108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
IMPACT Community Health Service (ICHS) Discovery Coast hosted its second Health Professionals Network Evening in Agnes Water on Tuesday 23 January 2024, attracting 15 attendees from various health sectors.
The event was an opportunity for health professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices while fostering stronger connections and strengthening the collaboration and coordination of health care services in the region.
ICHS Practice Manager, Pamela Mackie, said, “it’s important for health professionals who often work in isolation in rural environments to have the opportunity to network with other health professionals.”
The event featured presentations by Louise Natusch, Senior Manager Regional Programs (Wide Bay), and Ellen McDermott, Primary Health Coordinator (Wide Bay) from Country to Coast Qld (PHN), who spoke about the rebranding of the PHN and the role of the Integration Team in supporting health providers to deliver quality care to the community.
Prior to the event, Country to Coast Qld representatives toured the newly refurbished ICHS Precinct, where the strategic direction for the precinct and Discovery Coast was discussed.
“IMPACT has strategically prioritised access to health care services in the Discovery Coast undertaking the Discovery Coast Model of Care Project to understand the needs of region and is currently in Stage 2 of the Project developing an Integrated Health Service model with Dr Dani Buchanan joining the IMPACT Community Health Service team,” Mrs Mackie said.
ICHS Discovery Coast offers a range of services such as general practice, community nursing, and allied health, and is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people in the region through innovative and holistic approaches.
IMPACT Community Health Service is committed to improving lives and empowering people through its range of services and programs. To make an appointment or find out more, visit https://ichs.org.au/.
IMPACT Community Health Service’s (ICHS) new GP-led Integrated Health Service is off to a promising start since its launch on Monday, November 13, 2023.
Offering a range of GP, community health and allied health services that respond to the evolving healthcare needs of the growing Discovery Coast region, the service is ready to welcome new patients looking for high-quality and integrated healthcare.
Dr Dani Buchanan, a proud Agnes Water local with extensive experience in rural healthcare and emergency medicine, is thrilled with the progress of the service and the “great team” at ICHS.
“It’s going really well. We have a great clinic here with some very talented staff. The first couple of weeks were a steep learning curve, but we have been really well supported by the community,” he said.
“We’ve seen a mix of holidaymakers and locals, but as time is going on it’s becoming more locals as they come back for further appointments and news gets out there about what we offer. The last few weeks have been busier than I expected we would be. We still have room to grow and capacity to take on more patients.”
“The team is fabulous. We have a good morale and everyone wants to learn and get better. I’m looking forward to the project growing over the next couple of years into something that is really valuable for the community,” he added.
ICHS Practice Manager, Pamela Mackie said, “We are delighted with the response from the community and the outcomes we have achieved so far.”
“The convenience and accessibility of having a GP within the community healthcare service is a game-changer. This holistic approach to healthcare integrates GP services with nursing and allied health, providing a one-stop solution for all healthcare needs. Our community nursing and allied health services are available to support everyone in the community and referrals are accepted from any GP.”
Mrs Mackie also said the interior renovations of ICHS Building 1 were now complete. “The health service now boasts a modern new look and design that enhances the overall patient experience,” she said.
“The feedback so far has been so positive. People are loving the changes and the artwork on the wall is getting so many comments. I’ve been surprised by how many people want to go up and touch it,” said receptionist Veronica Daniel.
Nurse Kirsten James also praised Dr Dani Buchanan for his leadership and mentorship. “With Dr Dani it’s proving to be a really good opportunity to build my experience. He is so knowledgeable and happy to share what he knows. I’m learning every day. I love working with him and the rest of the team here,” she said.
IMPACT Community Health Service is committed to improving lives and empowering people through its range of services and programs. To make an appointment or find out more, visit https://ichs.org.au/
IMPACT Community Health Service (ICHS) is thrilled to announce the launch of its GP-led Integrated Health Service, which will offer a range of GP, community health and allied health services tailored to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Discovery Coast community. Dr Dani Buchanan has been appointed by IMPACT Community Services as Clinical Lead to the project.
ICHS’s GP led Integrated Health Service has been designed to offer a comprehensive place-based model of health and social care, ensuring that it aligns seamlessly with the unique needs of the growing Discovery Coast region. Complementing the existing array of services provided by ICHS, the Integrated Health Service will serve as a cornerstone in delivering tailored healthcare solutions to the local population now and as it evolves into the future.
The Integrated Health Service will open on Monday 13 November.
Pamela Mackie, ICHS Practice Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for this significant development, stating, "The launch of our GP led Integrated Health Service marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality within the Discovery Coast region. We believe that this integrated approach, led by a dedicated team of professionals, will empower our community to lead healthier, happier lives."
Dr Dani Buchanan, a proud Agnes Water local, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Clinical Lead of ICHS’s Integrated Health Service. Dr. Dani's journey from naturopathy to medicine, combined with his extensive experience in rural healthcare and emergency medicine, makes him an invaluable asset to the community. His passion for general practice, chronic disease management, and emergency care aligns perfectly with ICHS’s mission to provide evolving healthcare solutions for the local community.
Dr Dani said he was looking forward to joining the “great team” at ICHS, stating, "I'm looking forward to the project growing over the next couple of years into something that is really valuable for the community."
Shore Care Family Practice, a well-established healthcare provider in the Discovery Coast region, will relocate within the IMPACT Community Health Precinct as a significant refurbishment project begins this month.
Shore Care’s relocation from Building 1 to Building 2 represents a significant opportunity for growth and the enhancement of healthcare services for the local GP provider. It also marks the commencement of IMPACT Community Services' major refurbishment project, made possible by a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
Earlier this year, IMPACT Community Services secured a long-term, 10-year lease from Gladstone Regional Council for both buildings within the health precinct, paving the way to explore future service delivery in alignment with community needs.
IMPACT’s Managing Director Tanya O'Shea said the refurbishment project was entering an exciting phase.
“Shore Care's relocation to Building 2 is a positive step forward, signifying a wonderful opportunity for growth and further improvement of healthcare services in the region,” Mrs O'Shea said.
Shore Care Family Practice’s principal doctor Andrew Jackson said IMPACT’s support had been instrumental in helping the practice establishing itself.
“We have always been very grateful to IMPACT accommodating us in our current location, even though it was at the expense of their own space,” Dr Jackson said.
“Their support was instrumental with helping us set up and commence our practice.
“This relocation will not only allow us to return the much-needed space for IMPACT Community Health Service, but it will also support Shore Care Family Practice’s own endeavour to extend the services we provide.
“We certainly look forward to continuing to provide top-quality services to the Discovery Coast and beyond for many years to come.”
Following Shore Care's move, work will begin on the first of three stages of refurbishment on Building 1, with an expected completion by October.
Throughout this period, visitors to IMPACT Community Health Service may experience some changes in the building’s layout to accommodate the refurbishments. However, IMPACT remains dedicated to delivering uninterrupted, high-quality health services to the community.
“We understand that there might be some minor inconveniences during the refurbishment period, and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our community,” Mrs O'Shea said.
"These refurbishments will significantly elevate the health service standards on the Discovery Coast. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to the growing population of the Discovery Coast Region."
She said she expected to share exciting updates as IMPACT’s Discovery Coast Model of Care Project progressed.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said he looked forward to enhanced health services that would benefit Discovery Coast residents.
"I am pleased to see the progress being made and eagerly await the improved healthcare services," Mayor Burnett said.
ENDS
Picture: CHANGING TIMES: Dr Andrew Jackson, of Shore Care Family Practice, and IMPACT Community Health Service Practice Manager Pamela Mackie look forward to improved healthcare services for residents across the Discovery Coast region.
More than 70 people were treated for urgent illnesses and injuries at IMPACT Community Services’ Pop Up Care Clinic in Agnes Water over the Easter Long Weekend.
Over four days, Dr Dani Buchanan and nurses Pamela Mackie and Kristin James treated a wide range of urgent care needs including wounds requiring sutures, respiratory complaints, ear aches, dental issues, possible broken bones, vomiting and shortness of breath.
One patient required transfer to Bundaberg and subsequent transfer to Brisbane for specialist care, with another patient requiring a cardiac review.
IMPACT Community Health Service Practice Manager Pamela Mackie said the Pop Up Care Clinic was a “resounding success” and was overwhelmed by the support from the community and the positive feedback from those treated.
She said the Pop Up Care Clinic was part of a wider initiative to assess and address the medical needs of the Discovery Coast community, and to work towards providing accessible, affordable and appropriate medical care to residents and visitors of the region.
“Our focus is now to analyse the data that we collected during the clinic so we can look for ways to improve access to health care in our region on a more permanent basis,” Ms Mackie said.
