’m fine. “These are two of most dangerous words spoken every day. They were the last two words I heard from my good friend the night before he took his own life in 2013.”

Sam, who flew in from his home in Los Angeles, co-founded the mental health charity LIVIN after the death of his friend committing to helping people and organisations understand the importance of mental health and making wellness a priority.

Speaking from the heart his presentation focused on simple tools and strategies to live better, make a difference and be of service to other people. 

“Don’t take ‘I’m fine’ for an answer any more. A lot of people use those two words just as a blow off, and what they really want to say is: Help Me!”

Sam said the “cool mantra” It Ain’t Weak To Speak was not just about mental health but could be applied to all aspects of life, like an upcoming exam, or relationship problems. He gave the audience some tips about talking to someone who is struggling. “Be honest, and don’t be afraid to have a hard conversation. It is about listening, and not trying to fix anything or solving problems.”

Another strategy Sam focused on was being adaptable in life. “It is not cool to hide your pain, and it does not get you anywhere. Find your north star – identify what you’re good at and value yourself and your worth. You have the power to make a difference in your life. It is OK not to be all right.”

For Sam self-care is vital. “We cannot help anyone properly if we do not look after ourselves first.” He said running was his best self-care option, while some answers from the audience included drawing, and talking to a friend.

Sam ended his presentation with a story about a fellow presenter who had survived a suicide attempt. He said the most important message from the survivor was that he felt instant regret the moment he jumped off a bridge.

Forbes resident Brodie Dukes has worked hard to turn her dreams into reality. 

Brodie has been studying for a Certificate IV via distance education for three years at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing to achieve her goal of becoming an optical dispenser and to continue providing Forbes with the latest optical technology and services. 

Brodie has been with Eyewear Specs for five years. “I had never considered becoming an optical dispenser until I met Fiona Hayward, Owner and Manager of Eyewear Specs. We discussed Fiona’s role and that got me interested and thinking about becoming an optical dispenser,” said Brodie. 

When Fiona offered her a traineeship, she was quick to seize the amazing opportunity. “I enjoy the community spirit Forbes has as well as being able to help provide our community with their eye health and visual needs. 

I hope to continue to learn and grow my skills as an optical dispenser and to be able to help grow Eyewear Specs to allow us to continue to provide Forbes and surrounding areas with the latest optical technology and services.” 

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP will once again introduce a bill to the NSW Legislative Assembly seeking to mandate a registered nurse be available around the clock in NSW nursing homes. 

“Tragically, the pandemic had a devastating impact on the vulnerable residents living in nursing homes, which exposed the severe lack of medically trained staff to care for those afflicted with Covid-19,” said Phil.

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care revealed an insufficient staffing of registered nurses in nursing homes, and one of the commissioner’s recommendations is the introduction of a minimum staff standard across the board – including registered nurses.”

The second iteration of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party’s bill, titled the Public Health Amendment (Registered Nurses in Nursing Homes) Bill 2020, was brought before the NSW Legislative Council for debate in May by Phil’s colleague, Mark Banasiak MLC, and passed the Upper House on 11th May.

“I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the many personal care workers looking after the residents in the nursing homes, but they do not have the level of training or clinical expertise a registered nurse has, such as administering medications, assessing and managing medical conditions, and time-critical referrals for escalation of patient care.

“This bill, if passed into legislation, would require nursing homes to staff, at a minimum, the regulatory prescribed number of registered nurses at all times. Nursing homes would no longer be without a registered nurse to deliver care – day or night.

“We want the best possible nursing care for those precious seniors in our lives, our grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts – and that care shouldn’t be restricted to business hours, it should be 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Phil.

NSW residents are being urged to book in for their flu vaccine without delay, with winter just a few days away and hospitals already seeing a surge in influenza cases.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW hospitals were facing a triple threat with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, a surge in flu cases and staff furloughing due to illness.

“With almost no exposure to flu these past two years, it is imperative we all get a flu jab to protect ourselves and the community.”

NSW’s Chief Paediatrician Dr Matt O’Meara said there was particular concern for children aged six months to five years old, as young children were particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of flu.

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free flu vaccine. This includes children from six months to under five years of age; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age; people with serious health conditions, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and over.

At the time of going to press, the minister was considering making the flu vaccine free for all NSW residents.

Forbes midwife Judi Driscoll has been announced as one of nine nominees for the Midwife of the Year Award by the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). 

Winners of the WNSWLHD Nurse, Midwife and Team of the Year Awards are nominated to represent the District in the NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. The awards acknowledge the significant skill, passion, and contributions of nurses and midwives from across the District. 

Judi is described as extremely caring and a deeply passionate midwife. Her team speaks very highly of Judi and thoroughly enjoy working with her. She goes above and beyond, not only for her patients but for colleagues as well. 

People describe Judi as highly conscientious and diligent in her practice. Judi always follows policy and best practice methods. She provides an outstanding level of care, ensures patients are safe, and advocates for all patient needs. 

Judi is the heart of the maternity unit. She is kind, and her calming nature centres the team during challenging and at times difficult cases, which truly makes her a delight to work with. 

Congratulations to Judi on her nomination and good luck!