Rural & Regional Health Districts

Rural and Regional NSW Local Health Network Map

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Aboriginal Health Active Broken Hill initiative BreastScreen NSW Demographic Summary West LHNThe population the estimated at Far resident of projected is and decreaseJune 2006 to to 32,534 was This 2021. by (-13%) 28,329 and 2016 by 29,783 represents the a growth lower than considerably rate Population density (17%). NSW 2006-2021 from average West LHN Far been beinghas with for calculated a total 0.2 LGA residentsHill The km. per square Broken population with 19,361 the catchment of represents 62% people. the AboriginalThe data that indicates 2006 Census or West LHN 2,712, is population the Far catchment of the has LGA Hill The population. the total of Broken 8.7% the in highest Aboriginal of number people (1,204) catchment. In residents 2006, born were overseas, 1,506 to equating LHN the total of population. 5.23% the mostThe it has that LHN in dispersed unique, is population with the highest proportion Aboriginal of Thepeople population along with the the in State. Western NSW LHN the poorest has health status NSW in increased and death rates with premature higher disease. chronic of prevalence The a border LHN it shares with that in also is unique three States (South Australia, Victoria and Queensland) geographically is and closer Adelaide Melbourne and to Child and Family Health and Family Child service (hub Hill Menindee,Broken and White Cliffs for Wilcannia). service (hub Dareton Wentworth, for Euston Buronga, and Balranald). Oral Health Clinics Balranald Broken Hill Dareton Ivanhoe(outreach) MaMaari Primary Health Service Hill) (Broken Menindee (outreach) Tibooburra (outreach) Wilcannia Multi Purpose Service Other Services NSW Health

www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Local Health Network Community HealthCommunity Centres Health Centre Community Balranald Health Centre Community Hill Broken Health Service Primary Community and Dareton Care HealthMenindee Centre Community Tibooburra Health Centre Community Health Centre White Community Cliffs Health Centre Wilcannia Community Balranald DistrictBalranald Hospital Base Hill HospitalBroken Wentworth District Hospital Wilcannia Multipurpose Service Public Hospitals Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Unincorporated Far Far Unincorporated Darling, Central Hill, Broken Balranald, West and Wentworth. Local Government Areas Local Government Telephone: (08) 8080 (08) 1469 Telephone: 8080 (08) Facsimile: 1688 Website: Business Hours: 8.30 Friday Monday - 5.00 am to pm, Executive:Chief Stuart Riley PO 457 Box NSW 2880 Hill Broken Morgan Street, Broken Hill Far West than Sydney (1,100km away). Dubbo is its next major referral Key Achievements 2010-11 hospital in NSW, 800km away. Both Adelaide and Melbourne referral hospitals are closer, Adelaide being 500km south- Since its establishment in January 2011, the Far West LHN west. has:

• Commissioned and opened the Balranald Multi Purpose Chief Executive’s Year In Review Service. • Renegotiated arrangements for funding aged care The Far West Local Health Network serves a comparatively services within the Wilcannia Multi Purpose Service. small population of just over 30,000 people spread over • Recruited key positions including the Network Director almost 200,000 square kilometres. Almost 10% of the Nursing and Network Director of Clinical Governance. population identify as Aboriginal and providing culturally safe • Launched resources for Mental Health and Drug and and appropriate health services for Aboriginal people is a Alcohol consumers. priority for the Network. • Achieved consistent achievement of surgical waiting lists. • Achieved high levels of participation in the survey of The population is characterised by lower socio-economic, NSW Health staff (Have Your Say). education and health status than other areas of New South • Expanded the number and range of students Wales. This combined with the geography of the Network undertaking clinical placements within the LHN. presents challenges: • Achieved consistent improvement in the occupational • Establishing an effective organisation. health and safety numerical profile for all facilities. • Promoting health and reducing health risk factors. Key initiatives commenced in 2010-11 included: • Providing sustainable health services to small communities. • Redevelopment of the obstetric service within Broken Hill • Effectively responding to high levels of chronic disease. Hospital to address issues identified in a series of root • Attracting and retaining an appropriate range of health cause analyses. professionals. • Extensive training and support for middle managers to • Effectively responding to the differing needs of individual better respond to and manage conflict and grievances in communities. the workplace. • Conclusion of negotiations with the Barrier Industrial Key priorities for the year were: Council for the current agreement. • Strengthening links with key partners to deliver • Normalising appointments for managers of remote comprehensive health services across the Network, facilities. including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Maari Ma • Establishment of core systems to allow the LHN to Health Aboriginal Corporation and the Broken Hill operate as an independent entity. University Department of Rural health. • Introduction of 10-hour night shifts to improve handover • Stabilising the health workforce and recruiting to key and transfer of clinical information between shifts. positions to allow the Network to operate independently. • Establishment of a staff establishment/profile to support • Supporting consumers to better manage chronic disease budgeting and human resource management. and improving the Networks response to chronic • Exploration of opportunities for collaboration with a disease through review and redesign of chronic disease Medicare Local. management systems. • Improving engagement with communities and clinicians around the development and delivery of health services. Key Planned Activities and • Effectively managing the interface between acute health services and residential aged care. Outcomes 2011-12 • Working with clinicians to improve the quality of clinical The coming year will see activity begin in a range of areas services. designed to address the challenges that face the Network. Establishment of the Network has required the support, Planned activities include: co-operation and commitment of all staff. This support has • A comprehensive service and strategic planning for the been invaluable. LHN. • Development of a collaborative medical workforce Stuart Riley, Chief Executive strategy in collaboration with the RFDS, Maari Ma and local GPs.

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Completion and implementation Aboriginal and an of Completion Scope Practice of Health- Completion Worker important implementationand this of initiative, the basic include Scope will 2011, in commenced Practiceof AHWs, extended of for coverage functions for specialist and generalist positions supporting of a range and documents including: position framework, a competency maintenance description development a comprehensive tools and support and communication It envisaged is plan. that work be will implementation priorthis completed to Aboriginal National Registrationof for Health July in 2012. Workers

• Key Planned Activities and Outcomes Outcomes and Activities Planned Key 2011-12 2011-12 Initiatives for planned NSW Health Commencement of work on Aboriginal of an Health Commencement Scope Practice of - AboriginalWorker Health Workers (AHW) employed the in FWLHN currently are within generalist specialist and of a range roles across a variety settings. clinical of The Aboriginal Health themselves diverseWorkers from come professional They possess educationaland backgrounds. use and perform variety to a considerable skills of their roles, as part care to providing a multidisciplinary of team Aboriginal people a Not communities. having and positions guide practice’ of to descriptions‘scope activity day to day and limitations in resulted has Aboriginalon Health practice many Workers, for servicesdespite of the range need the full for that Collaboration provide. to competent is worker each between stakeholders, of a range TAFE, including seenhas work progressed, this based on the skills AHW an competenciesand of with a Certificate IV Primary the National from (Practice) Health Care It envisaged, is once that Package. Health Training AHWs many can role of the current complete, be expanded opportunities safely that and for AHWsemployment of can be increased across the LHD redesign. workforce through Improved access to staffImproved access to across accommodation the LHN. Establishment a systematic of ongoing approach to improvement of clinical systems. Promotion of an alternative approach to applying approach to Promotion alternative an of Activity C1 for and Hill Broken Based at Funding hospital more broadly. Establishment a stable of maintaining approach to medicalcore specialists Hill. Broken within Design implementation effective and an of chronic across program disease the LHN. management Renegotiation the Lower of Western Sector with Ma. Agreement Maari Establishment effective an of and corporate structure. administrative

• • • • • • • • Key Achievements 2010-11 Achievements Key Initiatives undertaken 2010-11 in Equal Employment Opportunities Employment Equal Table 1. Trends in the Representation of EEO Groups1

% of Total Staff2 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 50% N/A N/A N/A 83.4% Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2.6%3 N/A N/A N/A 7.0% People whose first language was not English 19% N/A N/A N/A 1.6% People with a disability N/A4 N/A N/A N/A 2.8% 1.1% (2011) People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment5 1.3% (2012) N/A N/A N/A 1.3% 1.5% (2013)

Table 2. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups6

distribution index7 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 100 N/A N/A N/A 104 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 N/A N/A N/A 107 People whose first language was not English 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A People with a disability 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Note: Information for the above tables is provided by the Workforce Profile Unit, Public Sector Workforce Branch, Department of Premier and Cabinet. 1. Staff numbers are as at 30 June. 2. Excludes casual staff. 3. Minimum target by 2015. 4. Per cent employment levels are reported but a benchmark level has not been set. 5. Minimum annual incremental target. 6. A distribution index of 100 indicates that the centre of distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the lower the index will be. An index of more than 100 indicates that the EEO group is less concentrated at the lower salary levels. 7. Excludes casual staff. * EEO survey was conducted in June 2011 elicited a low response rate (22%). A distribution index based on an EEO survey response rate of less than 80% may not be completely accurate.

Government Information Of the one application, full access was granted. Information, as set out in the required form in Schedule 2 of (Public Access) Act 2009 the Government Information (Public Access) Amendment Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 Regulation 2010, relating to the access applications made to (GIPA Act) there is a presumption in favour of the disclosure the Far West Local Health Network during 2010-11 is of government information unless there is an overriding provided below. public interest against disclosure. Far West Local Health Network reviews its information on the website on a regular basis and routinely uploads information that may be of interest to the public. During the six month period from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2011 Far West LHN received one formal access application, which was completed within the reporting period.

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NUMBER of applica informa informa o o tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Refuse t Refuse t deal with deal with applica applica Annual Report 2010 Report Annual tion tion

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ady already ady already ble availa ble availa Informa Informa NSW Health tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t held t held no no Informa Informa Act) Act) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 full full ccess ccess A A refused in refused in t t 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ccess ccess par par A A granted in granted in 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 full full ccess ccess A A granted in granted in Members of the public (other) Members of the public (application by legal representative) Not for profit organisations or community groups Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other Private sector Private business Access applications (other than personal information applications) Members of Parliament Personal information Personal applications# Media ty Reason for invalidi Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) order (section 110 of the restraint Application contravenes applications received number of invalid Total applications applications that subsequently became valid Invalid *More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies B. to Table # A personal information application is an access application for personal information defined (as Clausein 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual). Table C. Invalid C. applicationsTable Table B. Number B. applications type of by application of Table outcome and Table A. Number applications type of by Table outcome* applicant and of Table D. Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act

Number of times consideration used* Overriding secrecy laws 0 Cabinet information 0 Executive Council Information 0 Contempt 0 Legal professional privilege 0 Excluded information 0 Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety 0 Transport safety 0 Adoption 0 Care and protection of children 0 Ministerial code of conduct 0 Aboriginal and environmental heritage 0

* More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular access application and, if so, each such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies to Table E.

Table E. Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to Section 14 of the Act

Number of occasions when application not successful Responsible and effective government 0 Law enforcement and security 0 Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 0 Business interests of agencies and other persons 0 Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0 Secrecy provisions 0 Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0

Table F. Timelines

Number of occasions when application not successful Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) 1 Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) 0 Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 0 Total 1

* Note: Of the 7 applications 5 were related to the former GWAHS for information on the whole of the former AHS.