“A number of people who attended the clinic indicated that if the clinic had not been available they would have suffered through their condition or simply have done nothing and hoped they got better rather than travel to Bundaberg or Gladstone 1.5 hours drive away.”
Nurse Kristin James said: “There was a fantastic show of community support and by the number of people who attended it proves the demand for future clinics to be held.”
IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O’Shea said the feedback from those who attended the clinic highlighted the need for such services to continue in the region, as well as the inequalities in access to healthcare between urban communities and their rural counterparts.
“As an organisation, IMPACT Community Services is dedicated to our mission of improving lives, and part of this is providing accessible and appropriate medical care to residents and visitors to the Discovery Coast region,” she said.
Mrs O’Shea added that local residents and visitors to the Discovery Coast expressed an outpouring of gratitude for the care provided by the Pop Up Care Clinic over the long weekend. One anonymous care recipient wrote: “What an answer to prayer for the long-suffering population of this district.” Another added: “Thank you for offering this amazing service. There are limited services in Agnes/1770 and even if you are unwell it’s a two to three week wait to be seen by a doctor. The community really need this added service.”
The Pop Up Care Clinic was made possible by funding from Country to Coast QLD (CCQ) PHN, and was undertaken as part of the wider Discovery Coast Model of Care Project, a major strategic project being funded by IMPACT Community Services to assess how to best meet the medical needs of the growing population in the Discovery Coast region.
The project aims to reduce the demand on emergency resources, support General Practice, expand allied and community health services and to provide residents with appropriate, affordable and accessible primary health care.
A Pop Up Care Clinic will operate in Agnes Water over the long weekend in a bid to reduce pressure on local emergency services and nearby hospital emergency departments.
IMPACT Community Health Service (ICHS) will operate the pop up clinic from their health precinct at Rafting Ground Road, with Dr Dani Buchanan and Nurses Pamela Mackie and Kirstin James, to treat non-life threatening medical emergencies.
ICHS Practice Manager Pamela Mackie said the Pop Up Care Clinic would provide Discovery Coast residents and visitors access to health care services without a 3-hour round trip to Gladstone or Bundaberg over the Easter period, 7 to 10 April inclusive.
“Residents and visitors to our beautiful region will be able to seek treatment for issues such as possible sprains or broken bones, cuts requiring stitches, minor ear or eye problems, burns and scalds and minor illnesses such as fever, infections and rashes,” she said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to provide health care in our community during peak holiday period and public holidays when our GPs are closed.”
Ms Mackie stressed that the Pop Up Care Clinic would not be equipped to provide care for life threatening emergencies, and if life is in danger 000 should always be called without delay.
Those needing medical assistance will be able to drop into the pop up clinic without an appointment, and all services provided will be fully rebateable to Medicare card holders. Patients will be prioritised according to the urgency of their injury or illness. The clinic has been co-designed with input from the Country to Coast QLD (CCQ) PHN, local GPs, Queensland Ambulance Service, the community and Rotary, who have donated a portable ultrasound for use not only in the pop up clinic but also for locally based practitioners.
Dr Buchanan said that he was pleased to return to the community. “This pop up clinic will provide vital access to urgent care for our community, and whilst this is a one off clinic I am hopeful that we can deliver services such as this in the future.”
The ICHS Pop Up Care Clinic will operate at the IMPACT Community Health Precinct at 2 Rafting Ground Road, Agnes Water between 9am and 5pm.
You can read more about the ICHS Pop Up Care Clinic at https://impact.org.au/ichs-pop-up-urgent-care-clinic/
The IMPACT Community Health Service is committed to meeting the needs of the Discovery Coast community and providing accessible health care for all.
We provide a wide range of community health services to our region, including community nursing, allied health (podiatry and diabetes education), exercise programs and mental health services as well as podiatry, nursing and child health in outreach clinics across the Discovery Coast.
We are continuing to work alongside our consultant, Mark Donato, to assess how we can best meet the needs of our growing community. As part of this, we are currently exploring the possibility of offering a pop-up urgent care walk in clinic in Agnes Water during the Easter school holidays. We will keep you informed of our progress toward making this a reality.
Urgent care clinics provide care to patients who have an urgent medical (injury/illness) requirement that is not a life-threatening emergency, for example sprains, wounds, sutures, minor breaks and insect or animal bites. This model of care delivery relieves pressure on local GPs and offers another treatment option for Discovery Coast residents and visitors that can help them avoid a 3-hour round trip to the nearest emergency department. Any emergency or life threatening situations such as heart attacks/chest pain, collapse/seizure/stroke, severe abdominal pain, car accidents, head and neck injuries need to be managed by calling 000.
I'm also pleased to share that in the coming weeks we will be hosting our first Health Professionals Network meeting, which will be a wonderful opportunity to discuss the needs of our region and hear from guest speakers. Many local health practitioners work in isolated practice from their peers, and we believe this is an ideal way in which to introduce individual practitioners into a health practice circle.
If you are a current or retired medical / health professional who is visiting or living in the Discovery Coast region and you would like to attend, please contact ICHS on 4902 2000. Your input will be highly valued and your contribution to understanding the needs of our region is welcomed.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses how the Discovery Coast Model of Care Project aims to build a sustainable health service for the region.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As someone who works hard to live by their values, I am often reminded of how important it is to be clear about my values, and to check in on them occasionally to make sure they’re relevant.
It makes my heart sing seeing my values come to life, to be reminded of their relevance and to see meaningful progress – my personal gauge that a commitment to consistency in energy and effort in living my values is starting to pay off.
As the managing director of an organisation that serves the community, ensuring that my personal and professional values align, and that our business values are interwoven with all we do, is essential.
One of my values – opportunity - has delivered in bucketloads this week, and after some reflection, I was reminded that being targeted in the opportunities that I pursue is something that I have had to work on. There are times, when competing interests compromise my ability to focus. Please use this as inspiration to never lose sight of your values as they can be the beacon in the fog whenever things start to feel a little overwhelming!
One of the targeted opportunities that paid dividends this week was kicking off stage 2 of our Discovery Coast Model of Care project, which aims to build a sustainable health service that meets the growing needs of the Discovery Coast region.
The IMPACT Community Health Service is the main provider of primary health services on the Discovery Coast, providing community nursing and allied health services, and also provides for a range of visiting health services. We have recognised the need to further develop health services in the region as an urgent priority.
Currently on the Discovery Coast there is no hospital or health service available and limited GPs, with many who need medical help forced to rely on the local chemist and Queensland Ambulance Service for non-urgent issues or make a 3-hour round trip to Bundaberg or Gladstone for both regular and after hours care.
In collaboration with a consultant, we are researching models that aim to reduce the demand on emergency services, support General Practice and provide Discovery Coast residents with appropriate, affordable, and accessible primary health care locally.
What a fantastic opportunity we have to improve access to essential healthcare on the Discovery Coast! I’m wondering how many other communities have the same issues?
If you’re from the Discovery Coast, you’ll know the region is in dire need of additional healthcare. Here at IMPACT Community Services, we’re currently working on a detailed research project to establish what model of health care would best accommodate the needs of the region both now and into the future and we’d love your help.
If you’re a Discovery Coast local, we want to hear from you.
Tell us what local health services you think are lacking, how the community could better attract health professionals and what type of services you want to see available locally.
We want to work together as a community to discover the best possible solution.
Please take a few minutes to complete our community survey.
Historically, the region has been overlooked when it comes to health care investment.
Even before the pandemic and the mammoth local population increase that came with it, local businesses and services were finding it difficult to keep up with demand. Now, local healthcare services in particular are nearing capacity, with the closest hospitals a 1.5-hour drive away and the two local ambulance staff run off their feet.
IMPACT Community Health Services (ICHS) is at the heart of healthcare in Agnes Water. Just recently our ICHS Child Health Nurse was called to assist with a home-birth when a local resident went into labour and couldn’t make it to a hospital, due to flooding and weather conditions. Thankfully, together with the paramedics they were able to communicate with the hospital midwife via telehealth and the delivery went smoothly, with both mum and bub doing well.
As well as nursing services, ICHS also offers a range of allied health programs at our health precinct located at 2 Rafting Ground Road, Agnes Water. In addition, we offer our facility for use by other health providers to deliver their services locally. At present, the precinct is home to a GP and a visiting women’s health clinician, skin specialist, Audiologist and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services which provide community mental health, physiotherapy and breast screening programs.
IMPACT has first-hand insights into how the growth in population has affected the local healthcare sector. We know that health related appointments are increasingly hard to come by, particularly for people who have relocated to the region and are required to register as new patients – with the majority of services offered via our facility unable to take on any more clients as accommodating current ones within a timely manner is already proving difficult.
These significant challenges are what led IMPACT to undertake this comprehensive research project that ultimately seeks to discover what model of healthcare will best accommodate the fast-growing region.
The project is currently in the information gathering phase, where we are talking with community, stakeholders and government to inform a future model of care to service our region.
Here at IMPACT Community Services (IMPACT) we are focused on three things: improving lives, creating diverse opportunities and working together. We believe this project is relevant to all three.
We are excited for the future and potential of the Discovery Coast region and are grateful for the community input and support.
Significant project updates will be provided on this webpage, as well as via our IMPACT Community Health Service Facebook page.
In addition to completing the community survey, please feel free to share any insights into how the significant growth in the population has impacted you and/or your organisation via email to ichs@impact.org.au or fill in the form below - all contributions will be de-identified and grouped into relevant categories.
Let’s work together to discover what healthcare services our Discovery Coast needs so residents have access to what they need, when they need it.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
Having access to quality healthcare is important for all people at any stage of life.
In Bundaberg we are fortunate to have a number of services available to us when it comes to maintaining our health and wellbeing, but other areas in our region are not so privileged.
The Discovery Coast, located between Bundaberg and Gladstone, has a rising and ageing population with a growing need for healthcare.
The IMPACT Community Health Service (ICHS) was established in 2016 and took over service delivery from existing providers to ensure ongoing levels of care were maintained.
Since then, the ICHS has developed services tailored to the needs of the Agnes Water region and provides a diverse range of healthcare options to all people, from nursing services to allied health and mental health services.
Locals are now easily able to access immunisations, group fitness classes, mother’s groups, counselling, alcohol and drug support, skin checks, women’s health services, a midwife, breast screening, chronic disease psychology, hearing services and many more.
Our IMPACT Community Health Precinct also offers co-located services such as the General Practitioner at Shore Care Family Practice and the Discovery Physio.
What I find most exciting is the growing number of visiting services that are operating from our precinct on a regular basis.
Given the population of the Discovery Coast, having certain services operate full time from Agnes wouldn’t be justified.
To assist in this space, IMPACT’s health precinct offers shared spaces for practitioners to operate from during their rostered visits.
This way the people of the Discovery Coast can access specialised services when available and don’t have to make unnecessary travel arrangements.
Most recently our precinct welcomed an Optometrist to the list of visiting practitioners, who said many residents had suffered ongoing and debilitating vision impairments due to the lack of service in the area.
Without the health precinct, Discovery Coast residents would have to make a three-hour round trip for any health concerns or appointments or, as many have done, forego health checkups altogether.
Missing out on these important visits due to residential location just isn’t good enough, and we’ve worked hard to deliver fundamental services to the region to avoid this problem.
I was recently speaking to the team in Agnes who shared that they often provide much more than just a health service to locals in need.
The Agnes and Discovery Coast communities are close knit, and our staff are happy to be a point of call for people needing direction in any situation.
The ladies often complete and lodge aged assistance applications and help with other paperwork or enquiries that don’t always relate to the health sector, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
For services not yet available in the Discovery Coast, ICHS rallied to have the patient travel subsidy scheme accessible for patients travelling for health-related appointments or concerns.
At the end of the day our ICHS team are there to support their community through all of life’s challenges.
Like all staff of IMPACT, the ICHS team members take pride in their service delivery and are always looking to go the extra mile for their clients.
I can’t express how proud I am of our health service and the passion our ICHS staff have for their community.
Our “Stronger Together” mentality is certainly a lived value at ICHS, and I’ve seen firsthand how eagerly the team strives to improve the lives of Discovery Coast locals each and every day.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
Many of us strive to live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes unexpected health implications can throw a spin on day-to-day life.
That’s why being in tune with your body and completing regular health checks is so important.
Each year in Australia over 1500 women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
Over 1000 will die.
Only 46% of women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer will meet the 5-year survival rate.
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month which provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the most underfunded and deadliest female cancer in Australia.
Awareness of this form of cancer is vitally important as there is no early detection test.
Commonly women may feel increased abdominal size or persistent bloating, lower tummy pain, feeling full after eating small amounts and needing to pass fluids often or urgently.
Some women may also experience changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight changes, excessive fatigue, indigestion, nausea, or irregular bleeding.
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Often these symptoms can indicate other less serious medical conditions, however if these symptoms are persistent, a doctor should be consulted.
It’s a good idea to track any symptoms you are experiencing as they can be discussed with a doctor in need.
If, however, you remain concerned about your symptoms you should always seek a second opinion.
As a woman it is important to trust your instincts and listen to your body.
The risk of developing Ovarian Cancer increases with a family history of Ovarian, Breast or Bowel Cancer, mutant genes, Lynch Syndrome and endometriosis, so knowledge of not only your own history but that of your family is also important.
Increasing age, use of Hormone replacement Therapy, tobacco smoking and obesity also increase a woman’s risk of developing Ovarian Cancer.
Our IMPACT Community Health Services in Agnes Water provides visiting Women’s Health services to the Discovery Coast Region.
Everyone experiences a health concern at one point or another, and it’s important that we normalise the discussion of it.
Start the conversation today – it could save a life.
For more information on Women’s Health services in the Discovery Coast, or to make an appointment, I encourage women to call our friendly staff on 07) 4902 2000.
Learn more about IMPACT's Community Health Service
As restrictions start to ease, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the coronavirus crisis is over.
But while COVID-19 infection rates in the Bundaberg region remain low, there is a large portion of the population struggling.
IMPACT Community Services has been given a grant by the Queensland Government to establish a six-month community recovery program called COVID Connect.
This will help struggling residents cope with the after-effects of the coronavirus lock-down and ongoing changes.
COVID Connect will include services such as welfare checks and monitoring for people at risk, mental health support, facilitation of access to support services, delivery of education/activity kits to families in isolation and assistance to people facing eviction or homelessness due to COVID-19.
The service extends to vulnerable people in the Bundaberg region, including Bundaberg, Childers, Gin Gin and the Discovery Coast.
IMPACT's Manager of Support Services Sandra Higgins said there were still many vulnerable members of the community who needed vital assistance.
“There are lots of people in the community who won't bounce back immediately,” Ms Higgins said.
“There are those who can't hit the ground running or whose circumstances are compounding the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions. And we're here to help anyone who asks.”
People at potentially higher risk include those who are rurally isolated, single parents with children who have lost their support network, and the elderly stuck at home.
“The elderly are particularly disadvantaged during these restrictions,” Ms Higgins said.
“We can teach them how to do online groceries, how to do navigate telehealth, or how to do Skype calls with their family.
“Some don't have smart phones so we can actually provide them with a device to contact the outside world, which for some must seem a long way away.”
Even before the start of COVID Connect, IMPACT was assisting those who lived where deliveries did not reach. The team assisted a couple who were self-isolating out at Delan. When the supermarkets couldn't home-deliver their groceries, support worker Sharmaine Gernhoefer drove the 40 minutes to their home to make sure they got what they needed. Now they have the ability to assist many more.
The COVID Connect model is deliberately flexible to be able to cater to the varying circumstances of each client but services will also include:
Where applicable, IMPACT support workers can also assist clients to develop a strengths-based plan, self-care plan and an emergency plan.
And because of IMPACT’s wraparound service model, participants will have access to their specialist staff, such as DV support workers, mental health support and other peer workers.
And on a more practical level, IMPACT operates a commercial laundry and is able to assist with domestic laundering and bulky items such as doonas.
“Often the vulnerable among us, no matter what their circumstances, just need reassurance,” Ms Higgins said.
“They need to know that other people are in the same boat, and that this will all end at some point. And that's what we're here for.”
If you need support call 4153 4233.
“Sanity takes on a whole new meaning with adequate sleep?”
Sleep is something we all need.
It is as essential for our survival as food and water, yet we are often neglectful of it.
Do you have noisy neighbours, partying until dawn?
Is the sound of the ocean and the fresh clean air
of the Discovery Coast too much for you to bear at night?
According to the book “Relax and Win: Championship Performance”, by Sharon Ackerman, the United States Navy Pre-Flight School created a routine to help pilots to fall asleep in less than 2 minutes. The technique is underpinned by breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises and suggests that it could take pilots up to six weeks of practice to get it right, but it worked, reportedly even with the sound of gunfire in the background, and also when pilots were in the sitting position ….
Well the Military Method may work for you:
Routine Instructions:
Give it a try, see if it works for you and tune in over the next few Wednesdays to learn more about the breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation exercises that underpin the routine above.
Let us know any tips tricks or strategies that work for you.
Sleep well and sweet dreams.
The IMPACT Community Health Service staff have been running the popular weekly 'Up and Active' classes in each of their Discovery Coast communities. But as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, those group activities have been put on hold.
