Share The Dignity #Pinkbox machine installed at our Bendigo Women's Health Clinic

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Friday 17 May 2019

Written by Rod

We're pretty proud to team up with Share the Dignity to offer free #Pinkbox period packs to the community from a new dispensing machine installed this week at our Women's Health Clinic at the Central site in Hargreaves Street.

Each pack contains six tampons and two pads.

The machines are put in place by Share The Dignity to ensure that everyone is afforded the dignity so many of us take for granted. What a great initiative.

You can visit our Central site at 165-171 Hargreaves Street during business hours.

Free sanitary products are also available from our Eaglehawk site at 3 Seymoure Street and Kangaroo Flat site at 19 Helm Street.

It's all part of our commitment to women's health and supporting everyone in our community.

Big thanks to Share The Dignity for supporting us with this endeavour - keep up the great work.

Thanks to Gus from C2Electrical for a great job in getting the new machine onto the wall so fast and running smoothly.

SafeScript operating at Bendigo Community Health Services bulk-billed medical clinics

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Thursday 16 May 2019

Written by Rod

All our bulk-billed medical clinics are now operating the real-time prescription monitoring system SafeScript.

SafeScript monitors all Schedule 8 and 'high-risk' medicines such as morphone, oxycodone, codeine and diazepam.

A trial in Western Victoria alerted health professionals at more than 400 sites to arond 4500 patients 'at risk' of overdose after visiting multiple clinics or pharmacies.

SafeScript is now online for all Victorian doctors and pharmacists with more than 7500 health professionals registered and using the system.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley said SafeScript was already saving lives.

“Prescription medicine dependency can happen to anyone. Too many lives have been tragically cut short due to the harms from some prescription medicines. Each loss is one too many,” Mr Foley said.

Safescript is operating at Bendigo Community Health Services bulk-billed medical clinics in Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Central.

If you have concerns about SafeScript call the free and confidential 24-hour SafeScript Pharmaceutical Helpline on 1800 737 233.

International Nurses Day: Let's meet Liz Morley - our community health nurse at the Bendigo Multidisciplinary Centre

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Wednesday 15 May 2019

Written by Rod

We continue to celebrate International Nurses Day by paying thanks to all the wonderful nurses out there who make a difference to the lives of the people they care for every day.

International Nurses Day is celebrated across the world on May 12 – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

We’re fortunate to have some wonderful nurses working at Bendigo Community Health Services to support clients in a variety of services and programs.

In recognition of International Nurses Day and the great work they do, we’d like to introduce some of these nurses to you this week and talk to them about what makes their career special.

Let’s continue with community health nurse Liz Morley from the Bendigo Multidisciplinary Centre:

How long have you been a nurse?

39 years.

Why did nursing appeal to you in the beginning?

I wanted to study psychology but in 1979 it was only offered in Melbourne which was a long way away then, and the prospect of moving down there seemed unachievable. I gave up completely when I learned there was virtually no work for clinical psychologists; haven’t things changed! My mother suggested nursing and I took her advice.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse?  

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International Nurses Day: Let's meet Sexual Health Clinic community health nurse Rebekah Ryan

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Tuesday 14 May 2019

Written by Rod

We continue to celebrate International Nurses Day by paying thanks to all the wonderful nurses out there who make a difference to the lives of the people they care for every day.

International Nurses Day is celebrated across the world on May 12 – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

We’re fortunate to have some wonderful nurses working at Bendigo Community Health Services to support clients in a variety of services and programs.

In recognition of International Nurses Day and the great work they do, we’d like to introduce some of these nurses to you this week and talk to them about what makes their career special.

Let’s continue with community health nurse Rebekah Ryan from our Sexual Health Clinic:

How long have you been a nurse?

20 years.

Why did nursing appeal to you in the beginning?

I loved the thought of caring for people and helping people to become well.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse?

Helping people and increasing their knowledge to help themselves.

Describe nursing in one word?

Caring (one really … that was tough)

Tell us a story from your nursing career that made you cry?  

When I won a PapScreen Victoria Nurse Cervical Screening Award in 2016 for Commitment to Underscreened Groups In recognition of exceptional commitment to tailoring cervical screening services to reach underscreened women. I had my family and work colleagues to support me and help celebrate with me. Such a highlight of my career.

What about one that made you laugh?

Cleaning instrument used in a sterile procedure in ‘rinse aid’ ... at least they will shine!

What is your most memorable day on the job as a nurse? 

There is so many however one that stands out is managing the Endometriosis Care Centre Of Australia (ECCA) in Melbourne. Writing script ads for Fox FM Melbourne radio station and then listening to them each morning on the radio to help raise the profile of women’s health issues. Then co-ordinating a fundraising ball at the Royal Melbourne Exhibition Centre … hard work but was amazing.

What would you say to a young student asking your advice on pursuing nursing as a career?

It is so rewarding as long as you specialise and work out your area that you are passionate about and go for it. Be the best you can be.

To meet more of our wonderful nurses from the International Nurses Day series click here

www.bchs.com.au I #BCHS #thereforyou

International Nurses Day: Let's meet Alcohol and Other Drugs team community health nurse Sheenah Van Eck

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Monday 13 May 2019

Written by Rod

We continue to celebrate International Nurses Day by paying thanks to all the wonderful nurses out there who make a difference to the lives of the people they care for every day.

International Nurses Day is celebrated across the world on May 12 – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

We’re fortunate to have some wonderful nurses working at Bendigo Community Health Services to support clients in a variety of services and programs.