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Number of applica Decision upheld 0 0 0 0 0 Act) Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

ed Decision vari NSW Health Total Review by ADT Review by Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act under section 93 of Internal review following recommendation Review by Information Commissioner* Applications by access applicants of access applications relates (see section 54 of the Applications by persons to whom information the subject Internal review *The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the originaldecision-maker. The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made by the Information Commissioner. Table H. Applications review under Part for the Act 5 of Table (by type applicant) of Table G. Number applications of reviewed under Part the Act 5 of Table (by typereview outcome) of and Hunter New England Local Health Network

Gunnedah Hospital Guyra Multi Purpose Service Inverell Hospital James Fletcher Hospital John Hunter Children’s Hospital John Hunter Hospital Kurri Kurri Hospital Manilla Hospital Manning Hospital (Taree) Merriwa Multi Purpose Service Moree Hospital Morisset Hospital Muswellbrook Hospital Narrabri Hospital Quirindi Hospital Rankin Park Centre Royal Newcastle Centre Scott Memorial Hospital (Scone) Singleton Hospital Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights Tamworth Hospital Locked Bag 1 Tenterfield Community Hospital New Lambton NSW 2305 The Maitland Hospital Telephone: 4921 3000 Tingha Multi Purpose Service Tomaree Community Hospital Facsimile: 4921 4969 Walcha Multi Purpose Service Website: www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au Warialda Multi Purpose Service Wee Waa Community Hospital Business Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday Werris Creek Community Hospital Chief Executive: Michael DiRienzo Wilson Memorial Hospital (Murrurundi) Wingham Community Hospital Local Government Areas Public Nursing Homes Armidale Dumaresq, Cessnock, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Hillcrest Nursing Home, Gloucester Gloucester, Great Lakes, Greater Taree, Gunnedah, Guyra, Kimbarra Lodge Hostel, Gloucester Gwydir, Inverell, Lake Macquarie, Liverpool Plains, Maitland, Muswellbrook Aged Care Facility Moree Plains, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Newcastle, Port Wallsend Aged Care Facility Stephens, Singleton, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield, Upper Hunter, Uralla and Walcha. Community Health Centres

Public Hospitals Armidale Community Health Centre Ashford Community Health Centre Armidale Hospital Barraba Community Health Centre Barraba Multi Purpose Service Beresfield Community Health Centre Belmont Hospital Bingara Community Health Centre Bingara Multi Purpose Service Boggabilla Community Health Centre Boggabri Multi Purpose Service Boggabri Community Health Centre Bulahdelah Community Hospital Bulahdelah Community Health Centre Cessnock Hospital Bundarra Community Health Centre Denman Multi Purpose Service Cessnock Community Health Centre Dungog Community Hospital Clarencetown Community Health Centre Emmaville – Vegetable Creek Multi Purpose Service Denman Community Health Centre Glen Innes Hospital East Maitland Community Health Centre Gloucester Soldiers Memorial Hospital

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Aged and Care Rehabilitation People Families and Young Children Cancer Health Maternity and Women’s Mental Health Alcohol Drug and and Care Critical Vascular Demographic Summary LocalThe New Hunter England Health Network (HNE head officeHealth) is locatedin Newcastleregional a and Tamworth. officeis locatedin the it is onlyHNE Local that in Health Health unique, is Network with (Newcastle/ metropolitan a major centre regional large several as a mix of as well Macquarie) Lake remote and centres rural smaller many and centres within itscommunities borders. The health service covers a geographical over of area 130,000 square kilometres and serves a population of approximately 840,000 people, including approximately Aboriginal population. the State’s of 20% Its two includes health facilities public tertiary referral community hospitals, 20 referral rural hospitals, four hospitals Multi Purpose and district Services, health 13 services together with community health centres, 55 and mental aged health and of a number care facilities. Third Schedule Facilities Calvary Mater Newcastle Other Services Armidale Barraba Beresfield Cessnock Forster Glen Innes Gunnedah Inverell Maitland Moree Muswellbrook Narrabri Oral HealthClinics NSW Health Medowie Merewether Morisset Raymond Terrace Stockton Salamander Bay Toronto Wallsend Waratah Windale Anna Bay Belmont Charlestown Edgeworth Hamilton Kotara Lambton Mallabula Maryland Child and Family Health and Family Child Forster Health Centre Community HealthGlen Innes Centre Community HealthGloucester Centre Community Health Centre Community Gresford Health Centre Community Gunnedah Health Centre Guyra Community Health Centre Community Gwabegar Health Centre Community Harrington Hawks Nest/Tea Health Centre Community Gardens Kurri Kurri Health Centre Community Inverell Health Centre Community Manilla Merriwa Health Centre Community HealthMoree Centre Community Health Centre Community Mungindi Murrurundi Community Health Centre HealthMuswellbrook Centre Community Health Centre Narrabri Community Nelson Health Centre Community Bay Newcastle Health Centre Community Health Centre Nundle Community Health Centre Community Pilliga Health Centre Premer Community Health Centre Community Quirindi Health Centre Community Raymond Terrace Health Centre Scone Community Health Centre Community Singleton Health Centre Community Stroud Health Centre Community Springs Tambar Health Centre Community Tamworth Health Centre Community Taree Centre Community Health Tenterfield Health Centre Community Toomelah Health Centre Community (Westlakes) Toronto Health Centre Community Uralla Health Centre Community Walcha Health Centre Community Walhallow (WesternWallsend Health Newcastle) Centre Community Health Centre Community Warialda Health Centre Community Waa Wee Health Centre Community Creek Werris Health Centre Community Windale (Eastlakes) Local Health Network Hunter NewEngland Chief Executive’s Year In Review As the health network that cares for the State’s largest percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Hunter New England Local Health Network (HNE Health) is improving their health outcomes is a key focus for all staff. committed to building healthier communities by delivering This year, we continued our Cultural Respect Training excellence in healthcare. Program to help build capacity to deliver culturally appropriate and effective services for the Aboriginal While the transition to Local Health Networks in January community; and appointed two additional Aboriginal and 2011 resulted in significant changes for many health services, Torres Strait Islander Counsellors to our Employee Assistance very little changed for HNE Health due to overwhelming Program. support to retain our geographical boundary. This year has been a successful, challenging and rewarding During the past year, our skilled and dedicated employees period for HNE Health. Through our quality people, core continued their hard work and commitment to providing values, robust systems, strong partnerships and ongoing high quality, safe patient care and improving the health of sound financial management, we expect to continue these the people in our communities. In particular, we made outstanding results for our communities in 2011-12. significant progress implementing the Garling recommendations, with more than 80% defined as Michael DiRienzo, Chief Executive ‘substantially achieved’. There was also a significant investment in capital works across the Network and several communities benefited from Key Achievements 2010-11 new or enhanced services. New models of maternity care at • Won two NSW Aboriginal Health Awards - Tamworth, Manning and Maitland hospitals were ‘Strengthening Aboriginal Families and Children’ and implemented to promote continuity of care for birthing ‘Working Together to Make a Difference’. women; and expanded dialysis services at Muswellbrook, • Introduced seven new Nurse Practitioner positions Manning, Armidale and Singleton hospitals enable more specialising in Drug and Alcohol, Nephrology, Diabetes, patients who cannot have dialysis at home to receive their Oncology and Aged and Chronic Care. treatment at their local hospital. • Opened a $3.6 million 12-bed Emergency Short Stay Unit Thanks to a unique partnership between the Nicholas Trust at Calvary Mater Newcastle. and HNE Health, a new paediatric palliative care service and • Rolled out HNE Health’s Excellence initiative in all facilities were opened at John Hunter Children’s Hospital. Primary and Community Networks clusters and services. This was a major milestone in supporting and caring for Excellence is an evidence-based system which focuses palliative children and their families. on building leader and staff capability and accountability HNE Health is also expanding medical oncology services at - aimed at improving staff relationships and patient Taree. The appointment of a fulltime medical oncologist, experience. registrar and oncology transitional nurse practitioner will • Opened a new paediatric palliative care service and improve access to treatment for patients from the Lower Mid facilities at John Hunter Children’s Hospital. North Coast and reduce the need for oncologists from • Completed the final stage of the emergency Calvary Mater Newcastle to travel to Taree. department redevelopment at The Maitland Hospital and the refurbishment of the emergency department at HNE Health was well represented in a number of State Armidale. awards, winning two 2010 NSW Aboriginal Health Awards, • Launched new models of maternity care at Tamworth, ‘Best Overall Performance’ at the 2010 NSW Health Awards, Manning and Maitland hospitals, to promote continuity and Runner Up in the ‘Leading Change’ category of the 2010 of care for birthing women as part of the Towards NSW Premier’s Awards. Recognition at this level allows us to Normal Birth strategy. gauge our performance against our peers and is a fantastic • Expanded dialysis services at Muswellbrook, Manning, effort from all concerned. Armidale and Singleton hospitals. HNE Health has a reputation for setting the standard in • Won ‘Best Overall Performance’ at NSW Health Awards disaster planning and we have continued to maintain a and had five projects chosen as finalists across various strong focus in this area. This year, our Mental Health categories. Runner Up in ‘Leading Change’ at the NSW Disaster Response Team was deployed to Queensland to help Premier’s Awards. with the State’s flood recovery effort and our Disaster • Opened a new $8.91 million 20-bed non-acute Management Unit was part of a multi-agency group that inpatient mental health unit at James Fletcher Hospital in assisted communities affected by flooding in northern NSW. Newcastle.

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Cross Agency Public Sector Mentoring and Conflict Skills.Management to support Aboriginal to and future and current Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

128 people a non-English from speaking 128 background Developed a program to improve workplace and workplace Developed improve to a program communication initiatives supportingnurses and gained qualificationoverseas. midwives have that capacity with educational build institutions to Worked delivery through groups, employees thefor in EEO of as Mental Health such and Workplace programs training Wellbeing, Dealing Effectively with Unacceptable Behaviour Program Islander employees. government Strait Torres Encourage initiatives that remove workplace barriers workplace remove that initiatives Encourage peoplefor with a disability applying by Reasonable Adjustment. Workplace VETIncrease in groups the representation EEO of programs. An Aboriginal careers booklet been has for produced deliveryschool high to students within schools and Moree. and Hunter Tamworth, Taree, of areas stakeholders, institutions, educational with key Work service and organisations Government other providers developto pre-employment support that programs sustainable work. people into groups the in EEO Develop support and employees engage in to career and educational progression programs pathways. HealthDevelop MyLink the Multicultural portal e-learningfor expand and the interactive cultural cultural competency cover on offer to programs aspects death and care and palliative aged of care, dying. EEO policies Profileand our best practiceinitiatives stakeholders externalto participating key by in events communication meetings and collaboratives, and forums. – 45 Aboriginal people– 45 – people– 20 two with Reasonable a disability, required Adjustment. Workplace Signed an employment and training contract with theSigned employment training an and Aboriginal 75 train to Government Commonwealth people employment. gain to Established with employees pathways communication thein disadvantaged groups. Supported Reasonable employees require that education developing by Adjustment Workplace and factsheets.programs HNE 30 and June 2011, Between 1 January 2011 Health employed: has Implement

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •    Key Planned Activities and Outcomes Outcomes and Activities Planned Key 2011-12 NSW Health , Appointed two additional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Appointed Strait two additional Aboriginal Torres and Islander EAP increased access providing Counsellors, employees Aboriginal an optionsand to from and Islander background. Strait Torres Targeted, advertised appointed and twoTargeted, positions for people with a disability. Attended career various expos encourage that with peopleengagement the disadvantaged in Opportunity Indigenous including Jobsgroups, Day, Festival Bularr Wangga Market, Quest. Career A total of 125 non-Aboriginal staff Managers 125 and of A total attended the two-day Respect Aboriginal Cultural workshops. Complete construction of the new $11.7 million million construction theComplete new of $11.7 Multi Purpose Creek Service.Werris Medical work on the new Hunter Research Continue Institute facility campus. on the John Hunter Commence the $220 million redevelopment of million the $220 Commence Health Services.Tamworth Begin construction North the New of England West including Tamworth, in Centre Cancer Regional accommodation. carer and patient Open sub-acute/rehabilitation 22 of a total beds at locations, Belmont hospitals and interim in Kurri Kurri purpose-built a of theprior commencement to facility Belmont of area an of refurbishment and Kurri at 30Hospital patients the accommodate in future. to Significant investment in emergency investment Significant departments environments for appropriate and provide safe to specificWork undertakenbe will groups. patient Glen Scone, Innes, Gunnedah, Singleton, at MoreeMuswellbrook, Cessnock. and Inverell, which focuses on developing clinical environments health empower and patients, that families best achieve to outcomes. professionals Multi Purpose Manilla million Open the new $19 redevelopment Narrabri of million Service a $41.7 and District Health Service. Expand medical including oncology services Taree, at oncologist, medical full-time a of appointment the oncology nurse and registrar practitioner. transitional Officially open HealthOne and the MerriwaQuirindi Multi Purpose Service. roll-out to the Essentials CareContinue of Program

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Equal Employment Opportunities Employment Equal 2010-11 Achievements Key Outcomes 2011-12 Key PlannedKey Activities and Table 1. Trends in the Representation of EEO Groups1

% of Total Staff2 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 50% 0 0 0 80.4% Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2.6%3 0 0 0 2.5% People whose first language was not English 19% 0 0 0 8.4% People with a disability N/A4 0 0 0 3.4% 1.1% (2011) People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment5 1.3% (2012) 0 0 0 1.2% 1.5% (2013)

Table 2. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups6

distribution index7 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 100 0 0 0 86 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 0 0 0 72 People whose first language was not English 100 0 0 0 113 People with a disability 100 0 0 0 96 People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 0 0 0 99

Government Information Hunter New England Local Health District continues to manage Access Applications pursuant to the Open (Public Access) Act 2009 Government legislation in accordance with requirements. The Right to Information Officers are formally trained and are Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 regularly updated on developments with respect to (GIPA Act) there is a presumption in favour of the disclosure interpretation of legislation. Open access information is of government information unless there is an overriding readily available on the Hunter New England Local Health public interest against disclosure. District’s website and site content in relation to GIPA Act The Hunter New England Local Health Network came into requirements are reviewed annually for accuracy. effect on 1 January 2011. The following narrative and report Information, as set out in the required form in Schedule 2 of details the GIPA ACT applications received between 1 the Government Information (Public Access) Amendment January 2011 and 30 June 2011. Regulation 2010, relating to the access applications made to The Hunter New England Local Health Network received in the Hunter New England Local Health Network during total eight GIPA applications. Of these, two were granted full 2010-11 is provided below. access to the requested information, two were granted partial access to the requested information, one application the requested information was not held, one application the requested information was already available, and two applications the Network refused to deal with the applications.

