Message from the Chair, Loddon Mallee Health Network
Since our last issue, Central and Northern Victoria have experienced devastating impacts of floods. Late Spring and early Summer saw our health services working tirelessly in unprecedented and challenging conditions which impacted their health service operations and staff availability (as many were isolated by flood waters, responding to households that were inundated or damaged). It was a truly challenging time and I watched in in awe of those impacted as they provided leadership to their staff and to their communities. I am proud of the hard work and tireless efforts of LMHN health service CEOs and their teams as they responded and worked collectively to support each other during this time of need. None of the other daily challenges of operating a health service had diminished (i.e. responding to COVID, workforce availability and high levels of patient demand) and teams were already tired from these existing demands. The LMHN team mobilised quickly to support and coordinate forums which allowed our members to collaborate and coordinate matters that responded to ways of working in the emergency response and relief stages of the flood event. The rapid implementation of the LM Emergency Response Module to assist with
the identification and triage of community members who presented at flood evacuation centres was another example of the strength and agility of LMHN to identify, develop and apply solutions as a collective group of health services for the benefit of many. I want to personally thank my colleagues in those health services that were impacted by the floods and I hope you enjoy this edition of the Regional Review as we hear from Karen Laing, CEO, Rochester & Elmore District Health Service and her experience responding to the devastating floods in Rochester which resulted in the full evacuation and subsequent prolonged closure of their health service. It is clear that our region is already being impacted by the impacts of climate change and this will need to be a focus for us to respond collectively, not just to disasters as they occur but also to supporting our communities to reduce the impact of climate related disasters. We have shown time and time again that we are better together and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to collaboration. As you know I recently announced my intention to retire this year. The recruitment for my replacement has commenced and the timing of my departure will be dependent upon that process. Until that time I am committed to working with you on further
improvements to the provision of health services throughout the Loddon Mallee and look forward to seeing what we can achieve.
Our region is already being impacted by climate change and this will need to be a focus for us to respond collectively.
Peter Faulkner Chair Loddon Mallee Health Network CEO Bendigo Health
LMHN Regional Review | Issue 2 | Summer 2023
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