The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is pleased with a recent announcement that Western NSW leads the country in the number of fully immunised 5-year olds, with new data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). This compares with a national rate for fully immunized 5-year olds of 93.5% in 2016-17.

“Immunisation is a critical component in building healthy communities and reducing preventable hospitalisations,” said Andrew Harvey, CEO WNSW PHN. “We are thrilled with these new immunisation numbers that show families in Western NSW continue to make the right health choices for their children,” continued Mr Harvey.

WNSW PHN works closely with general practice and Local Health Districts to provide immunisation education and promotion programs for nurses, doctors and Aboriginal health workers. This includes an annual immunisation conference held in Orange and Dubbo in partnership with the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance to be held on 3-4 May 2018.

WNSW PHN is one of 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia established by the Australian Government that work to support and strengthen primary health care. WNSW PHN works closely with general practice and Aboriginal community controlled health organisations to improve quality and access to primary care in the community. WNSW PHN also funds a range of services to meet identified health needs in areas including mental health, drug and alcohol, suicide prevention, chronic disease, after hours services and older persons care.

The Western NSW Primary Health Network area covers 433,379 square kms and includes both Western and Far West NSW Local Health Districts.

When you think about how much we use our hands especially when playing ball sports, it’s not hard to understand why hand and finger injuries are so common. Most of these injuries heal spontaneously, which is why they are often neglected by athletes. Many people don’t seek help until it is too late for effective treatment however an early, accurate diagnosis to identify potentially serious injuries can prevent long term functional impairment and deformity.

Knowledge of the mechanism of injury or how the injury happened can also help with an accurate diagnosis. A punching injury often results in a fracture to one of the metacarpal bones, commonly the base of the fifth metacarpal. A direct blow to the point of the finger often causes a dislocation or sprain of one of the finger joints. Sometimes the finger flexor tendon can pull a plug of bone off its attachment causing an avulsion fracture. This most commonly involves the ring finger and occurs when a player grabs an opponents clothing during a tackle.

As a general rule of thumb, if there is any deformity present, either with the hand open or closed, persistent swelling or any of the hand or finger joints don’t move as they should, it is important to have the injury checked out by a professional. Some fractures may require surgery, some immobilisation or splinting. Sprains or dislocations may require swelling management with ice or an oedema glove and exercises to prevent loss of range of motion.

An early diagnosis and appropriate management can prevent a lifetime of deformity and loss of function.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly