I’m excited to be writing my first column for the Southern Highlands News and to be able to give you an update on what’s happening at Bowral and District Hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I have now been the hospital’s General Manager for three months and I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know all the hospital staff and community members.
One of the big topics of conversation is of course the $50 million redevelopment, which we are all eagerly anticipating.
The schematic designs are now available for the public to have a look at and we were very happy with the level of interest at the community information sessions that we held.
It is great to see the level of community interest in the hospital and to know the community shares our desire to create the best possible hospital for the region.
This hospital will include modern theatres and inpatient wards, more single patient rooms with ensuites, new medical equipment and a new main entrance.
We are coming into the colder part of the year, which makes it a busy time for the hospital.
We are encouraging you to do your part by getting your flu shot.
Australia had a tough flu season last year and Bowral was no exception. We want to make sure that everyone in our community stands the best chance of getting through winter without getting the flu.
Vaccination is your best protection against flu and because the vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective and wears off over time, it is important to get it very soon.
Flu shots are free for pregnant women, children up to five years of age and people over 65 years of age, most Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
Along with the flu shot, there are some really easy steps people can take to keep themselves healthy this winter.
Make sure you cough and sneeze into your elbow to stop germs getting on your hands and make sure you wash your hands regularly, particularly if you are feeling unwell.
If your symptoms come on quickly, and include fever, severe aches and pains, chills and sweats, first visit your general practitioner.
Staff at Bowral and District Hospital’s Emergency Department are always there to help, but your GP should be your first port of call in the case of cold or flu symptoms.
It is important for the community to remember that emergency departments are for emergencies only.
And finally, we have some news about our renal services.
We are working hard with community representatives and clinicians to finalise a model of care that will provide safe and appropriate renal services for the community of Bowral and surrounds.
While that is happening we are ordering the equipment required and are very confident of having renal treatment spaces in place this year.