Keep up to date with what is happening at the Mildura Health brands.
MILDURA HEALTH Your NEWSLETTER | SPRING/SUMMER 2024 MADE FOR MEMBERS BY MEMBERS
CONSTRUCTION OF DR. JULIE ZRNA CENTRE BEGINS PAGE 6
NEW OFFICES FOR SWAN HILL AND BROKEN HILL PAGE 4
YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
CONTENTS
Mildura Health Fund CEO update
3
New offices in Swan Hill & Broken Hill
4
Member satisfaction results
5
Build progress
6
Dr. Julie Zrna
7
Donor story
7
New partnership
8
Meet the team - Courtney Elliott
8
Health aids, appliances & pharmacy
9
What our members are saying
10
Redevelopment project complete
11
Monash IVF celebrates 10 years in Mildura Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre - 12 months of impact
12
Local people,
13
Meet the team - Sammi Binney
15
local care
Annual General Meeting
15
Mildura Health Breast Unit
16
Stay connected and follow us:
@Mildurahealthfund @Mildurahealthprivatehospital @mildurahealthfoundation
@Mildurahealthprivatehospital @Mildurahealthfoundation @mildurahealthfund
@mildurahealth
Front cover: L-R: Brian Zrna with Mildura Health Foundation Directors, Terry Hill, Amanda Phillips, Ga il McCully, Rod Markwell and Karen Woolfe The information contained in this publication is provided for general information purposes only, not as a substitute to medical or insurance advice. The information provided or views, expressed by third party contributors in this publication are not necessarily those held by Mildura Health.
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Regional Expansion – Swan Hill At the start of this year, our Swan Hill office transitioned to a full-time service, staffed by three local people. In June, we took the next step in providing comprehensive support to our members in the Swan Hill region, relocating to a larger, modern office that allows us to better provide personalised In June, we also relocated our branch in Broken Hill, moving from the Broken Hill Community Credit Union to a fit-for- purpose office on the corner of Argent Street and Chloride Street. Like our expansion in Swan Hill, our relocation in Broken Hill forms part of our plan to increase our accessibility and visibility in our regional communities, outside Mildura. service. Read more about this on page 4. Regional Expansion – Broken Hill I am pleased to share that in our most recent survey, we recorded our strongest ever – 99% -- Member Satisfaction result. I would like to thank all the members who took time out of their day to complete the survey. Read more about this on page 5. Mildura Health Private Hospital The past two years have been exciting for our Private Hospital, with a range of new services and facilities introduced as part of our redevelopment project. You can read more about what has been happening and what the future has in store on page 11. Read more about this on page 4. Member Satisfaction Survey I am proud that our Organisation, with the support of our members, has been able to deliver this much needed health service to our local region and we look forward to continuing to expand our private healthcare system in the years ahead. Mildura Health Foundation In September last year, we officially launched the Mildura Health Foundation, an independent registered charity with our first appeal, an accommodation hub for people receiving radiation treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre, to be known as the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre. Our initial target was $5 million dollars to fund the construction of ten apartments. We have been overwhelmed by the support this project has received from people near and far, and with the construction costs now covered, we are seeking donations to cover the fit-out and ongoing operational expenses; with a view to providing the accommodation with little to no, out of pocket expenses for those who use them. After awarding the tender to JAAG Professional Builders in June, construction of the Dr. Julie Centre commenced in July, and we hope to have the project complete by mid-2025. For more information about this project, including how you can donate, please read page 6. I am extremely grateful to all those who have supported this project. From myself, the team, and Board of Directors of Mildura Health, we wish you and your family the best of health. Gerard Op de Coul Mildura Health Chief Executive Officer
CEO UPDATE Mildura Health
Dear valued members, Australian consumers are continuing to recognise the benefits of being with a member owned, not-for-profit health fund and this has been reflected by Mildura Health Fund’s membership over the last twelve months. In 2023/2024 the Fund experienced encouraging policy growth of 3.65%, bringing our total membership to 37,842. Compared to industry growth of 1.54% We are proud to be able to continue providing you, our members, with the lowest price compliant gold hospital policy in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, ACT and Tasmania in the open health funds category. It is your support that allows us to do this, and I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and loyalty. I am pleased to share some of Mildura Health’s latest news with you. Giving back to our members In June, we were pleased to announce the return of $7 million dollars to members who held a financial hospital cover and who had an active policy as of 30 April 2024 for a minimum of six months. In total over 13,000 members received a benefit back. The 2024 return means that over the past three years, the Fund has returned over $19 million dollars as part of our COVID-19 Support Package and Give Back program, underpinned by our pledge not to profit from COVID-19. We have stuck to that commitment for our members. Members getting value from their Private Health Insurance Over the past four years, for a range of reasons, claims have been variable and consequently, long term forecasting is difficult. However, since January 2024, claiming has increased, which means our members are once again accessing the treatment they require, whether it is via hospitalisation or
general treatment such as dental check-ups. Lowest premium increase since 2008
In another demonstration of the value we offer our members, earlier this year we confirmed that we delivered our lowest premium increase of 2.14% (with rate protection) since 2008. The increase is also below industry average of 3.03% and below inflation.
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YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
New Offices IN SWAN HILL AND BROKEN HILL
We are grateful for the trust the local community has put in us as their chosen health fund and with this trust comes growth and our further investment. We are dedicated to positively influencing health care in the Mallee and Far West NSW and to offering greater choice and access to services, closer to home.
In our ongoing commitment to our community, we have recently opened two new refurbished offices, one at 175 Beveridge Street, Swan Hill and another at 320 Argent Street in Broken Hill. We first introduced a Swan Hill service in 2017, operating one day per week out of the Kents Priceline Pharmacy, before increasing to two days a week in 2018, and relocating to McCrae Street. Since then, demand has continued to grow, and now, Swan Hill’s over one thousand Fund members have access to a local team based in a modern office. The Broken Hill service opened three years ago, operating out of the Broken Hill Community Credit Union, and like Swan Hill, has seen an increase in demand. With the relocation to Argent Street, Broken Hill’s Fund members, like those in Mildura and Swan Hill, will have a fit-for-purpose office that allows for predicted growth in the coming years and a more personalised level of service. The office relocations are part of Mildura Health Fund’s long-held plan to increase our visibility and accessibility in both Broken Hill and Swan Hill, and to improving access to quality health care for people living in our surrounding regions. It is something our communities have been asking for and deserve. Through our agreements with various providers, we are dedicated to delivering excellent value and now, our members in Broken Hill and Swan Hill can benefit more than ever before.
SWAN HILL OFFICE
BROKEN HILL OFFICE
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In January this year, we completed our annual Member Satisfaction Survey, which is conducted by independent research company, Discovery Research. This survey gives our members the opportunity to tell us what they like and what they dislike, how we can improve and overall satisfaction. We’re grateful to the 2,863 members who took the time to complete this year’s survey. We use the information from the survey responses to futher improve our member experience. Whilst we are pleased with the results, there are still areas that we need to work on to make our member experience even better. This year, we saw key improvements in satisfaction for the following: • Member communication (amount/understanding) • Reliable SURVEY RESULTS Member Satisfaction
In 2024, we achieved the highest satisfaction score in our Member Satisfaction Survey’s twelve year history
More than ever before, our members would recommend us to their family and friends
• Has integrity • Friendliness
99% member satisfaction
• Personal service • Easy to deal with • Payments of claims – electronic • Value for money • Better benefits than other funds • Competitively priced
Members also reported that they are less likely to shop around for other health funds compared to previous years.
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Mildura Health YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
FOUNDATION
The Mildura Health Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission. It was established to raise funds
Less than one year on from its launch, the Mildura Health Foundation , a registered charity has announced that construction has commenced on the accommodation hub for people receiving radiation treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre, to be known as the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre. The accommodation project launched in September 2023, with the initial aim of raising $5 million towards the cost of building ten apartments within the health precinct in Thirteenth Street and Chair of the Mildura Health Foundation, Mr. Terry Hill, said the level of support the Centre has received has been overwhelming. “I extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported this project; it has been amazing to see significant donations come from our community and beyond - people who do not live here but who have a connection to the region have got behind this project just as those who do call the Mallee home, have done. “Raising the $5 million for the build, was a milestone moment and to now see works taking place on site at 202-206 Thirteenth Street, Mildura is is extremely meaningful, not just for the Foundation but for everyone who has supported it and for people across the northwest Victoria and far west New South Wales regions, who have been touched by cancer, and understand the impact the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre will have.” In June, local builder, JAAG Professional Builders, was awarded the contract to construct the Centre, after a robust BUILD PROGRESS
to build and operate ten self-contained apartments for patients from outlying areas, receiving radiation treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre.
tender process and JAAG Director, Jim Gowty, says his whole team is committed to delivering the best outcomes on the project. “Cancer affects all of us, directly or indirectly and because of this, we saw the Mildura Health Foundation project as vitally important for our region and JAAG is proud to be involved in its construction.” With the need for the accommodation keenly felt, Mr. Hill said the Foundation is working with JAAG towards a completion date of July 2025. “Thus far, we are progressing well, and we deeply appreciate the enduring patience and support from our neighbours during the building process.” With the construction target met, Mr. Hill said the Foundation will continue fundraising to help furnish the individual apartments and to cover the ongoing operational costs of the Centre.
“Our aim from the outset was to provide this accommodation with little, to no out-of-pocket expenses for the patients who utilise them.
“So, if you have the capacity to donate, please consider doing so, because every dollar you give will make a difference to cancer patients for years to come.” For the latest Foundation news, visit mhfoundation.com.au DONATE TODAY All donations greater than $2 are tax deductible
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DONOR STORY
When Marg Thomson heard about the Mildura Health Foundation, she immediately knew it was something she
wanted to support. The one-time Mayor of
Wentworth Shire Council has always felt a deep commitment to community activism – ‘I’ve got an if something’s wrong, fix it type attitude’ – but this time, her altruism is born from lived experience.
“Colin, my husband, battled cancer for ten years, and we had to go to Adelaide for all his treatment, we’d be down there for weeks, and it was very difficult. “We used the Icon Cancer Centre in Adelaide, and they were wonderful, they tried to schedule appointments to make it easier, but it really was hard. The travelling impacted Colin and of course, it wasn’t cheap either.” Marg was incredibly pleased to learn that Mildura Health Fund was partnering with Icon to bring a Cancer Centre to Mildura and even happier when she heard about the Foundation’s plan to build an accommodation hub for people receiving radiation cancer treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre. “I know what the journey is like; it’s bad enough going through the whole treatment, without the worry and cost of travel and accommodation. The more I heard about the Foundation, the more I wanted to support it.” As a former mayor and board member of various organisations charged with advocating for regional and remote communities, Marg understands the pressures people face and the compromises they often make as a result. “Choosing not to get treatment, because the travel and cost and time away from family, work, farms are too much; that is a reality for so many people and this project will finally give them options.” With an infectiously spirited view on life and how it should be lived, Marg is particularly taken by the ‘can do’ ethos that is driving the Foundation. “I think the project is a brilliant idea, there’s nothing better that seeing a community doing its own stuff – it’s what we do well here – we take control and make things happen, instead of relying on others, from outside, to fix our problems, we get in there and create solutions ourselves.” Marg’s strategic way of thinking also allows her to see the big picture – the flow on from the accommodation hub. “We are building a health system – I think there’ll be an amazing amount of treatment that they will do at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre, things they wouldn’t think about now, but as more people come here for treatment, attracted by the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre, the more our services will grow.” As Marg puts it, she saw a problem and her donation is helping fix it and now she’s asking you to do the same. “The Mildura Health Foundation is doing an important thing and your donation; it will make a difference; every little bit makes a difference, and you will feel part of the whole thing. As a community and as individuals, we will be able to look back and say, ‘yeah, we built that.’ “It is how we keep a community alive – how we thrive – by doing things together.”
DR. JULIE ZRNA
During her lifetime, Dr. Julie Zrna touched the lives of many, both here and overseas. A teacher, mentor, researcher and author, Julie was passionate about unlocking the potential in all children and in ensuring families in regional and remote areas had access to support and opportunity. Her dedication to education and advocacy made a lasting impact. After Julie passed away from cancer in 2023, her husband, Brian, donated to the Mildura Health Foundation to support the development of an accommodation hub for people undergoing treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre. In recognition of Julie’s contribution to the Mallee and her lifelong advocacy for regional families, the Mildura Health Foundation decided to name the accommodation hub in honour of Julie; a fitting tribute to her tenacity, positivity, compassion and refusal to be defined by her illness. Once completed, the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre will expand choice and offer sanctuary to people undergoing cancer treatment. With Julie closely linked to it, the Centre should also be a place that inspires hope, forges connections and reminds us of the power of maintaining our identity and values amidst life’s challenges.
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Tell us a bit about yourself I am a 30-year-old mum of a very busy two-year-old daughter, Grace. My husband runs his own Heavy Diesel Mechanic business, and we live on a small hobby farm that is also home to some sheep, ducks, chickens, four dogs and a cat. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, spending time with my family and friends and caring for the small zoo we have created. I am energetic, passionate and outgoing. Tell us how you came to work at Mildura Health Fund I applied for the Area Manager role in November 2023 after seeing the position advertised on Seek. I had only recently returned to the workforce after having Grace, and I was ready for a change, after being with my previous employer for 11 years. I wasn’t convinced that I would get the job, but I thought ‘nothing to lose, everything to gain.’ MEET THE TEAM Courtney Elliott Area Manager, Mid Murray
Mildura Health Fund has recently formed a partnership with Sunraysia Cancer Resources, to improve access to support for people receiving treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre (MHICC), and their families. The agreement has seen Sunraysia Cancer Resources relocate to a new home, at 210 Thirteenth Street, adjacent to the site of the future Dr. Julie Zrna Centre. Sunraysia Cancer Resources has provided an important service in our community since 2006 and Mildura Health Fund believes it is critical that it is considered as part of our future health care system, from a holistic perspective. With a shared vision, the partnership helps facilitate this integrated approach. Both organisations are focused on giving local people choice; ensuring they are aware of all the options that are available to them. This approach is already paying dividends; over the last four years, there has been a 114% increase in patients receiving chemotherapy locally, at our Private Hospital and that is in addition to the patients who have received radiation treatment at MHICC, since it opened twelve months ago. With new treatments on the horizon, which will further expand the Centre’s service provision, both Mildura Health Fund and Sunraysia Cancer Resources hope the trend will continue. Access to information and support is vital in the step from diagnosis to understand their options and make informed decisions about their own healthcare. The new partnership means they will be able to do this even more effectively. Complemented by the MHICC and Dr. Julie Zrna Centre, the collaboration strengthens the Mallee region’s fight against cancer, and is a significant stride towards addressing the region’s higher-than-average incidence and historically poorer outcomes. Partnerships such as this are not just about providing medical services but also about nurturing hope and resilience within the community. treatment and Sunraysia Cancer Resources offers both; helping people “If someone gets a cancer diagnosis, we want them to be able to choose when, where, and how they get treated and by whom.” NEW PARTNERSHIP
Outback Pharmacy, Broken Hill
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I really just enjoy coming to work; we have a beautiful new office, I have an extremely good relationship with my staff, other teams and managers and I love seeing our members. What would you say to someone wanting to start a career at Mildura Health Fund? You will not regret it. Becoming a part of this organisation has been one of the best decisions I have made in my working career. Mildura Health Fund is inclusive, accommodating, kind and understanding. No two days are the same. Tell us about the importance of being a member of Mildura Health Fund Being a member isn’t just about having cover, it is about being part of an organisation that cares about you, your health and your community, not just about your money. Mildura is only 2.5 hours from Swan Hill and the private hospital there can offer all the great services that Melbourne offers, with less travel and less hustle and bustle. I feel that the value of being part of a local Health Fund is unmeasurable. You get face-to-face service; you’re not waiting on the phone for hours and you get to speak to a real person.
Describe your current role I manage the staff in the Swan Hill office and all our day-to- day operations, including administration and claims. Part of my role is to also build relationships with our local businesses and members, ensuring they understand our core values and how to access our service in a way that’s appropriate for them. I am proud of my team and the safe and welcoming environment we have created for everyone who comes into our office. What are the most exciting parts of your role? For me, the thing I enjoy most is the engagement I have with our community, the conversations I have and the relationships I establish.
HEALTH AIDS, APPLIANCES AND PHARMACY
Did you know that as a Mildura Health Fund member holding an Extras policy, you can claim for health aids and appliances benefits? We have a range of aids that you can access, to help manage many ongoing and temporary conditions, including:
holding Five Star Extras (E1) and Mid Extras (A1) cover. Benefits include Non-Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) drugs and medicines dispensed by a pharmacist and vaccines, including those administered for travel, by a pharmacist or doctor. To be eligible, the items must be prescribed by your doctor, be a Schedule 4 or 8 item and not be a PBS subsidised prescription. The benefit paid is calculated after deducting the current general patient contribution as defined by the PBS.
• Blood Glucose Monitors • Blood Pressure Monitors • TENS Machines • Nebulisers • CPAP (Machine only) • Braces and Splints • CAM Boots • Artificial Limbs and Prothesis • Hearing Aids • Crutches • Walking Frames • Walking Sticks • Wigs • Compression Garments PHARMACY BENEFITS
To make a claim you will need an official pharmacy receipt that details:
NAME OF THE DRUG PRESCRIBED DATE OF SUPPLY
STRENGTH QUANTITY CONFIRMATION THAT THE MEDICATION IS NOT SUBSIDISED BY THE PBS PHARMACIST’S NAME, ADDRESS AND PRESCRIPTION NUMBER YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS
At Mildura Health Fund, we understand that costs can add up quickly, when you’re unwell and we are here to help. Another way we do that is by offering Pharmacy Benefits for members
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YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING about us
MEMBER STORY
“Excellent fund to deal with and all claims and enquiries are made promptly. Staff are very friendly and know their product, with premiums and benefits far better than our friends’ health funds.” (Member feedback - Victoria) “You can go in and speak with a person in a family atmosphere. We are local and we like that the people we talk to at MHF are local; they understand our community and its needs. We also value how much MHF puts back into the community.” (Member feedback - Victoria)
– that’s our biggest thing – and for our dental care. Even though we are in Broken Hill, we use Tankard Dental and because MHF is affiliated with them, we find the check ups with them are cheaper. What does it mean to you and the Broken Hill community, to have a MHF office based locally? We really like that we have an office here in Broken Hill – it’s much better, and easier, to be able to talk to someone face-to-face about your cover and to ask any questions. The local office is definitely an added bonus, not just for my husband and I, but for the whole community. No other health fund has an office in Broken Hill. I know several people who have switched to Mildura Health Fund since the office opened here and that tells you everything – people like a personal service – it really does make a difference. What would you say to someone thinking about joining MHF? Definitely do it!
Maureen and her husband, both ‘born and bred’ in Broken Hill, have recently retired after working lives spanning over fifty years. Back in 2019, as they began to plan for life after work, they decided to become members of Mildura Health Fund, swapping over from Medibank Private. We decided to find out why. What made you leave your old health fund and join Mildura Health Fund? We’d had health cover with another fund, for many years but we were looking at what other options were available and discovered that MHF could offer us the best savings if we switched over from our existing health fund. Comparing the costs and the level of cover, moving over to MHF meant we would be covered for more than we had been previously, whilst also saving money. What benefits have you experienced since becoming a MHF member? We have noticed that we are getting more money back for our glasses
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HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COMPLETE
After two and a half years and a $12 million investment, Mildura Health Private Hospital has completed the redevelopment of our operating theatres, Recovery Unit, and Central Sterile Supply Department. This project included building three new, large operating theatres and refurbishing the existing two, giving us a total of five state-of-the-art theatres to meet our community’s evolving needs. The Recovery Unit has been expanded to eight beds in each area, providing staff with clear oversight, which improves patient safety and surgical flow. The Central Sterile Supply Department, where reusable medical equipment and instruments are cleaned, disinfected, sterilised, and stored in a temperature, humidity, and air-controlled sterile store, is now operational. As part of the upgrade, we introduced new surgical equipment, including endobase for our endoscopy service, myoshore for gynaecological
procedures, and laparoscopic towers for general and bariatric surgery. With further advanced technology planned, this project elevates the standard for all patients and attracts health professionals committed to delivering the highest quality of care. This means our community can access world- leading diagnostic and surgical services right here in Mildura. The opening of our redeveloped facilities and new equipment has led to a significant increase in admissions. Since February, we have performed above-budget operations every month and in May, we set a record, with more operations conducted in one month than at any other time in the history of the hospital. This growth is expected to continue, and our forward-thinking hospital is ready to meet the demand. Specialists have already commented that our operating facilities surpass many of our city counterparts.
MORE operations being performed
MORE theatre nurses employed
MORE specialists delivering services
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YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
MONASH IVF CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN MILDURA
The O’Bryan family
the Mildura Rowing Club, to celebrate the milestone. The event was a huge success, with almost forty people, both adults and children, attending, including several ‘IVF families’, some from as far away as Broken Hill and Swan Hill. Reflecting on the Mildura service and the benefits it has provided the community, Dr. Sleeman says it has been a great privilege to work alongside a team of visiting IVF scientists and nurses to assist many local families. These ‘families’ include the O’Bryan family. Angela and Shane’s first three children, twins Patrick and Luciana and daughter Julia, were born via private IVF at Repromed in Midura, while their youngest twins, Joseph and Roseanna were the first babies to be born via Monash IVF in Mildura. Angela says the local IVF service was a blessing for her and Shane.