'Up and Active' was an exercise program aimed at 50s and over for people in the Discovery Coast region. It consisted of low- to medium intensity exercise for strength and balance and cardio for health. It was also a great opportunity for social contact.
When the coronavirus restrictions came into play the classes had to be suspended and the team had to come up with something that would fill the gap.
And that's where 'Engage in U' was born. 'Engage in U' is a way to distribute information to get people moving and to stay healthy while we are all in lock-down.
It contains exercise info and suggestions, but also dietary and nutritional advice, like leftover recipes and how to get the best out of what's in your fridge.
And that is right in 'Engage in U's' dietitian Marina Chang's wheelhouse.
“It's all about education and encouragement,” Marina said. “Getting people to improve their wellbeing through their diet.”
The program is for people of all ages, for those with health conditions or people who just want some great options to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
“Our strategy is to help them understand it is easier than they think and to give them all the necessary info they need,” Marina said. “To turn the facts into changes that will have the most impact.”
Marina's two top tips for switching to a healthier diet are:
• eat more vegetables
• ditch the processed food
Part of Marina's approach is finding out where you shop and what food is available to you: finding the best place for you to source the best food, and then looking for the best choice.
“And then the trick is making all these changes practical and including them into your daily routine,” Marina said. “And this will be different for each person so we individualise the advice and recommendations. It must be applicable to you.”
Marina will help you modify recipes where that is needed, how to make serving more effective and delicious and even how to change the visuals of the dish on the plate.
And to get your taste buds in gear, here is a great recipe from Marina's recent 'Cooking on a Budget' workshop.
Tex-Mex Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes cooked and halved
Olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
500gm mince beef
1 tsp coriander
2 tsp cumin
1-2 tsp smoked paprika
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Black pepper, chilli powder if desired
Grated cheese
Method:
· Precook sweet potatoes in oven or microwave
· Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh. Set aside flesh
· Bake sweet potato skins in oven 10-15mins or until crisp
· Saute chopped onions and garlic in a pan with little olive oil until softened
· Add spices and stir or 1 min
· Add mince and stir until browned, add black pepper
· Add tomatoes and kidney beans
· Simmer, uncovered, until meat cooked.
· Mix through sweet potato flesh.
· Scoop mixture into sweet potato skins and top with grated cheese
Nachos
Ingredients:
Wholemeal pita or Lebanese bread
Tex Mex mince mixture
Tomato, chopped
Grated Cheese
1 avocado and ½ cup greek yoghurt, mashed together
Spring onion
Method:
· Cut or break pita bread into triangle shapes and place on oven tray
· Cook in oven 10 mins at 180 degrees C or until crisp
· Arrange pita crisps on plate
· Top with tex mex mince, grated cheese, tomato and avocado mix
· Garnish with chopped spring onions.
Engage in U is available to residents on the Discovery Coast. For more information call IMPACT Community Health Service on 4902 2000.
IMPACT Community Health Service has been running solid this past month delivering the 2020 FLUVAX Clinic across the Discovery Coast, visiting each of the communities in the region.
Having locally-based clinics on the Coast has enabled older residents to access the clinic in their own community and as a result of COVID-19, there has been an increase in numbers.
IMPACT’s Nurse Immuniser and Child Health Nurse Pip Burton administered 355 vaccinations across six towns over 16 days.
“It's been a good response and great for these communities,” Pip said.
Pip has been running this clinic for more than 10 years.
She said they started early this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"A lot of people are concerned about COVID-19 and its effect on the community," Pip said.
“For a lot of these regional clients and their families, the social isolation is not new for them, as they are already a long way from towns.
“But they are grateful for our regional clinics as they would normally have had to travel to Bundaberg or Gladstone to get their Fluvax.”
Pip sees lots of regulars returning year after year.
She said more people were asking about the Pneumovax, perhaps because of the influence of coronavirus and how it could lead to pneumonia.
Pip and her team have had to adapt how they administer the vaccinations to conform to all the necessary precautions and accommodate social distancing.
The health service runs the clinics annually and usually winds the vaccinations up in June or July.
This year though they will provide the service as long as people keep asking about it to ensure they help protect “all the stragglers”.
Our free FLUVAX is available to:
Along with Fluvax, Pip can vaccinate for Pneumovax, Zostavax and Childhood Immunisations.
For more information or to book an appointment call 4902 2000.
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