Peninsula Health’s Aware of Amphetamines campaign, launched today, features a range of posters in local settings with an important message for likely Iceusers. Peninsula Drug and Alcohol Program (PenDAP) Manager Simon Ruth explained, “Targeting amphetamine users is a challenge as use is so widespread. Users range between 16-50 years of age from hard-core party goers to tradespeople and professionals. Most users, don’t identify themselves as having a problem seeing it as a lifestyle choice practiced on weekends and holidays,”

“What many users don’t realise is that there are a range of likely harms prior to addiction that need to be considered. Amphetamine use can lead to mental health issues and exhaustion which puts jobs and relationships at risk. Police are now targeting people who drive whilst on amphetamines as drug driving endangers the whole community.”

Simon lists the frequent harms associated with amphetamines as including, “admissions to the Emergency Department with heart problems, drug induced psychosis, injuries and assaults.”

With the onset of Summer and the annual wave of tourism, drug use on the Peninsula will rise. “There is a false belief out there that these drugs are harmless. Our posters signal the warning signs to be aware of, and encourage users, as well as those who know users, to seek treatment before they reach a crisis point or worse.”

The new Amphetamine Awareness Poster themes include:

• Anger
• Paranoia
• Exhaustion
• Job and Health risks
• First time users

For more information on PenDAP contact 9784 8100 or visit www.peninsulahealth.org.au

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Associate Professor and Head of Frankston Hospital’s Neurology Unit Dr Ernie Butler commended the enthusiasm of staff in getting behind the initiative, many of them in their own time, as well as the community and Frankston City Council for their support. “This national community awareness program highlights the importance of acting quickly when a stroke is suspected.

Recognising any of the key signs in ourselves or in someone else, and calling 000 immediately, can be the difference between death or severe disability and making a good recovery.”

The FAST message means:

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?

Speech difficulty – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

Time to act fast - call 000 immediately.

More than 30 Peninsula Health staff from the Stroke Unit wore FAST Tshirts throughout the week and promoted the initiative across the health service and region, with competitions and decorations and a live community radio interview. In addition, a large electronic roadsign donated by Frankston City Council reminded passersby of National Stroke Week’s FAST campaign. Details of winners can be found at http://www.strokefoundation.com.au/strokesafe-awards

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Children and their families in Frankston’s Pediatric Ward were delighted by the Captains who dabbled in magic, jokes and handed out some great presents. “Starlight is thrilled that with the support of Funtastic we are able to bring the joy of Christmas to Frankston Hospital,” said Bella Burns, Victorian Programs manger, Starlight Foundation.

Six year old Abby from Somerville and sixteen year old Emily from Carrum Downs were amongst the young patients who enjoyed the visit.

For more information on how to get involved in the Starlight program visit www.starlight.org.au or call 1300 727 827.

Peninsula Community Health Service will now operate out of two locations –

Rosebud Hospital and the Rosebud Community Rehabilitation Centre.

“Southern Peninsula residents will now benefit from increased community health services delivered from two central locations,” said Margaret Martin, Acting General

Manager for Peninsula Community Health Service. Children’s and family services, dietetics, diabetes education, access and counselling

services and chronic disease management will be offered from Elanora House whichis located in front of Rosebud Hospital. The Community Dental program will operate

from the rear of the hospital.

At the Rosebud Community Rehabilitation Centre, services will include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and group exercise programs.

“Following the loss of the previous PCHS Rosebud site, staff delivered services from a number of locations. These facilities were not suitable and as such could not adequately support our clients,” said Margaret. Services will begin at Rosebud Hospital by Christmas. Services at Rosebud Community Rehabilitation Centre will begin operation by the end of January 2009.

“Our commitment has been to get these services up and running. In doing so we have been able to enhance a number of services and programs offered,” Margaret added.

“A full-time exercise physiologist will be based at the Rosebud Community Rehabilitation Centre plus a number of increased childrens services will be offered at Elanora House.”

Planning is currently underway for the long-term permanent move of community health services in Rosebud. Planning will take into account ease of accessibility by

public transport, a move to a more visible area and opportunity for expansion.