Across our region, there are many families who are the happy result of our private IVF system, with hundreds of babies born via IVF locally, since the treatment was made available twenty-five years ago, first through Repromed, and later, through Monash IVF when it was established in 2014. Mildura’s Monash IVF Clinic supports patients to access world-leading fertility treatment, without the need for travel outside our region, and as demand has continued to grow, so has the number of babies who’ve been welcomed into the world. With 2024 marking the tenth anniversary of Monash IVF in the region, fertility specialist, Dr. Kimberley Sleeman, recently hosted an event at
“We were extremely lucky to be able to have all our children through a local IVF clinic. It certainly reduced some of the stress and it is so pleasing to see the clinic continuing to support families to receive fertility treatment close to home.” Operating out of the Mildura Health Private Hospital, the Clinic’s state-of- the-art facilities were included as part of the recent upgrade to the hospital. With technology and facilities that are on par with those found in major city hospitals, Monash IVF and Dr. Sleeman look forward to many more years of providing exceptional healthcare and support for patients based in northwest Victoria and far west New South Wales. “Seeking fertility treatment can often be more difficult for people living in isolated, or regional areas, and I have always felt it was important to advocate for treatment close to home where possible. “There is nothing more precious than being part of this journey. It is also very important to me to be able to help women and couples when the journey does not go as expected and provide personalised support in all outcomes,” Dr Sleeman said. Thanks to Monash IVF and the work of Dr. Sleeman, many people across our region have been able to create the families they longed for and that, if nothing else, is worthy of great celebration.
Photo: ( L-R) Monash IVF scientists Darcy and Teagan, IVF nurse Abby, Dr Kimberley Sleeman
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MALE 57%
FEMALE 43%
MILDURA HEALTH ICON CANCER CENTRE - TWELVE MONTHS OF IMPACT
NSW
SA
Eighteen months on from the official opening, the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre is planning to extend its services, as data illustrates the benefits the Centre is delivering. Since its doors opened in April 2023, providing public radiation treatment, delivered by Icon Cancer Centre and private medical oncology delivered by Mildura Health Private Hospital (MHPH), the Centre has cared for over 372 patients on their radiation treatment journey, with the leading forms of cancer requiring treatment being breast, genitourinary and skin. Almost ten per cent of these patients resided more than one-hundred kilometres from Mildura, and that number is expected to grow. MALE 57% FEMALE 43%
Underscoring this, MHPH Medical Oncology Department has reported a fifty per cent increase in admissions over the past twelve-months. Accessing treatment locally has saved patients a combined travel total of 2.5 million kilometres, reducing costs and the disruption to their lives. 0 1 KILOMETRES OF PATIENT TRAVEL SAVED WHERE OUR PATIENTS COME FROM From the outset, Mildura Health, Icon Cancer Centre, and the Mildura Base Public Hospital have worked together with the Victorian Government Department of Health, with a shared vision for cancer care in this region. Collectively, we are committed to ensuring most radiation therapy patients in Mildura and surrounds can access treatment locally, because we know that eliminating the need to travel for treatment is a critical component in ensuring better outcomes for patients. We are proud that we are offering patients options that are more on par with metropolitan areas; they can access world-leading treatment, whilst continuing to enjoy the comfort of their own home, the reassurance of routine, 2500000 VIC
and the support of their family and friends. Providing a seamless service, so our patients and their families can’t tell where one service ends, and another begins. MHICC is a wonderful example of multiple organisations putting patients first, to deliver optimal care, close to home. In response to the rising number of patients seeking treatment at the MHICC and to prepare for the introduction of new services, MHPH has been developing its workforce capacity, recruiting several skilled oncology nurses, and planning for an increase in our number of specialists. Our aim is to provide a holistic model of high-quality care and part of that will be the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre which will offer accommodation for patients outside Mildura, receiving cancer treatment here. Not a day goes by without someone telling us how much they appreciate the Centre being here. Given what has already been achieved, a future in which people living in this region can access a full suite of cancer treatment locally, is closer than ever.
