One of our nurses, Naomi Gerhard, has gone above and beyond her duties to organise our hospital’s participation in the Share the Dignity campaign which collects sanitary and personal care items for women affected by poverty and homelessness.

I am very pleased that our staff and members of the community have donated many new and unopened products so women in crisis have access to these essential items.

There is still time to donate to this worthy cause, so please drop off your donation at the collection point in the maternity unit.

I would also like to congratulate our staff for their efforts to promote World Breastfeeding Awareness Week with a successful morning tea event.

Breastfeeding brings many benefits to mum and baby and our nurses and midwives provide specialist support and guidance to women on natural feeding.

Our maternity unit has improved its breastfeeding rates on discharge from 74 per cent in January to 89 per cent in April, thanks to the excellent efforts of our specialist staff.

The hospital’s $65 million redevelopment, now including a new $15 million emergency department, is making great progress with the new ambulance access ramp expected to be completed in September.

Preparation works for the new clinical services building which will transform our hospital are also well underway.

I would like to thank the members of the community who give up their time on a regular basis to serve on our consumer user groups which help guide the planning of the hospital expansion.

Their input is greatly valued as we continue to build a new hospital which will meet our community’s healthcare needs for decades to come.

Finally, while we have had a better winter flu season this year compared to previous years, I would like to encourage our residents to visit the ED only in emergencies.

Please see your GP if you are suffering cold or flu symptoms for assistance as a first option.

Thank you to everyone who has been following this advice.