“This is an exciting step for Peninsula Health. We look forward to working with the local community in continuing to enhancing the number of services available on the

Southern Peninsula,” said Margaret.

Picture shows: Staff look over the new site plans for the Rosebud based community health services. (L-R): Janet Bain, Podiatrist; Ronda Jamroz, Client Services; Margaret Patterson, Client Services Coordinator; Erin Farnbach, Dietitian and Louise Wyatt, Client Services.

For further information contact:

John Jukes

03 9788 1295

Kate Chipperfield

03 9788 1285

Community Health Services return to Rosebud

He now sets the record as the biggest baby born at Frankston Hospital beating the previous record by 600 grams. Two sets of scales were brought in to double check the tot’s weight. Jack’s size came as a shock to parents Lisa and Simon of Balnarring who never imagined their baby to be so big. Their three other children Sian, 6½, and twins Max and Mia, 4, weighed a somewhat smaller 9lbs 6oz, 8lbs 8oz and 7lbs 14oz respectively.

“I was so surprised, my husband couldn’t believe it,” said Lisa who experienced no problems during the 16 hour labour. Midwife Julie Moore said that despite the thousands of babies she has delivered during her career she had never delivered a baby as big as Jack. “The average newborn weighs between 8lbs – 8lbs 5oz. Jack goes way and above this – he is the biggest ever,” said Julie. “I have already been told he will be a rugby player by the time he turns two,” said Lisa. Jack breaks the records when it comes to newborn statistics.

At 60cms long he is already 10cms longer than the average baby. “We chose Jack Richard as a strong name for him. I certainly think he needs it,” added Lisa.

Picture shows: new mums Krysha Renison (L) and Lisa Buckley (R) with their babies Sophie Beth (who weighed 9lbs 5oz) and Jack Richard.

For further information contact:

John Jukes

03 9788 1295

Kate Chipperfield

03 9788 1285

A Big Delivery

The forum was one of many community events held on November 25, in support of White Ribbon Day, an international campaign encouraging men and women to come

together and say no to domestic violence.

The Hon. Joan Kirner, former Premier of Victoria, spoke about Victoria’s prevention agenda and the role of the community in preventing family violence. “Family violence is one of the most important and difficult challenges facing our community and is a crime experienced by too many women and children in Victoria.

Our success in overcoming family violence will be achieved by families, communities and governments working together,” highlighted Ms Kirner. “To overcome family violence, we need to empower women and children to say that enough is enough – not only words but in action. We have to enable men to understand and practice power based on respect for women and men as equal rather than men’s power over women,” Ms Kirner said.

The Chair of the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula Primary Care Partnership and White Ribbon Ambassador, Rob Macindoe, said the forum provided a great opportunity to educate the community on family violence prevention.

“It provided a great opportunity for health service providers, schools, local government and members of local service agencies to come together to discuss policy issues, showcase good practice in the prevention of domestic violence and form partnerships to address it.”

Rob said that the implementation of a multi-faceted prevention strategy would be integral to preventing family violence on the Peninsula, as well as preventing the

serious physical and mental health problems that it can cause.

The strategy includes:

- Supporting prevention programs is schools,

- Working with Community and Neighbourhood Renewal communities to tackle the issue,

- Raising awareness in the general community by promoting violence-preventing campaigns, such as White Ribbon Day, and

- Building the capacity of the workforce across health, community, education and other sectors to work on effective prevention strategies and programs.

“Social change doesn’t happen overnight, but if we have a shared language, we are better positioned to work together effectively.”

“We must actively raise awareness about this issue, and teach members or our community that sexual coercion, sexist and demeaning attitudes and violence in any

form are wrong, and can never be tolerated,” Rob said.

The Frankston/Mornington Peninsula Primary Care Partnership hosted the forum, with support from Peninsula Health, Frankston City Council, Frankston North

Community Renewal & Rosebud West Community Renewal. The Partnership nominated eleven men in community leadership roles as White Ribbon Ambassadors, six of whom attended the Forum.

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Frankston Hospital is the largest of the clinical sites to be linked to the new graduate program at Monash University’s Churchill campus, and will receive almost half of the course’s students.