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confirm or confirm or NUMBER of applica informa informa o o tion tion 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Refuse t Refuse t deal with deal with applica applica Annual Report 2010 Report Annual tion tion

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 ady already ady already ble availa ble availa Informa Informa NSW Health tion tion 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 t held t held no no Informa Informa Act) Act) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 full full ccess ccess A A refused in refused in t t 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 ccess ccess par par A A granted in granted in 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 full full ccess ccess A A granted in granted in Members of the public (other) Members of the public (application by legal representative) Not for profit organisations or community groups Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other Private sector Private business Access applications (other than personal information applications) Members of Parliament Personal information Personal applications# Media ty Reason for invalidi Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) order (section 110 of the restraint Application contravenes applications received number of invalid Total applications applications that subsequently became valid Invalid *More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies B. to Table # A personal information application is an access application for personal information defined (as Clausein 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual). Table C. Invalid C. applicationsTable Table B. Number B. applications type of by application of Table outcome and Table A. Number applications type of by Table outcome* applicant and of Table D. Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act

Table E. Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to Section 14 of the Act

Number of occasions when application not successful Responsible and effective government 1 Law enforcement and security 0 Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 1 Business interests of agencies and other persons 0 Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0 Secrecy provisions 0 Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0

Table F. Timelines

Number of occasions when application not successful Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) 4 Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) 1 Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 1 Total 6

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Number of applica Decision upheld 0 0 0 0 0 Act) Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

Port Macquarie Community Health Centre South West Rocks Community Health Centre Wauchope Community Health Centre Woolgoolga Community Health Centre Oral Health Clinics

Coffs Harbour Kempsey Laurieton Port Macquarie Wauchope Other Services

Aboriginal Health Cancer Services Drug and Alcohol Morton Street, Port Macquarie Mental Health Public Health PO Box 126 Sexual Health Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Sexual Assault Telephone: 6588 2946 Facsimile: 6588 2947 Demographic Summary

Website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/mnclhn Mid North Coast Local Health Network (MNCLHN) covers an Business Hours: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday area of 11,335 square kilometres extending from Port Macquarie Hastings Local Government Area in the south to Chief Executive: Stewart Dowrick Coffs Harbour Local Government Area in the north. The population of the MNCLHN is one of the fastest growing Local Government Areas in NSW. ≥ Port Macquarie Hastings, Kempsey, Bellingen, Nambucca and In 2006 residents aged 65 years made up 18% of the Coffs Harbour. MNCLHN population compared to the NSW average of 14%. People aged ≥65 years comprise the fastest growing segment of the population of the MNCLHN. It is predicted Public Hospitals that this age group will rise to 22% by 2016 and 24% by 2021. Bellinger River District Hospital Coffs Harbour Health Campus The traditional custodians of the land covered by the Dorrigo Multi Purpose Service MNCLHN are the Biripi, Daiggatti, Naganyaywana and Kempsey District Hospital Gumbainggir Nations. Macksville Health Campus In 2011 approximately 9,000 people living in this area Port Macquarie Base Hospital identified as Aboriginal (4.3% of the total population). Wauchope District Memorial Hospital MNCLHN has one of the lowest SEIFA Ratings in the State with more than double (18%) the NSW proportion receiving Community Health Centres disability/sickness benefits (NSW 8%) and the second largest Bellingen Community Health Centre proportion (19%) of households with a weekly income of Camden Haven Community Health Centre <$500 (NSW 12%) and smallest proportion (7.9%) of Coffs Harbour Community Health Centre households with a weekly income of >$2000 compared to Dorrigo Community Health Centre the State average of 22%. Kempsey Community Health Centre The MNCLHN has Base Hospitals at Coffs Harbour and Port Macksville Community Health Centre Macquarie as well as District Hospitals at Wauchope,

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The Integrated Cancer Centre at Coffs Harbour Coffs at Centre The Cancer Integrated commissioned its which second Linear Accelerator significantlyincreasedhas numberof patients the Over the past locally. the facility can accommodate been the facility has months delivering more than 12 month. each treatments radiotherapy 1,800 Significant progresshas beenmade on the work on the new structure of establishment including the separation the North of Area Health Service Coast (NCAHS) budget and services. capital works key of A number projects were progressed the the completion Kempsey of including District Hospital Emergency Department upgrade, processes theplanning redevelopment Port for of BaseMacquarie Hospital the of commencement and Coffs at Ward bed Care construction Acute the 10 of Harbour Health Campus.

• • • Stewart Dowrick, Executive Chief Key Achievements 2010-11 An impressive result and one for which all staffAn which all one and impressive for result be should congratulated. identified has of the engagement The Council Governing the the community Mid of North priority. as a key Coast endorsed a Community Council theIn Governing March a of the establishment including Strategy Engagement Group. Reference Community Executive and very are The of Council proud Governing qualifiedand highly of team amazing our to grateful and working staffincredibly hard across right the MNCLHN who do a terrific jobevery and each oftenin veryday Wedifficultcircumstances. and emotionally demanding thanks deal the of and community and them owe a great miss never should opportunity an be supportive to of them. to Executive and continue will The Council Governing work with staff stakeholders, and the achieve clinicians to best possible the of wellbeing health and for outcomes the facilities Mid our North ensure and communities Coast receive the necessary provide ongoing to care resources the ability new innovative also implement and and have to services. volunteers who the many thank to like I would Finally provide dedicated support valuable and the many to across thefacilities Mid North Over the Coast. past year towards funds raised significant have Volunteers acted and equipment support in patients roles for and relatives. NSW Health In January 2011 the Mid North Local Coast Health In January 2011 Network (MNCLHN) established was as part the of National Health The Reforms. Minister also appointed a AM as Chair Grimshaw with Warren Council Governing together with seven members across from the LHN. MNCLHN also selected two Executive Directors June to the in running the hit ground whom both of have 2011 establishmentthe LHN. of The MNCLHN one the the is fastest of regions in growing services This for demand and increase. to State continues structure in change provides with us the unique opportunity on is local focus our issues, ensure local to delivering and quality communities health care to residents area. this of The Harbour Hastings Coffs Clinical and Macleay Networks a long had history have side working side by advantages our years leveraging for in many over the past Ascommunities. collaboration, this of a result has beenyear characterised numberof by a financial further the significant achievementsincluding expansion cancer servicesof which now allows the majority local of servicesresidents radiotherapy requiring access them to addition in the Cardiac close where they live; to serviceCatheterisation delivery celebrated stent 1,000 of – a serviceprocedures outside previously available not the Kempsey upgrade an to and metropolitan areas; District Hospital Emergency Department completed. was the include commitments funding Other key the Port for funding Base of Macquarie announcement Hospital a of redevelopment the and commencement Harbour Coffs Health at Ward bed Care Acute new 10 Campus. admission to on alternatives MNCLHN focus to continues Packages (Compacs), strategies as Community such Community Services and Aged Care (TACS) Transition These services Post and ServicesAcute Acute (CAPACS). assistingare the hospitals major clinically allowing by their patients illness the manage in appropriate to community setting. staffOur diligent demonstrated again a tremendous once dedication of health services theamount provision of to reflected was that a commitment in our the year, during ability conduct with to operations line established in budgets while achieving target activity surgery. for levels Chief Executive’s Year In Review Executive’s Year Chief Kempsey, Macksville, a Multi Purpose Bellingen and Kempsey, Service Community Dorrigo. at In care, addition acute to Health Services locations delivered nine from are across the Mid North Coast. Local Health Network Mid North Coast Mid • The Cardiac Catheter Laboratory at Coffs Harbour Health Equal Employment Opportunities Campus celebrated 1,000 stent procedures. • A program aimed at improving access to dental services for Aboriginal people commenced at the Coffs Harbour Key Achievements 2010-11

Dental Clinic. The Program provides outreach on site • Design, development and implementation of an on- services at the Coffs Harbour Dental Clinic and is a line Bullying and Harassment Awareness Program dedicated Aboriginal Oral Health program. designed to support staff in identifying and addressing • Kempsey District Hospital was the first health site in inappropriate workplace behaviours. NSW to implement the new HRIS payroll system. • Education sessions conducted across MNCLHD on • The Governing Council endorsed a Community Aboriginal Cultural Awareness. Engagement Strategy aimed at improving the • Implementation of an accessible e-learning-line program effectiveness of participation processes across MNCLHN. targeted at supporting a positive workplace culture. • Telehealth is becoming a mainstream communication • A range of recruitment strategies to actively employ from option and the expanded Connecting Critical Care the EEO groups. program is using this technology to further promote strong clinical links between the Base Hospitals and the Key Planned Activities and Outcomes rural sites. 2011-12

• Review and revision of the Grievance Management Key Planned Activities and process. Outcomes 2011-12 • Development of a Exit Questionnaire policy and procedure. • Finalisation of new structure as the Mid North Coast • Update the Recruitment and Selection Training Program Local Health District from 1 July 2011. for Managers. • Progression of the major clinical priorities for the Clinical • Implementation of the Aboriginal Workforce Framework. Networks. • Redesign the position description format to ensure • Progression of capital works projects across a number compliance with EEO policy requirements. of sites including the Port Macquarie Base Hospital • Formation of an EEO Management Plan. redevelopment, construction of an Emergency Medical • Maintenance of existing EEO strategies. Unit (EMU) and installation of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at Coffs Harbour Health Campus and commissioning of the second Linear Accelerator in Port Macquarie. • Construction of a Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) unit at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The GEM will consist of a dedicated 13 bed ward providing early multi-disciplinary rehabilitation intervention to aid the assessment, management and treatment of geriatric symptoms of older people in the hospital setting. • Implementation of the Community Engagement Strategy across Mid North Coast communities. • Innovation in Emergency Departments is a one-year project in Emergency Departments as part of the Closing the Gap initiative. The project aims to address the recommendations of the ‘They just don’t like to wait’ study and create a better experience for Aboriginal people using health services. • Implementation of additional Nursing staff to support the reasonable workloads for Nurses and Midwives.

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. 0 90 82 96 113 4.8% 1.6% 3.8% 0.6% 2011 2011 75.5%

Volume Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 2010 2010 2011 – aff //

, relating to the access to , relating al St t ution index 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 % of To % of distrib 2009 2009 Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2008 2008 Per cent employment levels are reported but a benchmark level has not been Of thegranted fivewere completed, applications three partial access, one granted one access was and full application withdrawn. was The Mid North Local Coast Health Network received no applications for internal reviews. Schedule in as set form 2 the out in required Information, (Public Access) the Information Government of 2010 Amendment Regulation applications the Mid made North to Local Coast Health provided is below. Network 2010-11 during NSW Health 3 4 N/A 19% 50% 2.6% 100 100 100 100 100 or target or target Benchmark Benchmark 1.1% (2011) 1.3% (2012) 1.5% (2013) 1 6 . Minimum target 4. by2015. 5

. A distribution index of 100 indicates that the centre of distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to . Excludes casual staff. 3

(GIPA Act) there is a presumption in favour of the of Act) favour in a presumption there is (GIPA . Minimum annual incremental target. 6 5 People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment with a disability requiring work-related People People with a disability People People with a disability with People Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders Strait Torres Aboriginal people and People whose first language was not English whose first language People Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders Strait Torres Aboriginal people and People whose first language was not English first language whose People a disability requiring work-related adjustment with People Women Women EEO Group EEO Group . Staff numbers are as at 30 June. 2 * EEO survey was conducted elicited in June a low 2011 response A distribution rate (22%). index based on an EEO survey response rate of less than 80% may not be accurate. completely Note: Information for the above tables is provided by the Workforce Profile Unit, Public SectorWorkforce Branch, Department of Premier and Cabinet. 1 set. that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the lower the index will be. An index of more than 100 indicates that the EEO group is less concentrated at the lower salary levels. 7 Excludes casual staff. disclosure of government information unless an there is information government of disclosure overriding public interest against disclosure. The Mid North Local Coast Health Network undertakes routinely and reviews basis on its a regular of information be interest on its of may uploads that information website the public. to the Mid the periodDuring 1 January 30 June 2011, to North Local Coast Health Network received five access applications Act. under the GIPA Of the five applications been applications within have completed received, four the reporting period one and application withdrawn. was Government Information (Public Access) Act (PublicUnder Access) the Information Government 2009 Government Information Information Government 2009 Act Access) (Public Table 1. Trends in the Groups in Representation EEO of Trends 1. Table Table 2. Trends in the in Distribution Groups EEO of Trends 2. Table Table A. Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome*

Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm or withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Media 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Members of Parliament 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Private sector business 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not for profit organisations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 or community groups Members of the public 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (application by legal representative) Members of the public 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (other)

*More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.