NSW
SA
VIC
2500000 0 1 WHERE OUR PATIENTS COME FROM
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YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
VISITING MEDICAL OFFICERS AT MILDURA HEALTH PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Anaesthetists Dr Andrew Czuchwicki Dr Thomas Gleeson (GP Anaesthetist) Dr Sanaa Ismail Dr Antony Parakkal
General Practitioners Dr Inthira Balasubramanian
Paediatrician Dr Peter Beggs Physicians Dr Adrian Chee Dr Peter Solin Plastic Surgeons
Dr John Buckley Dr Aqeel Chalabi Dr Sujay Chandraiah Dr Ajay Chowdhry Dr Thomas Gleeson Dr Donald Hartley
Dr Kumari Santhi Dr Alison Walker
Bariatric Surgeon Dr Margaret Dunkley Cardiologists Assoc. Prof Andrew Ajani Dr Ozge Guzelburc Dr John Morgan Dentists Dr Paul Danenberg Dr Declan Dreyer Dr Bradley Fisher Dr Stephen Gibbons Dr Henry Lee Dr Tony Mavrokokki Dr Michael Robinson Dr Paul Nakhla Dr Ryan Nguyen Mr Timothy Probert Dr Jennifer Tran
Dr Anna Hoy Dr Erin Kelly Dr Firoozeh Moeinaddini Dr Nisha Rajee Dr Travis Taggert Dr Kane Treble Dr Philip Webster Obstretrician & Gynaecologist Dr Jeanette Henderson
Dr Richard Barton Dr Jonathan Burge Radiation Oncologists Dr Elizabeth Foley Urologists Dr Karl Braslis Dr Gregory Jack Dr Jyotsna Jayarajan
Dr Brian McCully Dr Nikhil Patravali
Dr Kimberley Sleeman Dr Meredith Tassone Medical Oncologists Dr Jose Leal Dr Krishna Rachakonda Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr Neena Peter
Mr Peter Liodakis Dr Bradley Newell Mr John Rogerson Mr Peter Wong Vascular Surgeon Mr Peter Milne
Dermatologists Dr Friyana Bhabha Dr Jill Cargnello
Ophthalmologist Dr Arthur Karagiannis Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr Rebecca Dunn Dr Sarah Smithson Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon Dr Ian Wong General Surgeons Dr Margaret Dunkley Mr Amal Fernando Dr Jenny Huynh (Breast Specialist) Dr Irene Kaiboni Dr Su-Wen Loh (Breast Specialist) Dr Peter Newton (Breast Specialist) A/Prof Kellee Slater Mr Jim Tryfonopoulos
Mr Kevin Spencer Dr Orhan Yelegin Orthopaedic Surgeons Mr Robert Baird Mr Robert Din Mr Ponnaren Pak Assoc. Prof Mark Rickman Mr Matthias Russ
*No Gap specialists for Mildura Health Fund members.
Visiting Medical Officer and No Gap specialists lists are subject to change. The current list is correct as of 12 September 2024.
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MEET THE TEAM
Sammi Binney Registered Nurse – Oncology and Day Procedure
Tell us about your journey to join Mildura Health Private Hospital I haven’t lived at home since I was seventeen but when I decided to come back from overseas, I knew being at home for a while would be the best thing. I had worked as a Registered Nurse in Melbourne for two years before moving overseas and I’d also had a great experience as a patient at Mildura Health Private Hospital, so I applied for a casual position. I interviewed while I was still overseas and had the job waiting for me when I got home, it was perfect. Once I started here and got to know everyone, I quickly committed to full time. What inspired you to select your chosen field? I was lucky with my graduate position at Epworth where I split most of my time between theatre and oncology. I worked shifts on other wards but found that these two areas suited me the most. I find working in oncology so rewarding and I am forever challenging
myself to increase my knowledge and skills. Day procedure is also great as I am exploring the reasons why people have different surgeries. I love the balance of both areas. What is the most enjoyable part of your role? The best part is the people, my patients, and my colleagues. The staff are incredible, and it is such a supportive and positive environment to be in. I am so happy to go to work each day. What would you say to anyone wanting to become a nurse? Nursing is a career that is always changing, no shift is the same. I love that I can really make a difference to someone’s day or health journey just by being friendly and positive. I also love that I am forever learning new things. As a nurse there are so many different areas into which you can move.
Tell us about yourself. I was born and raised in Mildura with the best family and friends. After high school I spent my gap year working in Mildura before travelling around the United States. I then moved to Melbourne to study nursing and business administration. I travelled overseas a few times during university and after working for 2 years full time, I decided to move to the UK for a year and a half. I am not sure what is next but I am excited for what opportunities may arise.