Director of Clinical Undergraduate Training and Physician Training Dr Patrick Fiddes said, “Frankston Hospital offers a number of excellent specialities in various areas of medicine and surgery, and the specialists in all Units will share their expertise and passion with this intake of new students.

The students will gain experience in almost every area of the hospital.” Dr Fiddes explained that positive, ongoing mentoring of students will be a priority to give the students the best advantages to succeed. “One of our goals is to attract these students to future practice in the Peninsula.” “By investing early into their careers, we would be pleased for this next generation of talented specialists to continue their careers in collaboration with Peninsula Health.”

Gippsland Medical School Associate Professor of Clinical Training Daryl Pedler is pleased for the students involved. “This group of students will be able to apply the basic science they have learnt to the clinical setting, and develop the foundations of their knowledge in medicine and surgery, which will hold them in strong stead over the rest of their careers,” he said.

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Early risers over the weekend may have seen the unusual sight of a 17metre building on the back of a truck, heading towards Rosebud Hospital.

Program Manager for Family and Community Health Karen Anderson said “The new four chair treatment centre behind Rosebud Hospital will be the new location for Peninsula Community Health Service’s Adult Community Dental Program as well as Youth, School and Preschool dental programs.”

“Before Christmas the Dental Services team will relocate to this new building and continue treatments for general dental and emergency care for community health patients.”

Project managed by Dental Logistics, the new building was constructed in Shepparton over 16 weeks. Purpose built, at 17m x 10m, it is the largest dental portable of its kind in Victoria.

In a procedure slightly longer than a root canal, the building travelled from Shepparton on two oversize trucks to arrive safely in Rosebud.

The forum is one of many events, being held in support of White Ribbon Day. White Ribbon Day is an international campaign, encouraging men and women to come together

and say no to domestic violence. “Violence against women is a universal concern for all communities,” said Rob Macindoe, General Manager for Frankston Community Health at Peninsula Health, and White Ribbon Ambassador. “According to Australian research, over 30% of women will experience abuse in a relationship in their lifetime.

“We as a community must stand together to support all men, women and children experiencing some form of family violence. Preventing violence will also prevent the

serious physical and mental health problems that it causes,” Rob said.

“The forum will provide an opportunity for health service providers, schools, local government, and members of local service agencies to come together and discuss policy issues, showcase good practice in the prevention of family violence and form partnerships to address it.”

“The forum is also a great opportunity to educate the community on family violence prevention,” Rob said. “Members of the local community are welcome to register to attend

the free event.”

The Hon. Joan Kirner will be the key note speaker and will speak about Victoria’s prevention agenda and the role of the community. Joan Kirner, best known as Victoria’s first female Premier, has recently been appointed Victoria’s first Victorian Communities Ambassador. This role involves working with Government and local communities to build stronger communities.

Speakers from the Centre Against Sexual Assault, VicHealth and Victoria Police also feature on the program.

The Preventing Family Violence Forum is being hosted by the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula Primary Care Partnership, in partnership with Peninsula Health, Frankston City

Council, Frankston North Community Renewal & Rosebud West Community Renewal.

The forum is being held at the Peninsula Community Theatre on Tuesday 25 November, 9am – 4pm. To register to attend, please contact Diana Mummé on 9788 1543, or email

dmumme@phcn.vic.gov.au

Peninsula residents are also being encouraged to support the White Ribbon Day campaign by donning a white ribbon on November 25. For more information, please visit:

http://www.whiteribbonday.org.au or purchase a white ribbon from Frankston or Peninsula Community Health Service centres.

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was recently a patient at the centre. “When my husband was at The Mornington Centre I noticed that the centre needed some paintings to brighten up the walls,” Jill said.

Two of the paintings are of local beach scenes, and two are still life.

Principal Nurse and Site Manager, Robin Digby said that the paintings are beautiful and look great in the centre. “We’re very grateful to Jill for her kind donation,” said Robin.

Jill has been painting for many years and since retiring to the Mornington Peninsula has had more time to devote to her love of painting. Jill is the artist in residence at the

RACV Resort, Cape Schanck, where her paintings are hung throughout the resort.

Jill works in many different mediums including watercolor, pastel and oil. She also teaches painting and drawing.