Table B. Number of applications by type of application and outcome

Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm or withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Personal information 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 applications# Access applications (other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 than personal information applications) Access applications that are 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 partly personal information applications and partly other

# A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in Clause 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

Table C. Invalid applications

Reason for invalidity NUMBER of applications Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act) 0 Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) 0 Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act) 0 Total number of invalid applications received 0 Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications 0

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tion used* 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Volume Two t successful t successful no no Number of times when applica when applica 2011 – considera Number of occasions Number of occasions //

Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

NSW Health Overriding secrecy laws Cabinet information Executive Council Information Contempt Legal professional privilege Excluded information and public safety Documents affecting law enforcement safety Transport Adoption Care and protection of children Ministerial code of conduct Aboriginal and environmental heritage Responsible and effective government Law enforcement and security justice processes and natural judicial Individual rights, Business interests of agencies and other persons matters economy and general culture, Environment, Secrecy provisions of Information legislation Exempt documents under interstate Freedom (20 days plus any extensions) Decided within the statutory timeframe Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) Not decided within time (deemed refusal) Total * More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular access application and, if so, each such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies E. to Table Table F. Timelines F. Table Table E. Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed table the in Act Section of disclosure: against Other to E. considerations interest public 14 Table Table D. Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed Schedule in the disclosure: against Act 1 of interest public overriding of presumption Conclusive D. Table Table G. Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the Act (by type of review and outcome)

Decision varied Decision upheld Total Internal review 0 0 0 Review by Information Commissioner* 0 0 0 Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act 0 0 0 Review by ADT 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0

*The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the original decision-maker. The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made by the Information Commissioner.

Table H. Applications for review under Part 5 of the Act (by type of applicant)

Number of applications for review Applications by access applicants 0 Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access applications relates (see section 54 of the Act) 0

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Albury Berrigan Cootamundra Deniliquin Griffith Hay Hillston Junee Community HealthCommunity Centres HealthAdelong Centre Community Health Centre Community Ardlethan Health Centre Community Barellan Health Centre Barmedman Community Health Centre Community Coleambally Health Centre Community Point Darlington Health Centre Community Mathoura Health Centre Moama Community Health Centre Moulamein Community Health Centre Community Tarcutta The Health Centre Rock Community Health Centre Community Tooleybuc Health Centre Ungarie Community Health Centre Community Weethalle Oral Health Clinics Gundagai District Heath Service Hay Heath Service Henty Multi Purpose Service Hillston Heath Service Holbrook Multi Purpose Service Jerilderie Multi Purpose Service Junee Multi Purpose Service Purpose Multi Cargelligo Lake Service 2011) July 1 (from Leeton District Heath Service Lockhart Multi Purpose Service Murrumburrah-Harden Heath Service DistrictNarranderra Heath Service South Injury West Brain District Service Heath Temora Service HeathTocumwal Service Multi Purpose ServiceTumbarumba District Heath ServiceTumut Multi PurposeUrana Service Base Hospital Wagga Wagga Wyalong Heath Service District Heath ServiceYoung Mercy (Third Health Schedule – Albury Young and Facilities) NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au/services/lhn/murru

Local Health Network Albury Health Service Community Albury Nolan mental health House, inpatient Barham Heath Service Batlow Multi Purpose Service Berrigan Multi Purpose Service Boorowa Multi Purpose Service Multi PurposeCoolamon Service Heath ServiceCootamundra Heath ServiceCorowa Multi Purpose ServiceCulcairn Deniliquin Heath Service HeathFinley Service Griffith Base Hospital Public Hospitals Local Government Areas Local Government Coolamon, Conargo, Carrathool, Bland, Berrigan, Albury, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Corowa, Greater Hume, Junee, Leeton,Jerilderie, Hay, Griffith, Harden, Gundagai, Murrumbidgee, Temora, Narranderra, Lockhart, Murray, and Wagga Wagga Young, Urana, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Wakool. Telephone: 6933 9100 6933 Telephone: 9188 6933 Facsimile: Website: Wagga Street, Wagga Johnston Bag 10 Locked NSW 2650 Wagga Wagga Business Hours: 8.30 Friday Monday - 5.00 am to pm, Executive: Susan Weisser (Acting)Chief Murrumbidgee Demographic Summary funding to complete the project which includes redevelopment of ambulatory care, community health and Murrumbidgee Local Health Network covers an area of rehabilitation services. This will ensure WWBH can continue 125,248 sq km and in 2009 had an estimated resident to fulfil its role as a regional referral specialist health service population of approximately 292,134 people. for all people in MLHN. The population is projected to grow to around 301,364 by In addition to the staff and medical officers who work 2021. In 2009 more than half of all residents were aged 39 tirelessly caring for patients, there are a number of people I years or older with over 16% of the population aged 65 would like to thank for their support during the year. Key years and over. among these are the Local Health Service Advisory Councils, Multi Purpose Service Committees, Hospital Auxiliaries and Much of the industry is related to agriculture however there Hospital Volunteers who play such a crucial role in local is also a variety of businesses and industrial enterprises health care. They act as advocates for services and support including government departments, defense, universities, local hospitals and community-based services through forestry and tourism. The Local Health Network significantly fundraising. Between January and June 2011, $375,000 was contributes to communities being a preferred employer donated to local health services through these groups or by across a range of clinical and non-clinical roles. individuals. Money donated locally is used for the local hospital or Chief Executive’s Year In Review specific purpose for which it was donated. Donations are always greatly appreciated and over the last six months these On the 1 January 2010 the new Murrumbidgee Local Health funds have seen a wide range of items acquired for use at Network commenced. The first six months of the new local health facilities. organisation have proved a busy and productive time. The Board and the new MLHN Executive team are committed The establishment of a Network Board has set the direction to the Local Health Network being the leading provider of for greater local input into health decision making. rural health care. In 2011-12 we are looking to foster better Murrumbidgee is fortunate that the appointed Board links with our communities and improve quality and members have a wealth of clinical, business and community responsiveness of services. The perennial issues of access to expertise. They have a strong commitment to both the health care for rural and remote communities and having continued development of health services in the Network sufficient appropriately skilled clinicians to sustain services and to working closely with clinicians, local communities and will require our collective collaboration to resolve. other partner institutions. The transition to the new Local Health Network has been Susan Weisser, A/ Chief Executive complex involving dissolving the former Area Health Service and the creation of two new Networks. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all health service staff, Key Achievements 2010-11 both clinical and non-clinical, who have worked extremely • Funding of $270 million was secured towards the hard over the last six months to ensure our patient services redevelopment of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital were not affected during the transition as well as helping to (WWBH). The NSW Government contributed $215 progress the establishment of MLHN. million which was complemented by a Federal Despite this period of change it is pleasing that there are so contribution of $55.1 million. Other capital works many major achievements to report for this period. Foremost projects included finalisation of the tender for the is securing the capital funding for the first two stages of the $13 million Gundagai Multi Purpose Service, start of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital (WWBH) Redevelopment. This construction on the $3.2 million Corowa HealthOne was a significant event for the health service and and the opening of the $1.16 million upgrade to WWBH communities across MLHN. I would like to acknowledge and renal dialysis unit. thank the community and staff for their unfailing advocacy • From January to June, MLHN hospitals provided 6,867 and support for this project over so many years. operations, a 2.4% increase on the same period the previous year. MLHN provided 2,044 emergency The building program for the WWBH Redevelopment which operations for the six month period, a 6% increase. In is assured through to 2016 will see the expansion of mental our emergency departments, 26,592 (2.1% increase) health inpatient services, new emergency and theatre patients presented to our Base Hospital EDs, and of facilities and the redevelopment of all the acute wards in the those, 5,471 (-0.1% decrease) patients were admitted to hospital. The MLHN is committed to pursuing the remaining

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Collaboration with the

The Local Health Districtbe will working Care – Strategic planning will be – Annual Report 2010 Report Annual Reform – Development recruitment and

A program was developed was A program Aboriginal for targeted at locations. programs prevocational training MLHN develop to people continued with disabilities where possible within the capabilities needs and of the organisations framework and policies. into the Localinto Health District Executive structures services recruitment of transfer and the back to District activity corporate be will a key and enabling strengthening local decision making. Palliative undertaken with the Ministry develop Health of to - 2012 for Modelsthe priorities Care of Palliative for 2107. – Local Medicare The Network training encourage to continued select for programs staff. of groups developed numbers were Programs the increasing for staff nursing of Non-English from are that speaking backgrounds. A policy on flexibleforworking hoursunder was trial thepolicy and final 6 months to releasedbe is early in 2011-12. Emergency – The the Emergency of opening Wagga Wagga at Medicine January in Unit 2012 Base Emergency Hospital to access improve will patients for outcomes Department improve and Care with Medical acute presentations. Models Care of – Implementation the Chronic of Disease Self Support Management Model across the Local Health District model care be of will a key be will gauged Success on increasing initiative. and program enrolments Care the Connecting in reduced hospital readmissions. Health Planning conjunctionin with the Ministry Health of to undertake Rehabilitation Analysis to a Gap regard in Models Care. of Murrumbidgee Medicare Local the regarding development implementation and After of Hours selected clinics at Hospitals Rural the in Murrumbidgee Local Health District. access to emergencyaccess to surgery hours out of reduce and surgical procedures.

• • • • • • • • • • • Equal Employment Opportunities Employment Equal 2010-11 Achievements Key NSW Health Surgery Base Hospital Wagga is – Wagga Predictableimplementing Surgery which Programs decrease patients surgical times for waiting awaiting procedures. This includes commencing an Acute patient improve will November in Unit Surgical 2011 Several Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing of management improved in resulted have initiatives work. to return and compensationworkers claims A self-care renal dialysis unit was introduced at West at A self-care introduced was dialysis unit renal Wyalong self-care provided for funding and renal funding Grant Young. and dialysis services Tumut at a Project Institute for received thewas Cancer from Officercommunity and undertake to planning chemotherapy of the establishment for consultation services in Deniliquin. MLHN Recognition and NSW introduced Health’s policy Patient at the Deteriorating of Management hospital all Emergency Departments. This included the roll-out observation Paediatric and adult of charts 250 more than for education online and training and MLHN at improving is staff. hygiene Hand clinical June the 2011 end of hospitals, at with compliance of rate compliance the State to compared 72.6%, at 71.3%. Communication and community engagement activities workshop included a joint Local for Health Service Advisory Multi Purpose and Committee Service in members Wagga Committee Wagga in day strategic planning Council a Governing March, a new monthly of the and launch May in Tumut in MLHN staff newsletter. The Rural AdversityThe Rural Mental Health continued Program provide education theto community about to mental illness, awareness mental health raise problems of care. to pathways encourage and The Aboriginal mental program health traineeship on itsbuilt with previous success more trainees completing their training and being appointed to mentalpermanent health practitioner positions. An increase in the recruitment of graduate and An graduate the of in recruitment increase overseas on nurses trained the reduced reliance has agencynursing staff. Between January June, and overseas nurses were 48 nurses 12 and graduate recruited. wards. MLHN almost achieved the Commonwealth’s MLHNwards. almost achieved the Commonwealth’s targetswith triple only zero two booked surgery, for extended June the end of at patients wait remaining cases June 2010. at 19 to compared 2011,

• • • • • • • • Outcomes 2011-12 Key PlannedKey Activities and • MLHN Carer Support Program continues to provide • Specific statements on EEO were included as part of information for employees who are carer’s regarding the ongoing process of Position Description reviews and entitlements to carer’s leave, relevant carer legislation, performance appraisals. and other aspects of employment that may impact on caring. • The MLHN reinforced the NSW Health Code of Conduct. This was part of behaviour awareness training aimed at reinforcing and ensuring staff are aware and responsive to EEO principles.

Table 1. Trends in the Representation of EEO Groups1

% of Total Staff2 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 50% 0 0 0 87.9% Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2.6%3 0 0 0 1.5% People whose first language was not English 19% 0 0 0 7.8% People with a disability N/A4 0 0 0 4.0% 1.1% (2011) People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment5 1.3% (2012) 0 0 0 0.8% 1.5% (2013)

Table 2. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups6

distribution index7 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 100 0 0 0 91 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 0 0 0 77 People whose first language was not English 100 0 0 0 110 People with a disability 100 0 0 0 112 People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 0 0 0 120

Government Information information and one was following an extension of the original request was refused access in full. This request was (Public Access) Act 2009 directed to the office of the information commissioner.

Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 Information, as set out in the required form in Schedule 2 of there is a presumption in favour of the disclosure of the Government Information (Public Access) Amendment government information unless there is an overriding public Regulation 2010, relating to the access applications made to interest against disclosure. the Murrumbidgee Local Health Network during 2010-11 is provided below. In the reporting period, three requests for information were received. Two were given full access to the requested

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0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 tions

withdrawn withdrawn Applica Applica

0 0 0 0 0 o o Volume Two tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 deny deny is held is held whether whether Refuse t Refuse t 2011 – confirm or confirm or NUMBER of applica // informa informa

o o tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Refuse t Refuse t deal with deal with applica applica Annual Report 2010 Report Annual tion tion

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 ady already ady already ble availa ble availa Informa Informa NSW Health tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t held t held no no Informa Informa Act) Act) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 full full ccess ccess A A refused in refused in t t 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 ccess ccess par par A A granted in granted in 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 full full ccess ccess A A granted in granted in Members of the public (other) Members of the public (application by legal representative) Not for profit organisations or community groups Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other Private sector Private business Access applications (other than personal information applications) Members of Parliament Personal information Personal applications# Media ty Reason for invalidi Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) order (section 110 of the restraint Application contravenes applications received number of invalid Total applications applications that subsequently became valid Invalid *More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies B. to Table # A personal information application is an access application for personal information defined (as Clausein 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual). Table C. Invalid C. applicationsTable Table B. Number B. applications type of by application of Table outcome and Table A. Number applications type of by Table outcome* applicant and of Table D. Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act

Table E. Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to Section 14 of the Act

Number of occasions when application not successful Responsible and effective government 1 Law enforcement and security 0 Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 1 Business interests of agencies and other persons 0 Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0 Secrecy provisions 1 Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0

Table F. Timelines

Number of occasions when application not successful Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) 3 Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) 0 Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 0 Total 3

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0 0 0 0 0 tions Total 1 0 Volume Two

for review 0 0 0 0 0 2011 – Number of applica //

Decision upheld 0 0 0 0 0 Act) Annual Report 2010 Report Annual ed Decision vari

NSW Health Total Review by ADT Review by Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act under section 93 of Internal review following recommendation Review by Information Commissioner* Applications by access applicants of access applications relates (see section 54 of the Applications by persons to whom information the subject Internal review *The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the originaldecision-maker. The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made by the Information Commissioner. Table H. Applications review under Part for the Act 5 of Table (by type applicant) of Table G. Number applications of reviewed under Part the Act 5 of Table (by typereview outcome) of and Northern NSW Local Health Network

Community Health Centres

Alstonville Community Health Centre Ballina Community Health Centre Bangalow Community Health Centre Banora Point Community Centre Bonalbo Community Health Centre Byron Community Health Centre Casino Community Health Centre Coraki Community Health Centre Evans Head Community Health Centre Grafton Community Health Centre Iluka Community Health Centre Kingscliff Community Health Centre Kyogle Community Health Centre Lismore Adult Health Centre Maclean Community Health Centre Hunter Street, Lismore Mullumbimby Community Health Centre Locked Mail Bag 11 Murwillumbah Community Health Centre Lismore NSW 2480 Nimbin Community Health Centre Tweed Heads Community Health Centre Telephone: 6620 2100 Urbenville Community Health Centre Facsimile: 6620 7088 Website: www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au Child and Family Health Business Hours: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday Lismore Child and Family Health Chief Executive: Chris Crawford Oral Health Clinics Local Government Areas Lismore Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Other Services Valley and Tweed. Aboriginal Chronic Care Public Hospitals Aged Care Assessment Team Area Dental Office Ballina District Hospital Area Drug and Alcohol Service Bonalbo Health Service Bugalwena Byron District Hospital Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Service Casino and District Memorial Hospital Casino Aboriginal Medical Service Grafton Base Hospital Grafton Pharmacotherapy Unit Kyogle Memorial Multi Purpose Service Gurgun Bulahnggelah Lismore Base Hospital Jali Health Post Maclean District Hospital Maclean Community Health Centre Mullumbimby and District War Memorial Hospital Muli Muli Health Post Urbenville Murwillumbah District Hospital Riverlands Nimbin Multi Purpose Service Tabulam Health Post The Campbell Hospital, Coraki Tweed Valley Drug and Alcohol Service The Tweed Hospital Urbenville Multi Purpose Service

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Chief Executive’s Year In Review Executive’s Year Chief As the Northern to on the transition embarked we NSW I began by Local Health Network on 1 January 2011, the employees all the North former of thanking Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS), who shown had a dedication and their rolestremendous commitment to the previous sixover quality provide years high to care servicesand patients our to clients. and In particular, The 45-64 also projected is age group increase slightly to 2016 by (110,349) 2006 in 35% to (91,944) 32.8% from 2021. by projectedbut is (113,782) 34.3% then to drop to population the Northern the of total of In 2006 3.7% NSW LHN persons or 10,380 registered as were Aboriginal population expected is this and grow to the total of 3.7% at remain to and 2011 by to10,988 population the Northern of NSW LHN. This represents a The LGAs with the growth between6% 2006 2011. and highest proportion(6.5%) Aboriginal of people Kyogle are Valley Clarence by followed (6%), Richmond Valley and (3%). Ballina and Tweed and Lismore (4%) (5.1%), proportions higher have Aboriginal communities of people young and lower proportionschildren and older of people aged non-indigenous than Children communities. Strait Aboriginal of Torres and 39% up make less 15 than Northern in Islander communities to compared NSW, the population half Approximately as a whole. for 19% the Northern of NSW(50%) Aboriginal population aged is In 2006,less 20. than people over and aged 45years the Aboriginal of population Northern of made 18% up NSW the Aboriginal of population LHN were 3.2% and yearsaged over. and 65 the Northern of NSW LHN population In 2006, 10.1% bornwas overseas (28,400 proportion this residents), is highest theless NSW of half (23.8%).The than average proportions overseas-born of residents Byron in were LGAs Ballina by followed (14.3%) Tweed and (16.2%) LGAs. Clarence Lismore and (8.5%) (8.5%) Kyogle (8.7%), LGAs the had (5%) Richmond Valley and (6.8%) Valley lowestproportions overseas-born of residents. status closely is Economic associated with health and wellbeing. People who economically are disadvantaged experience economically advantaged poorer than health people. Northern NSW LHN one the is most of disadvantaged LHNs NSW in with LGAs all within the Network the NSW lower scoring than on most average socio-economic of measures status. level of The overall socio-economic than higher disadvantage to contributes the health problems in community of and levels average services for demand Northern in NSW. NSW Health Northern NSW Local Health Network (LHN) area covers an square kilometres from the Valley Clarence of 21,470 Local the in south the Area Tweed (LGA) Government to the in north.LGA The Northern NSW LHN its shares northern border with its Queensland, southern border with Mid North LHN Coast its and western border with LHN. NewHunter England Northern statistical NSW local LHN 13 of comprises a total (SLAs),areas seven the and local (LGAs) areas government LGA.Urbenville part Tenterfield The of Networkdividedis twointo Health Service 2006 in and Groups an had It also is acknowledgedestimated280,708. population of Queensland residents access services Valley the in Tweed the purposes for document this this of however, Byron Health the included in Tweed population not is Service specific for When population. Group planning services given is consideration the Network for however, population its and this to utilisation services of Tweed. at Northern NSW LHN one the is fastest of rural growing LHNs remote Inand 2006 NSW. in the estimated population Northern of residential NSW LHN 280,708 was by 314,957 to projected is this and 12.2% by increase to This represents a 2021. by (331,839) 18% by and 2016 growth higher the NSW than slightly growth average rate (17%). 2006- from rate 2021 Population density been has with for calculated the total Northern residents NSW km. per square LHN being 13 Growth coastal in be will with predominantly areas, the highest growth Byron predicted levels the Tweed for between per annum 2006Network 2011. and 1.9% at expected is The centres inland population of decline to The LGAs with the highestslightly. projected annualised Ballina and Byron (1.4%) (2.0%), growth Tweed are (1.4%). In 2006 the proportion years the population of aged 0–14 the to similar which is Northernin NSW LHN 19.4%, was In the same the LHN year a had NSW (19.6%). average lower proportion people of aged 15-44 years (35.6%) proportion a larger and of NSW to compared (42.4%), people aged 45-64 Northern in years NSW (32.8% LHN NSW). in Northern 28.4% to compared NSW LHN also proportion a larger had people of years aged over, and 65 NSW to population the compared total of 17.8% at (13.5%). People comprise the fastest aged growing 65 over segment the Northern of NSW LHN It population. is 19.1% increased to predicted have will age this group that 24.1% and 2016, by (67,860) 21.5% to 2011, (56,904) in the Northern of (79,940) NSW LHN 2021. population by Demographic Summary I acknowledge the dedicated work of those Staff whose the growing demand for cancer services in this region. This services were transferred to the Health Reform Transition high quality facility has made it possible for many more Organisation Northern, including Public Health, Health patients to have their cancer treatments closer to home. Promotion, Planning and Capital Works. A Murwillumbah Satellite Oncology Unit and Consultation I was honoured to be appointed the Chief Executive of the Rooms opened earlier this year allowing patients and their Northern NSW Local Health Network and congratulated Ms families living in the Murwillumbah district to receive some Hazel Bridgett, who was appointed Chair of the Governing cancer treatments locally. Studies have demonstrated cancer Council and its other initial members: Ms Debbie Monaghan, rates on the North Coast and generally in rural areas are Ms Rosie Kew, Ms Leonie Craydon, Prof. Lesley Barclay, Mr higher than in urban areas and in particular the Northern Robert Thompson, Mr Ron Bell, Mr David Frazer and Doctors NSW LHN has the highest melanoma rate in NSW. Austin Curtin and Brian Pezzuttii, and subsequent appointee Work has nearly been completed on the Maclean District Dr David Hodgson. Hospital Emergency Department (ED) development funded The Governing Council moved quickly to approve the new by a bequest from the Estate of the late Mr and Mrs Executive organisational structure thus ensuring stability and Fairweather at a cost of $1.43 million. This new more certainty for the corporate aspect of our Local Health functional ED will be of great benefit to the residents of the Network. This comprised seven Executive Director positions Lower Clarence. The Executors of the bequest played an being Director of Clinical Governance, Director of Finance, integral role in the project. Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Executive Medical The Tweed Hospital Outpatients Department was completed Director, Executive Allied Health Director and Executive in March 2011. The Outpatients Department was constructed Directors of the Richmond Clarence and Tweed/Byron Health in a vacant ground floor shell of the Clinical Education Service Groups. Together, with the Chief Executive, these Building adjacent to the main hospital entry. The area had Executive Directors constitute the Executive. been earmarked for an Outpatients Department since 2008 As well as clinical service provision, the restructure of the when the Clinical Education Building was constructed. former NCAHS has been a priority with good progress being NCAHS obtained $200,000 in capital works funding from made to implement a smooth and streamlined transition to NSW Health under the Rural Health Minor Works program to the new Northern NSW Local Health Network. The sharing undertake the fit out of this building shell. Thanks go to the and splitting of services of the former NCAHS between the generous donations of the Tweed Twin Towns Services Mid North Coast Local Health Network and Northern NSW Community Foundation Limited, which donated $200,000 Local Health Network is being steadily advanced. and The Tweed Hospital Auxiliary, which donated $100,000 to enable completion of the Outpatients Department to a A major achievement for the Network is the completion of high standard. the Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) Stage One Redevelopment, being the Emergency Department (ED) and Surgical Services Throughout the year our Staff in their various roles, have upgrades with funding for these being provided by the enthusiastically worked on raising public awareness by Federal Government. The new ED has a modern waiting promoting good heath through such activities as Heart area; reception and triage areas; 10 treatment bays; larger Week, Kidney Awareness Week, Speech Pathology, Quit resuscitation area and work spaces, tutorial room and offices. Smoking, Oral Health, Organ Donation and the Stay Active The new Surgical Services area contains three new operating Stay on Your Feet program, to name a few. The Tweed theatres, post-operative recovery, sterilisation department, Hospital held a fantastic Go Red for National Heart admissions and waiting list offices, preoperative clinic and Foundation Australia with Staff dressing in red for the day. day procedures unit. I acknowledge the significant Keeping our local residents well and enjoying a good quality contribution of Dr Alan Tyson, GBH Medical Staff Council of life is considered an important responsibility of the Chair, who this year received an Australia Day Award for his Network. tireless work in advocating to secure these improved Finally, I extend a sincere thank you to our extraordinary emergency and surgical services at GBH. volunteers and supporters, whose contribution cannot be The North Coast Cancer Institute Lismore Centre’s second measured. Our volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes, Linear Accelerator is currently being installed and preliminary including the Hospital Auxiliaries tremendous efforts to raise work has been underway in preparation for major building funds for our patients comfort and care. The contribution of works to accommodate a new MRI and PET/CT scanner at the many clubs and other organisations, and the many other Lismore Base Hospital, which will be installed in mid 2012. A volunteers, who visit and support our patients in hospital, is new Radiation Oncology Specialist commenced duties in greatly appreciated. March 2011 to support existing Staff and to assist in meeting Christopher Crawford, Chief Executive