In recognition of International Nurses Day and the great work they do, we’d like to introduce some of these nurses to you this week and talk to them about what makes their career special.

Let’s continue with community health nurse Sheenah Van Eck from our Alcohol and Other Drugs team:

How long have you been a nurse?

I have been nursing for 35 years (in many different areas and fields of nursing).

Why did nursing appeal to you in the beginning?

I had no intention of being a nurse. I originally had a scholarship to do Speech Therapy – but there was a 6 month wait until the course started. I had a friend who was a psychiatric nurse, and she took me to great parties and had the funniest stories to tell. The pay was good, so I signed up – intending to quit after six months.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse?

The privilege, and honor of being there when people experience the mess that is Life: Births, deaths, illnesses, operations, addiction messiness. Being part of your patients growth and change.

Describe nursing in one word?

Enduring.

Tell us a story from your nursing career that made you cry?

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International Nurses Day: Let's meet Louise Holland from our Women's Health Clinic

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Monday 13 May 2019

Written by Rod

Today is International Nurses Day. A time to pay thanks to all the wonderful nurses out there who make a difference to the lives of the people they care for every day.

UPDATE: Meet Alcohol and Other Drugs team community health nurse Sheenah Van Eck click here

UPDATE: Meet Sexual Health Clinic community health nurse Rebekah Ryan click here

UPDATE: Meet Bendigo Multidisciplinary Centre community health nurse Liz Morley click here

ORIGINAL POST: International Nurses Day is celebrated across the world on May 12 – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

We’re fortunate to have some wonderful nurses working at Bendigo Community Health Services to support clients in a variety of services and programs.

In recognition of International Nurses Day and the great work they do, we’d like to introduce some of these nurses to you over the next week and talk to them about what makes their career special.

Knit4Charities volunteers lend a loving and welcome hand to Bendigo Community Coat Drive

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Friday 3 May 2019

Written by Rod

Wonderful acts of generosity are one of the truly heartwarming things about our Bendigo Community Coat Drive every year.

Pure kindness such as Knit4Charities who on Thursday delivered bags and bags of beautifully handmade goodies to help those in need this winter.

The donations were lovingly crafted by Knit4Charities members across Australia and as we fished through the donations the true extent of this generosity was apparent - 113 adult beanies, 150 children's beanies, 69 pairs of fingerless gloves, 78 scarves and nine pairs of socks. Incredible!

The accompanying letter revealed:

"These donations come to you with compliments from members of Knit4Charities Inc. across Australia.

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Bendigo Community Coat Drive launched with help from football and netball clubs

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Wednesday 1 May 2019

Written by Rod

Bendigo Community Health Services is calling on people to scour their cupboards and draws to support the 2019 Bendigo Community Coat Drive from May 6.

AFL Central Victoria is supporting the drive in 2019 with football and netball captains visiting Pristine Dry Cleaners in High Street on Tuesday to help launch the campaign with manager Jane Townsend and Bendigo Community Health Services chief executive officer Gerard Jose.

The 2019 Bendigo Community Coat Drive runs from May 6 to May 25.

Pristine Dry Cleaners will clean every donated item free of charge.

Bendigo Community Health Services received more than 1400 donations last year.

BCHS CEO Gerard Jose said the coat drive supported people in the community forced to go cold every winter because they didn’t have the means to buy a warm coat.

“There are people in the community forced to make decisions every week about whether to spend the limited money they have on food, heating or rent – they simply don’t have the means to buy a new coat for themselves or their children to get through winter,” Mr Jose said.

Can you help? See the list of donation drop off points below

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Bulk-billed doctor clinic demand sees wait time stretch beyond two weeks

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Tuesday 30 April 2019

Written by Rod

It's been pretty hectic since Easter as we see a dramatic rise in the number of people calling our sites to get a GP appointment.

We understand it's difficult getting a doctor's appointment in Bendigo at the moment and this has seen the wait time at our bulk-billed clinics stretch out beyond two weeks.

Please rest assured we are doing our very best to meet the rise in demand and thank everyone for their patience.

Our Client Services team takes all the calls to our sites and we ask everyone to please show courtesy as our staff do their best to deal with this busy time.

You can also visit www.bchs.com.au and click on the appointment bar at the top of the homepage to see what times are available in coming weeks with our GPs.

If you have an emergency out of practice hours call 000 immediately.

For non-emergency, after-hours medical advice or care our medical practice recommends you try Nurse On Call 1300 606 024 or healthdirect GP Helpline on 1800 022 222.

www.bchs.com.au I #BCHS #thereforyou

iEmpower refugee youth program builds knowledge, resilience and skills in future Bendigo leaders

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Friday 26 April 2019

Written by Rod

What an inspiring group of young Bendigo people.

Eighteen young Bendigo refugees have graduated after dedicating themselves to a 16-week iEmpower program designed to build their knowledge, resilience and skills to become future leaders in their community.

The Youth Development and Empowerment Program was delivered by iEmpower in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Bendigo TAFE, Victoria Police and headspace Bendigo.

The 18 program members and their mentors were recognised during a special graduation ceremony before family, friends and guests at Bendigo Community Health Services last night.

The group received their certificates, delivered speeches about the importance of the program in their lives and even sang a couple of songs to entertain the crowd during the ceremony.

One 21-year-old participant said the program had taught them how to contribute and become a productive member of the Bendigo community.

“To me, it’s a lifesaving program and I will use to shape my future. I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for creating such a wonderful program. I also wish to thank iEmpower and Bendigo Community Health Services,” the participant said.

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