Some of the team who helped set up the bus
BIG RED KIDNEY BUS FLIPS FROM VACATIONS TO VACCINATIONS The Big Red Kidney Bus is back on the road, but this time with a different job – giving vulnerable and at-risk communities an opportunity to have the COVID-19 vaccine. The bus, which normally travels to holiday destinations to give while holidaying is not possible. Kidney Health Australia Chief Executive Officer, Chris Forbes, said Kidney Health Australia was delighted the bus could offer critical support when it was needed most. wider NSW community as they continue to turn out in record numbers and roll up their sleeve to keep themselves, their family and other loved ones safe,” she said. A number of staff have worked around the clock
to make the project possible, including but not limited to, nursing staff, counter disaster and information communications and technology, as well as Kidney Health Australia. The pop-up clinic is operating between 8.30am and 3pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be vaccinated need to bring photo ID and their Medicare card, if they have one.
“The bus may be sporting a new look and be serving a different purpose, but it will still be offering a life- changing service, only this time in ensuring people are protected against COVID-19,” Mr Forbes said. Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox said the rebadged bus would provide easy access to vaccines for COVID-19 to those wanting to be vaccinated. “Our staff on the bus are excited to be helping the families can nominate one person to be the primary contact and then pass on that information to the rest of the family. Family carers who are having difficulties contacting their loved one or need help with information on their care, can also contact the NSLHD Carer Support Service. The Carer Support Service is there to support
patients kidney dialysis, is now at the Police and Citizens Youth Club in Shalvey in western Sydney. The PCYC, which is located at 453A Luxford Rd, Shalvey, is set up as a vaccination clinic, offering the AstraZeneca vaccine on a walk-in basis. The bus, previously operated by Kidney Health Australia with staffing support from Royal North Shore Hospital, has been repurposed to serve as a mobile vaccination clinic
Support for our patients’ families during restricted visiting We understand it is a difficult time to have a loved one in hospital at families at their time of need, and can liaise between the medical teams and families.
the moment, especially as we have visitor restrictions in place to protect our patients, staff, and the community from COVID-19. If you have a loved one in hospital, you can seek information on their care from a member of their medical and nursing team. To help our staff, we ask if
To contact the NSLHD Carer Support Service, phone 9462 9488 during business hours. Please note this is not an emergency service. The team can also help with guiding carers in a variety of ways with more information found at www.nscarersupport.com
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
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