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Ballina DistrictBallina Hospital - construction a new two of story multi-disciplinary student and teaching clinical provide which will facility on site, accommodation education and training locally. be Hospital to - planning Central Byron Shire undertaken. Lismore Base Hospital Radiology Service – work is new PET/CT MRI and introduce being to completed services. Grafton Base Hospital 2 - undertaken Stage including new Medical Imaging Department and extra Orthopaedic Surgery beds. Lismore Base be to Hospital 3 - planning Stage advanced. HospitalMaclean Emergency Department - development completed. Radiology upgrade Valley - a new MRIThe Tweed CT Scanner Slice The at Tweed Scanner 128 and Hospital a new and CT Scanner the Murwillumbah at Hospital be will as part implemented a new of Radiology Services contract. Maclean Hospital Rehabilitation and Palliative Care beds be - will developed. Three Nurse Practitioner positions recruited were and assist to chronic of with the work our in area complex care with two Nurse more transitioning Practitioners endorsement. achieving - NNSW Program Care Connecting LHN established a systemsend Practitioners General enables to that (GP) electronic their GP practice from summaries patient softwaremanagement directly a local the to or to ED at commenced this In 2011 team. Care Connecting Lismore Base Nimbin Hospitals, and with expansion year. the coming for planned Health – Oral Program fundamental Smiles is Strong To quality and wellbeing life. health, of overall to address important this North issue, Health Coast Community and Promotion, Department Family of Services North and Health Oral joined Coast forces developedand Services, Parents and for resources Poster fridge and magnets. DVD, which include The DVD includes messages delivered local by families. NSW with results like this: “After I came out of “After NSW this: with results like get to I used walk, a walker hospital hardly I could around. aide.” without walking can walk my

• • • • • • • • • • • Key PlannedKey Activities and Outcomes 2011-12 NSW Health The Stepping On is a falls prevention program which program prevention On a falls is The Stepping beenhas very on the successful North The Coast. roll-outStatewide on the commenced North Coast twoover years been ago has and received the well by with groups almost 400 24 In 2010-11, community. Northernresidents in towns participated across 16 BreastScreen service a Statewide implemented BreastScreen electronic - a hybrid System Information medical BreastScreen record. digital now fully is a Picture sent to images are Archiving all andand located System the in Cancer Communicating Institute in Sydney BreastScreen. Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Strategy (AMIHS) Health Strategy Infant Aboriginal Maternal - Established data reporting consistent AMIHS for ObstetriX program utilising Futures theand Brighter AMIHS been has the in ‘Stop involved 2011. in Aboriginal for research itsSmoking in Tracks’ pregnancy women the and ‘Smokefree’ pregnant program. Helping to Close the Gap – a new the Gap Aboriginal Close andHelping to Training Awareness Islander Cultural Strait Torres conducted which is AboriginalProgram, by Health the throughout successful Promotion proved Staff has objectives The and aims Program improve to are year. the care experiences Aboriginal for people,when health services.accessing Ballina Dental Clinic expansion Dental - The Ballina Dental Clinic Ballina a fully to Unit expanded was unit Chair a three from Education Student Dental seven Chair compliant ThisUnit. new now Unit provides Dental Training locally Education and on the North NSW, of Coast expectedwhich is assist to attracting in retaining and Dentists Specialistand Support the region. Staff to The Tweed Hospital - The Specialist Enhancement Tweed NoseNew appointments the made in Ear, were Throat,and General Surgery; Haematology and Anatomical Pathology Specialities. The Tweed HospitalThe Outpatients Tweed Department - The newOutpatients Department350 a floor of has area Rooms, Consultation nine metres has and square Room, Reception and a Plaster Room, Treatment NurseRecords, Manager Office, Unit Staff Room and Area. The new Outpatientsa Waiting Department opened 2011. March in Grafton Redevelopment Stage 1 (ED and Surgical and Grafton Redevelopment(ED 1 Stage Services) - The project a new expanded and involved Emergency Department a and bay Ambulance and new expandedand Services Surgical with unit three Operating Theatres. The Project by managed was Health Infrastructure Lahey the was and builder Constructions.

• • • • • • • • Key Achievements 2010-11 • Student Accommodation – construction will • The Co-ordination and support of Aboriginal Health commence to refurbish existing buildings to increase Education Officers in obtaining VET sector qualifications accommodation capacity for clinical students at in recognition of existing skills and experience. Murwillumbah District and Grafton Base Hospitals. • The development and implementation of a cultural/ • Pottsville Health One Centre - will be developed. communication workshop in conjunction with North Coast GP Training, to support the induction and integration of International Medical Graduates. Equal Employment Opportunities • A range of recruit strategies to actively recruit from the EEO groups. For example, a review of Health Services Key Achievements 2010-11 Vacancies and completion of pre-employment workplace modifications as required. The implementation of the new Human Resource Information System (Staff Link) neared completion. Key Planned Activities and Outcomes A base line survey on workplace bullying and harassment 2011-12 was complemented with the implementation of Positive Major activities and outcomes planned for the following year. Workplace Behaviour E-learning package that focused on defining positive workplace behaviour; effects of workplace • Development of strategies to support EEO groups and behaviour; and some practical ways to achieve positive initiatives in the transition to Local Health Districts. workplace culture through positive communication and • Improvement of existing EEO strategies. attitude. E-Learning continued to become stronger with an increased number of online courses available, enabling all staff to complete their mandatory training requirements online. Major policies/programs and their outcomes during the reporting period accounted for planned outcomes set in the previous year:

• Development of an accessible e-leaning Cross-Cultural Awareness program designed to support the non Aboriginal workforce in contributing both to the delivering of a more culturally appropriate service and the creation of a more culturally sensitive workplace. This program is an adjunct to the existing face to face cross- Cultural Awareness program that is delivered across the area. • Supporting two Aboriginal people to undertake placement in the Australian College of Health Service Executives (ACHSE), a two year Masters of Health Service Management Program. The students are supported with placements, salary, mentoring and will be hosted by Northern NSW Local Health Network for the entire two year program. • The development of an accessible e-learning program targeting the whole of workforce and designed to support staff in identifying and addressing inappropriate workplace behaviours such as discrimination and harassment. • The development of a school based training program with a priority focus on filling the placements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

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72 96 109 104 115 3.7% 2.3% 3.8% 1.0% 2011 2011 75.8%

Volume Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 2010 2010 aff 2011 – //

, relating to the access to , relating al St t ution index 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 % of To % of distrib 2009 2009 Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2008 2008 Per cent employment levels are reported but a benchmark level has not been During the past financial year, there have beenhave various there year, the pastDuring financial applications. of A number GIPA to issues relevant applications were for personal medical records that were then submitted and re withdrawn, under the Health PrivacyRecords and Information (NSW). Act 2002 The Network also provided assistance considerable advice and applicants, theto re-scoping including a significant of applications. This GIPA assistance of number has new GIPA of the reduced amount considerably applications. Schedule in as set form 2 the out in required Information, (Public Access) the Information Government of 2010 Amendment Regulation applications the Northern made to NSW Local Health provided is below. Network 2010-11 during NSW Health 3 4 N/A 19% 50% 2.6% 100 100 100 100 100 or target or target

Benchmark Benchmark 1.1% (2011) 1.3% (2012) 1.5% (2013) 1 6 . Minimum target 4. by2015. 5

. A distribution index of 100 indicates that the centre of distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to . Excludes casual staff. 3

Government Information (Public Access) Act (Public 2009 Access) Information Government . Minimum annual incremental target. 6 5 People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment with a disability requiring work-related People People with a disability People People with a disability with People Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders Strait Torres Aboriginal people and People whose first language was not English whose first language People Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders Strait Torres Aboriginal people and People whose first language was not English first language whose People a disability requiring work-related adjustment with People Women Women EEO Group EEO Group . Staff numbers are as at 30 June. 2 * EEO survey was conducted elicited in June a low 2011 response A distribution rate (22%). index based on an EEO survey response rate of less than 80% may not be accurate. completely Note: Information for the above tables is provided by the Workforce Profile Unit, Public SectorWorkforce Branch, Department of Premier and Cabinet. 1 set. that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the lower the index will be. An index of more than 100 indicates that the EEO group is less concentrated at the lower salary levels. 7 Excludes casual staff. (GIPA Act) creates new rights to information that are that Act) new rights information creates to (GIPA designed meet to community expectations more open of government. transparent and The Northern NSW Local Health Network (NNSWLHN) 30 to only reportedhas on the period 1 January 2011 report GIPA the required for given the June 2011 Area Health from Servicestransition Local to Health Networks2010-11. year the financial during period, this During the NNSWLHN newreceived four Act.requests under the GIPA Of information the four for applications be processed, to personal were three one access and was full applications granted were and determined as no documents held. The Government Information Information Government 2009 Act Access) (Public Table 1. Trends in the Groups in Representation EEO of Trends 1. Table Table 2. Trends in the in Distribution Groups EEO of Trends 2. Table Table A. Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome*

Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm or withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Media 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Members of Parliament 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Private sector business 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not for profit organisations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 or community groups Members of the public 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (application by legal representative) Members of the public 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (other)

*More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.

Table B. Number of applications by type of application and outcome

Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm or withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Personal information 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 applications# Access applications (other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 than personal information applications) Access applications that are 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 partly personal information applications and partly other

# A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in Clause 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

Table C. Invalid applications

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tion used* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Volume Two t successful t successful no no Number of times when applica when applica considera 2011 – Number of occasions Number of occasions //

Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

Table H. Applications for review under Part 5 of the Act (by type of applicant)

Number of applications for review Applications by access applicants 0 Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access applications relates (see section 54 of the Act) 0

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Demographic Summary The Southern NSW Local Health Network (SNSWLHN) occupies the south-eastern provides and NSW, corner of community hospital and nearly a population of care for The population expected is 200,000 grow to (195,000). residents all of In 2006 53% 224,000 2021. by to 14% by adults SNSWLHNin Young years aged or older. were 25 versus 14% proportionately for less, account 11% (15-24) Older adults the NSW. older 64for than (aged years Oral Health Clinics Cooma Goulburn Moruya Pambula Queanbeyan Yass Other Services Aboriginal Health BreastScreen ProtectionChild Chronic Care (CAPAC) Post Care Acute Acute Community Community Nursing Drug and Alcohol Mental Health Sexual Health Violence, Abuse, Neglect Sexual and Assault Community HealthCommunity Centres Health Centre Community Bega Valley Health Centre Community Flat Captains Health Centre Community Cooma Health Centre Community Crookwell Health Centre Community Eden Health Centre Community Eurobodalla HealthCentre Community Goulburn Health Centre Jindabyne Community Health Centre Community Karabar Health Centre Narooma Community Health Centre Queanbeyan Community Health Centre Community Talbingo Health Centre Community Yass Health and Family Child Services Family and Southern provided all are at Child NSW Local Health Network Health Centres. Community NSW Health

Local Health Network Public Hospitals District Bay Batemans Hospital Bega District Hospital Bombala Multi-Purpose Service Health Service Street Bourke Braidwood Multi-Purpose Service Hospital Cooma Crookwell Hospital Delegate Multi-Purpose Service HospitalGoulburn HospitalKenmore Moruya District Hospital DistrictPambula Hospital Queanbeyan District Health Service District HospitalYass Local Government Areas Local Government Bombala,Bega Cooma-Monaro, Valley, Eurobodalla, Mulwaree,Greater Palerang, Queanbeyan, Snowy River, Valley. Yass Telephone: 6128 9777 6128 Telephone: 6299 6363Facsimile: www.health.nsw.gov.au/snswlhn/index.aspWebsite: Business Hours: 8.30 Friday Monday - 5.00 am to pm, Executive: Dr MaxwellChief Alexander Street, Queanbeyan Erin Collette and Cnr PO 1845 Box NSW 2620 Queanbeyan SouthernNSW account for relatively more, 17% versus 15% for NSW. provide a more comfortable environment for patients and Between 2011 and 2021, the fastest growing age groups in carers, they also deepen the bonds between our health the SNSWLHN will be the 65-74 age group (+47%), followed service and the local communities it serves. by the 75-84 year olds (+46%), and the 85 years and over It was evident to me that as the year progressed our health age group (+45%). network gained increasing trust and understanding from the SNSWLHN is made of 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs). It communities it serves. This provides us with a strong extends from the Southern Tablelands down to the Snowy platform to not only deliver safe and quality health services Mountains and the far South Coast of NSW. Parts of its but also to resolve the more complex health challenges that eastern perimeter border the Australian Capital Territory. communities face. Our future growth as an organisation is Much of the industry is related to agriculture. There is also a dependent on decision making being highly effective at the variety of other industries including in construction and local level. This cannot be achieved without a health service manufacturing as well as an extensive tourism and hospitality becoming deeply embedded in the local communities that it industry. serves. As a consequence our strategic focus for next year will continue to be on improving and deepening our engagement with our community stakeholders across the Chief Executive’s Year In Review region.