MILDURA DISTRICT HOSPITAL FUND LTD (TRADING AS MILDURA HEALTH) ACN: 078 202 089 ABN: 13 078 202 089 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of members of Mildura District Hospital Fund Limited will be held at the Mildura Health Fund, 79 Deakin Avenue, Mildura, on Thursday 24 October 2024 at 12 p.m.
BUSINESS 1. To confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting. 2. To receive and consider the Statutory Financial Statements, Directors’ Report and External Auditor Report for the year ended 30 June 2024. 3. To elect a member to the Board as per the Nomination called for below. 4. To transact any business of which any member has given 14 days notice or referred by the Board. 5. Nominations of and by members are hereby called to fill one vacancy on the Board of Directors.
Associate Professor Fiona Wright having completed the elected period of office as defined in the Constitution, automatically retires, but is eligible for re-nomination. AP Wright has indicated her intention to re-nominate. Nominations for the above Board of Director vacancy, signed by two members and the nominee, must be in the hand of the Corporate Secretary, no later than 3.00pm on 19 September 2024. In the event of more than one such nomination being received, an election by ballot of members will be held where votes can be undertaken in person or by proxy at the Annual General Meeting. By Order of the Board of Directors Mr. G. D. OP DE COUL - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2024 | 15
YOUR MILDURA HEALTH
MILDURA HEALTH BREAST UNIT
Mildura Health Private Hospital has recently launched a new service targeted at improving breast health outcomes for women living in Mildura and its surrounding areas. The Mildura Health Breast Unit will offer women a comprehensive service for the management of breast diseases, from diagnosis and personalised treatment through to recovery and ongoing review, allowing for local care and proactive health management. Early detection is key to effective treatment of breast diseases such as cancer and this Unit will make it easier for women to monitor their health and access advanced care easily, without the need for travelling to the city. The Unit will be supported by the expertise of Melbourne-based specialists who will consult and operate through the Private Hospital. Initially the Unit will be supported by three specialists, with a view increasing this number in line with future demand. The first three consulting specialists, Dr. Su Wen Loh, Dr. Jenny Huynh and Dr. Peter Newton, all have extensive experience in breast health. Dr. Loh has been at the forefront of breast cancer treatment and research for several years; he is a foundation member of Breast Surgeons Australia- New Zealand and is the Director of Breast and Surgical Oncology at the Austin Hospital and Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre. He is also the Director of Breast Surgery at the Melbourne Breast Unit.
Photo (L-R): Dr. Peter Newton – Breast Surgeon, Dr. Su Wen Loh - Breast Surgeon and Genetic Professor, Jasmina Bojadzieva. Inset: Jenny Huynh - Surgeon.
Dr. Huynh completed her General Surgery training at Royal Melbourne Hospital and has experience in both breast and thyroid surgery. She currently leads at the Melanoma Clinic at the Austin Hospital. A Breast Surgeons Australia-New Zealand oncoplastic surgeon, Dr. Newton has worked across Australia and will offer Mildura women world-leading surgical techniques to ensure they are receiving the best treatment available. In addition to the surgical consultants, the Mildura Health Breast Unit will also offer the services of renown genetics professor, Jasmina Bojadzieva, who is passionate about women being supported to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Consulting through the Unit, Ms. Bojadzieva will help give patients peace of mind and access to proactive health management. The Unit will deliver centralised coordination of breast healthcare,
meaning local women will have timely access to diagnostic and treatment services, including nuclear medicine and surgery, and to a team who can offer support and care management in between oncology, surgical, hospital and outpatient reviews. The commencement of the Mildura Health Breast Unit will mean women can receive the care they need without the disruption that historically has been associated with a breast disease diagnosis. We know the best outcomes come from early detection and treatment, so having access to services, without the need for travel and the costs and strain that causes, will undoubtedly offer a better pathway to care and recovery. Appointments at the Mildura Breast Health Unit can be made by calling 03 5022 2631 and will require a referral from a doctor.
79 Deakin Avenue, Mildura VIC PO Box 5046, Mildura Vic 3502 320 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW 175 Beveridge Street, Swan Hill VIC T 03 5023 0269 E mhf@mildurahealthfund.com.au
220 – 228 Thirteenth Street, Mildura VIC PO Box 751, Mildura VIC 3502 T 03 5022 2611 E mhph@mildurahealthprivatehospital.com.au
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ABN 13 078 202 089
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