Southern NSW Local Health Network was established in Dr Maxwell Alexander, Chief Executive January 2011 after the Greater Southern Area Health Service was split into two distinct entities, being SNSWLHN and Murrumbidgee Local Health Network. During the first half of Key Achievements 2010-11 this year as relatively new organisation SNSWLHN is finding its way, with the executive team being assembled and the • In 2010-11 SNSWLHN provided around 11,978 required supporting functions being gradually established. operations (a decrease of 4% on 2009-10). Of the two types of surgery (booked and emergency) in 2010-11 On 1 July 2011 the Local Health Networks become Local SNSWLHN provided 2,103 emergency operations (-3% Health Districts. The SNSWLHN’s peak governance group, on 2009-10) and 10,305 elective operations (-4% on the Governing Council becomes the Southern NSW Local 2009-10). In 2010-11 in our Emergency Departments Health District Board. As the Government’s stated intention across the LHN 110,115 patients were attended initially expressed in its enabling legislation is for Local Health in Emergency Departments (-0.1% on 2009-10) and of Districts to drive decision making to the local level, our those 13,919 were admitted to wards (+3.4% on 2009- strategic priority has been to make this a reality in the 10). shortest time frame possible. As a consequence we have • SNSWLHN was close to achieving the Commonwealth spent considerable focus and resources towards improving triple zero targets for booked surgeries, with only a and deepening our engagement with all stakeholders in the very small number of outstanding cases remaining. communities which make up the region we serve. Achievement of the Commonwealth’s target was During this time of transition we have never lost sight that important because it means that not only have all our primary mission is to provide safe and quality healthcare patients’ booked surgeries been completed, but that services to the people who reside within the region. I wish to patients are receiving their care in a timely manner. thank all members of our staff clinical or otherwise, whose • The Network had two finalists in the NSW Health quality daily responsibility it is to serve those people across the (Baxter) awards. The first titled ‘Volunteers Improving region in need of high quality public healthcare. Without Person-Centred Dementia Care In A Rural Hospital’ and your dedication and skill, safe and quality healthcare would the second titled ‘Memory Morning Tea’ an innovative remain an aspiration rather than a reality for those people. support initiative. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the many • A significant increase in the number of women receiving volunteers from across the region who give of their time so antenatal care before 20 weeks, with an 8.6% increase generously. People are involved in a range of important in clients accessing the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant activities. Some have chosen to facilitate better engagement Health Strategy services. There has also been a decrease between the health service network and the community by in the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco amongst becoming members of their Local Area Health Advisory pregnant women who access the service. Committees. Others have chosen to raise funds to provide • Programs to improve culture, specifically bullying and additional equipment, fittings and furniture for the various harassment, have been instituted at several of our health facilities across the region. Not only do these people facilities.

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s completed in late 2011. late in s completed EEO training and policy and training addressedEEO are within training programs conducted at LHN level, including Practice in training. Management A sound information base. A key implementation A key base. A sound information development a staffstrategy of the is current survey EEO promoting and be carriedto 2011 in out later staff. all principles to strategy viewsEmployees’ is The heard. key are standing on EEO agenda the an item of inclusion committee Joint meeting consultative agenda. agency included in are EEO outcomes EEO planning. diversityand issues be will management included in all planning templates. policies a workplace culture and procedures, and Fair practices behaviours. fair and displaying Needs-based improved and groups, EEO for programs employment assess participation and EEO by strategies the identification include Key groups. of positions across the Local Health Network suitable cadetships/traineeshipsfor employees EEO for from target group EEO of the and encouragement groups, the opportunityemployees have to participate to in leadership development programs. management and andManagers trained employees and informed, are EEO. for accountable A diverse skilled workforce. and Over the next year will continue to enhance our Overenhance the next to continue will year dialysis services.regions renal has funding Significant been upgrade received the services to Cooma, at dialysis renal of the enhancement complete to and services the Queanbeyan at Hospital. This build will on service the strong renal links SNSWLHN has developed governance clinical with including the ACT Queanbeyan and when Goulburn, the of oversight capital unit dialysis satellite the renal development for i

• • • • • • • • • Key Achievements 2010-11 Achievements Key Southern NSW Local Health Network committed is to Opportunities Employment withEqual the following (EEO) be progressed. to continuing Programs key Equal Employment Opportunities Employment Equal Southern NSW Local Health Network its updated has EEO the 2008-2012 implementation for plan addressed The is plan implementation Plan. Management SNSWLHN all to managers the and Workforce Development describes and Unit the achieve strategies to of: outcomes EEO designated NSW Health In terms of capitalIn of terms works received additional have we works South planning for of continuation for funding East Regional Hospital, Bega. In has addition funding thebeen existing enhance received Multipurpose to Service Braidwood. at A commitment has been has NSW made from A commitment Health develop to two Federal funding through Government 20-bed units rehabilitation Moruya. and Goulburn at There be will activity surgery increase to across the be will One to initiative region the next over year. cataractincrease surgery Hospital Pambula at to times. waiting In the same improve have we vein Surgery employ a Rural to Fellowreceived funding capacity increase to surgery planned for 2012 from times. waiting improve and Funding in the State budget to employ 14 more employ budget 14 to the in State Funding hospitals at across the health nurses June 2012 by network. The support goal to is a reasonable workload nurses for midwives and provide and SNSWLHN care. patient enhanced employ an will Nurse/Midwifeadditional two Clinical Educators thewithin network support to nurses their caring for patients. Strong links with ANUStrong the education for medical of students local our at general practice and training already begun. has facilities SNSWLHN discussions with governance initiated has HealthACT on two how our might organisations work together a partnership in national the in spirit of health reforms. Facility upgrades Hospital Goulburn at Facility Emergency beendepartment Theatres have Operating and completed. SNSWLHN received $170 million ($160 million FederalSNSWLHN million ($160 received $170 redevelop to Bega funds in State) million $10 and project A joint has plan Regional Health facility. Valley been agreed with Health Infrastructure Group. Positive community discussions have begunPositive with community discussions local have of about politicians and the groups future interest Pambula Hospital. A fresh collaborative relationship with Our Save Hospital Inc. (SOHI) begun, has something not achieved over years. many SNSWLHN upon extensive an embarked has program with engagement collaborative and transparent of across thecommunities health network. Governing been meetings have held with Local HealthCouncil Advisory community other groups. and Committees

• • • • • • • • • • Outcomes 2011-12 Key PlannedKey Activities and • The Network continued to encourage training programs • SNSWLHN reinforced the NSW Health Code of Conduct. for select groups of our network staff. This was part of behaviour awareness training aimed at • Aboriginal cultural awareness training has been accessed reinforcing and ensuring staff are aware and responsive from Western Australia in e-learning format until NSW to EEO principles. Health program is made available. • EEO Statements were included in the ongoing process of • Programs have been developed for the increasing Position Description reviews and performance appraisals. numbers of nursing staff that are from Non-English speaking backgrounds. Key Planned Activities and Outcomes • Policy on flexible working hours has been under trial for 2011-12 six months and the final policy is to be released within the next six months. • SNSWLHN is in the process of developing an Aboriginal Workforce Development program to align with NSW • An Aboriginal prevocational training program has been developed in partnership with Riverina TAFE providing Health PD 2011_48 Good health –great jobs. career pathways for health and community services. • SNSWLHN will develop an EEO Management plan relevant to the new organisation in 2011-12. • SNSWLHN continued to develop people with disabilities within the capabilities and needs of the organisations • Implementation of NSW Health Aboriginal cultural framework and policies. awareness training. • SNSWLHN Carer Support Program continued to provide information for employees who are carers regarding entitlements to carers leave, relevant carer legislation, and other aspects of employment.

Table 1. Trends in the Representation of EEO Groups1

% of Total Staff2 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 50% 0 0 0 84.6% Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2.6%3 0 0 0 2.7% People whose first language was not English 19% 0 0 0 8.5% People with a disability N/A4 0 0 0 6.4% 1.1% (2011) People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment5 1.3% (2012) 0 0 0 2.4% 1.5% (2013)

Table 2. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups6

distribution index7 EEO Group Benchmark 2008 2009 2010 2011 or target Women 100 0 0 0 94 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 0 0 0 86 People whose first language was not English 100 0 0 0 116 People with a disability 100 0 0 0 98 People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 0 0 0 102

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withdrawn withdrawn Applica Applica

o o Volume Two tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 deny deny is held is held whether whether Refuse t Refuse t 2011 – confirm or confirm or // informa informa

, relating to the access to , relating o o tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Refuse t Refuse t deal with deal with applica applica Annual Report 2010 Report Annual tion tion

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 ady already ady already ble availa ble availa Informa Informa were received. Two were given full access, one given was given full were received. Two were partial one is advised access and was the information that already publiclyavailable. Schedule in form as set 2 the out in required Information, (Public Access) Information the Government of 2010 Amendment Regulation applications the Southern made to NSW Local Health provided is below. Network 2010-11 during NSW Health tion tion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t held t held no no Informa Informa 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 full full ccess ccess A A refused in refused in

t t 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 ccess ccess par par A A granted in granted in 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 full full ccess ccess A A granted in granted in (GIPA Act) there is a presumption in favour of the of Act) favour in a presumption there is (GIPA Personal Personal information applications# Access applications (other than personal information applications) Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other Media Members of Parliament Private sector Private business Not for profit organisations or community groups Members of the public (application by legal representative) Members of the public (other) # A personal information application is an access application for personal information defined (as Clausein 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual). *More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies B. to Table Table B. Number B. applications type of by application of Table outcome and disclosure of government information unless an is there information government of disclosure overriding public interest against disclosure. In the reporting requests period, four information for A. Number applications type of by Table outcome* applicant and of Government Information (Public Access) Act (Public Access) Under the Information Government 2009 Government Information Information Government (Public Access) Act 2009 Act Access) (Public Table C. Invalid applications

Table D. Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act

Table E. Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to Section 14 of the Act

Number of occasions when application not successful Responsible and effective government 1 Law enforcement and security 0 Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 1 Business interests of agencies and other persons 0 Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0 Secrecy provisions 1 Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0

Table F. Timelines

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0 0 0 0 0 tions Total 1 0 Volume Two

for review 0 0 0 0 0 2011 – Number of applica //

Decision upheld 0 0 0 0 0 Act) Annual Report 2010 Report Annual ed Decision vari

Cowra Health Service Dubbo Health Service Eugowra Multi Purpose Service Gilgandra Multi Purpose Service Grenfell Multi Purpose Service Gulargambone Multi Purpose Service Lachlan Health Service incorporating Forbes and Parkes Health Services Lightning Ridge Multi Purpose Service Molong Health Service Mudgee Health Service Narromine Health Service Oberon Multi Purpose Service Orange Health Service - Bloomfield Campus - incorporating Bloomfield Mental Health Service Peak Hill Health Service Rylstone Multi Purpose Service Tottenham Multi Purpose Service Trangie Multi Purpose Service Trundle Multi Purpose Service Hawthorn Street, Dubbo Tullamore Multi Purpose Service PO Box 4061 Walgett Health Service Dubbo NSW 2830 Warren Multi Purpose Service Wellington Health Service Telephone: 6841 22 22 Facsimile: 6841 22 30 Public Nursing Homes Website: www.wnswlhn.health.nsw.gov.au Peg Cross Memorial Nursing Home – State Funded Nursing Business Hours: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday Home located with Walgett Health Service Chief Executive: Ron Dunham Community Health Centres

Local Government Areas Baradine Community Health (part of MPS) Bathurst Community Health (part of Health Service) Bathurst Regional, Blayne, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Binnaway Community Health Clinic Cabonne, Cobar, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Bloomfield Hospital Gilgandra, Lachlan, Mid-Western Regional, Narromine, Bourke Community Health (part of MPS) Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle, Bourke Mental Health and Counselling Services Weddin and Wellington. Brewarrina Community Health (part of MPS) Cadia House Public Hospitals Canowindra Community Health Centre Cobar Community Health (part of Health Service) Baradine Multi Purpose Health Service Cobar Health Service Bathurst Health Service Collarenebri Community Health (part of MPS) Blayney Multi Purpose Health Service Community Mental Health Services Bourke Multi Purpose Service Condobolin Community Health (part of Health Service) Brewarrina Multi Purpose Service Coolah Community Health (part of MPS) Canowindra Health Service Coonabarabran Community Health (part of Health Service) Cobar Health Service Coonamble Community Health (part of MPS) Collarenebri Multi Purpose Service Cowra Community Health Service Condobolin Health Service Cowra Mental Health Services Coolah Multi Purpose Service Cudal Community Health Centre Coonabarabran Health Service Cumnock Community Health Centre Coonamble Health Service

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Demographic Summary The Western NSW Local Health Network lies the in central west NSW of serves and estimated population an resident the population of of people 3.9% which is 266,135 of The population dispersedNSW. is across a large kilometers square which geographic 246,676 of area these Seven of localincludes 23 (LGAs). areas government ‘very or by the ‘remote’ LGAsremote’ classified are as (ARIA Plus IndexArea Remote Australia of +) classification.in Mostconcentrated of the is population the in Bathurst cities towns large Cabonne, and Regional, Forbes Mid Parkes, Western Regional, Dubbo, Orange, LGAs. and Cowra are 49.7% males and are Of 50.3% population, the total Thefemales. proportion a higher population has of people and years) 40 years than over and (0-14 children NSW a lower proportion and people of the in 20-30 year with of the migration This consistent is age group. adults educationyounger pursuit of in the and area from career opportunities. Islander Strait Aboriginal Torres and There 21,133 are people the living in LHN, the total of 8.2% representing Thispopulation. the significantly is higher than NSW Oral HealthClinics Bathurst Dental Clinic Dental Clinic Child Cowra Dental Clinic Dubbo Community Dental Clinic Forbes Child Mudgee Dental Clinic Community Dental Clinic Orange Community Dental Clinic child Parkes Third Schedule Facilities Lourdes Hospital Services, Community and Dubbo Hospital, Vincent’s Bathurst St Other Services Aboriginal Health InjuryBrain Rehabilitation Program BreastScreen ProtectionChild Chronic Care Community Nursing Drug and Alcohol Mental Health Sexual Health Violence, Abuse, Neglect Sexual and Assault NSW Health Curran Centre Curran Health Centre Dubbo Community Dunedoo Health (part Community MPS) of Health OutpostEnngonia Health (part Community Eugowra MPS) of Forbes Health Centre Community Forbes Mental Health Services Health (part Community Gilgandra MPS) of Service Health Goodooga Gooloogong Health Centre Community Health (part Community MPS) of Grenfell Health (part Community Gulargambone MPS) of Health ServiceGulgong Community HealthOne (part Blayney MPS) of HealthOne Molong Service Health Centre Community End Hill Kandos Centre Early Childhood Lachlan Health Service Health Ridge (partLightning Community MPS) of Services RidgeLightning Mental Health Counselling and Health Centre Community Manildra Mendooran Health Centre Community Program) MERIT Treatment Into Early (Magistrates Referral RADIncorp. Alcohol Diversion (Rural Program) Mudgee Health Centre Community Mudgee Mental Health Health Centre Narromine Community HealthNyngan (part Community MPS) of HealthOberon (part Community MPS) of – Kite Street Health Centre Orange Community Orange Health Service BloomfieldCampus Health Community Parkes Mental Health ServicesParkes Health Centre Community Peak Hill Pooncarie Outpatients Clinic Quandialla Community Health Centre Rylstone Health (part Community MPS) of SHIPS Programmed Support) Housing Integrated (Satellite Health Centre Community Sofala Health (part Community MPS) of Tottenham Health (part Community MPS) of Trangie Health(part Community MPS) of Trundle Health (part Community MPS) of Tullamore Health Centre Community Tullibigeal (part Health Health of Centre Walgett Community Service) Health (part Community MPS)Warren of Health Post Community Weilmoringle (part Health Health of Centre Community Wellington Service) HealthWoodstock Centre Community Health Centre Community Yeoval average of 2.1%. The LGAs with the highest proportions of NSW figures of 84.4 years for females and 79.6 years for Aboriginal people are Brewarrina (59.6%), Bourke (29.2%), males. Leading causes of death are cardiovascular disease, Walgett (28.2%) and Coonamble (25.4%). Only 2.8% of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer (the highest population is of a non-English speaking background, being lung cancer), fall related injury and poisoning and compared to 15% for NSW. diabetes-related conditions. A small increase (2.6%) in the overall population is projected Mortality rates of people living in Western NSW LHN vary by to 2026. The most significant population growth is projected LGA. Differences usually reflect the level of remoteness and to occur in the Bathurst Regional LGA (15.75), followed by the proportion of Aboriginal people living in the LGAs. Dubbo LGA (14.3%), Orange LGA (11.8%), Blayney LGA Generally, people living within the LHN have significantly (11.2%), Oberon LGA (6.6%), Cabonne (4.1%) and Mid higher levels of potentially avoidable deaths, deaths Western Regional LGA (2.1%). The remainder of the LGAs attributed to smoking and alcohol and deaths from within the District are expected to experience population cardiovascular disease compared to NSW. The leading causes decline. for hospitalisation for residents of Western NSW LHN between 2009 and 2010 were factors influencing health – The population is ageing with a projected decline in the renal dialysis (13%), injury and poisoning (12.2%), digestive number of children and young adults and a significant system diseases (9.9%), factors influencing health – other increase in the population aged 55 years and over (41%) with (9.2%), symptoms, signs and abnormal findings (7.4%), the largest projected increase in people 70 years and over maternal, neonatal and congenital causes (6.7%), (67.6%). cardiovascular disease (6.4%) and respiratory disease (6.3%) The fertility rates for women within the Western NSW LHN Residents of the Western NSW LHN have significantly higher (75.2 births per 1,000 population) are higher than the State rates of hospitalisation attributable to high body mass, average (60.8 per 1,000 population). This is due in part to smoking and alcohol and hospitalisation for cardiovascular higher birth rates amongst Aboriginal women. The current and respiratory disease. According to the National Diabetes trend towards increasing numbers of women giving birth at Services Scheme, the rates of diabetes are very high in the an older age is not evident within the LHN. There continues remote LGAs and high in several other LGAs. to be a high prevalence of births to younger women, particularly in the Aboriginal population. Hospitalisations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions are also significantly higher than for NSW. The leading conditions Within the Western NSW LHN 58.9% of the population 15 resulting in potentially avoidable admissions for people in the years and over participate in the labour force, 60.0% are district between 2009 and 2010 were chronic obstructive employed full-time and 27.35 work part-time. At the time of pulmonary disease, dehydration and gastroenteritis, diabetes the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2006, the complications, dental conditions and congestive heart failure. unemployment rate (expressed as a percentage of the total labour force) for the Western NSW LHN was 6.3% compared A greater proportion of residents of the Western NSW LHN to the NSW figure of 7.2%. The unemployment rate ranged engage in behaviours that contribute to poor health. The from 3.7% in the Cabonne LGA to 12.1% in the Brewarrina percentage of residents (persons aged 16 years and over) LGA. who were overweight and obese in 2010 was 57.2% for females and 60.4% for males. The percentage for males is The main industries of employment are agriculture, mining, comparable with the NSW figure of 60.7% while the forestry and fishing, healthcare and social assistance services percentage for females is significantly higher than the NSW the retail trade, education and training and manufacturing figure of 48.2%. The percentage of residents who were services. current daily and occasional smokers in 2010 was 19.6% When compared to NSW the population of the Western which is significantly higher than the NSW percentage of NSW LHN has lower household weekly incomes, higher 15.8%. percentages of people receiving income support and an Aboriginal people generally have poorer health than the than overall lower socio economic status. the rest of the population. The Aboriginal population People living in the Western NSW LHN, together with their experience a higher infant mortality, lower life expectancy, neighbours in the Far West LHN, have the poorest health higher rates of chronic disease risk factors, higher prevalence status in the State due to various factors including their and earlier onset of chronic illnesses (in particular respiratory poorer socioeconomic status, access to health services and illness, diabetes and renal disease), higher rates of behavioural factors that contribute to poor health. Life hospitalisations and deaths from injuries and assaults and expectancy at birth is 77.0 years for females and 76.9 years higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases. for males. Both these figures are significantly lower than the Aboriginal people are more than three times as likely as

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Between Patients program the – Keeping Safe Flags implementation across Western NSW LHN. - completed UnitsStaff Accommodation Coolah at $400,000. 2011. June Your in Look Should Governance Like What Clinical and Clinicians toolkit for or – A resource Unit Facility Managers Western NSW in LHN. Infrastructure development – The development of Orange Health million Servicethe $250 collocating generalist mental and health services on the one the and stagesite 2 redevelopment the Bathurst of Health Service. Orange Health million Service,Opening the $250 of co-locating mental general and health services on 2011 17 March one Bloomfield on campus Thursday NSW former by Deputy Premier Health and Minister Tebbutt. Carmel On the the Bloomfield Campus, Orange, 3 new opening and tertiary of commissioning units Adolescent and Forensic and Child Care, – Intensive tertiary 4 rebuilt - and Statewide units Acute, – Adult High Dependency, Older and People Non and Acute Acute. Aged and Continuing Care on emphasis – an self-management. wellness, early intervention and community and implementing involved This has care services transitional inpatient quality increase to the need care residential reduce and high for life of care. Mental Health Services – growing the mental mental accessto improving and health workforce health services. Workforce Development and – Training medical, of recruitment and development, retention health staff. allied and nursing developing and supporting a skilled Aboriginal acknowledgingand as fundamental workforce this Aboriginal for people. outcomes achieving health to The LHN strengthen to develop and also continued partnerships with stakeholders progress and the on Indigenous Gap strategies as Closing such Aboriginal and Housing Together Ways Health, Two Health Program. for

• • • • • • • • • The past been has and year change one significant I of members all commend the Western of NSW Local Health Network striving to and to their commitment for team priority our of all in 2010-11. in achieving gains areas Danny O’Connor, Chief Executive Chief O’Connor, Danny Key Achievements 2010-11 NSW Health Aboriginal Health – This saw the LHN prioritising Aboriginal Health with outcomes reportable developing policies areaccountabilities, that Aboriginal of Health needs, inclusive and considerate Community Engagement and clinician identify to positivelythe and health needs communities our of health decision-making.influence included activeThis Health the LHNengagement of Council, Governing were Councils Clinical Councils. and Clinical Councils formed across Bathurst, the LHN Orange, including DubboDubbo, Northern District and Dubbo Eastern District provide medical, health allied and to nursing leadership forums. Providing quality services seen – This has the service enhanced new and of implementation models post and as community acute such services, acute Services. Aged Care Transitional and ED Track Fast Improving access health to services – This includes the networking services clinical of access improve to generalist specialist and to services; provide clinical reduce support professional and clinicians; for improve and training; isolation access increase to and betweencommunication health services.

• • • • The Western NSW Local Health Network one the is of New in largest health organisations South It rural is Wales. delivering and when challenges planning with many faced quality health services based patient-centric are on that best practice meet and the health needs the of Thesepopulation. the poorer include challenges health proportion the large status thepopulation of including of Aboriginal the People; wide distribution the population of theand health services; for demand the increasing services particular in the aged for population people and challenges. workforce and conditions; with chronic In response priorities these the to the challenges for key WNSWLHN included: 2010-11 Chief Executive’s Year In Review Executive’s Year Chief non-Aboriginal people diabetes and of diea result as to die from to times one more likely a half more and than injury poisoning and non-Aboriginal than people. Aboriginal people admitted are hospital to about at 1.7 non-Aboriginal of times the rate people dialysis renal and the largest hospitalisations for of number accounts for Aboriginal people. AboriginalReported for smoking adults current of rates double those around are the general population of across reported and age isall groups drinking risk of rates times across the general population all rates 1.4 around age groups. • Recruitment of temporary part time Clinical Nurse Equal Employment Opportunities Educators to Baradine, Coonabarabran and Coonamble to support New Graduate Registered Nurses in Rural and Remote Transition program. Outcome - enhanced Key Achievements 2010-11

experience for New Graduate RNs in difficult to fill • Commencement of work on an Aboriginal Health locations. Worker Scope of Practice Aboriginal Health Workers are • Aboriginal 48-hour follow-up Program. currently employed in the WNSWLHN within a range of • The winning of a Baxter Award for our evidence based generalist and specialist roles across a variety of clinical Individual Placement with Support (IPS) Education settings. The Aboriginal Health workers themselves come and Employment Program for young people on the from diverse professional and educational backgrounds. Bloomfield Campus at Orange; this program is being They possess and use a considerable variety of skills to extended across the Local Health Network. perform their roles, as part of a multidisciplinary team • Introduction of Clinical Standards Evaluation Program – providing care to Aboriginal people and communities. suite of nurse-sensitive audit tools designed to measure the extent to which policy translates into practice. Not having a ‘scope of practice’ to guide positions Outcome - sites have embraced the bi-annual audit descriptions and day to day activity has resulted in program and used the data to develop improvement limitations on practice for many Aboriginal Health plans and used evidence of good practice for Workers, despite the need for the full range of services accreditation reviews. that each worker is competent to provide. Collaboration between a range of stakeholders, including TAFE, has • Maintained payment of creditors at 45 days for full year. seen this work progressed, based on the skills and competencies of an AHW with a Certificate IV Primary Key Planned Activities and Health Care (Practice) from the National Health Training Outcomes 2011-12 Package. It is envisaged, that once complete, the current role of many AHWs can be expanded safely and that • HealthOne Gulgong - will be operational Feb 2012. At a opportunities for employment of AHWs can be increased cost of $2.8 million. across the LHD through workforce redesign. • A Recruitment working party formed in July 2011 to address marketing, advertising and retention strategies Key Planned Activities and Outcomes 2011-12

to maximise opportunities to be competitive in the • Completion and implementation of an Aboriginal marketplace, along with strategies for succession Health Worker Scope of Practice Completion and planning. Success of action to be measured in December implementation of this important initiative, commenced 2012 using comparison data of positions being actively in 2011, will include the basic Scope of Practice for recruited in DOHRS reports. AHWs, coverage of extended functions for specialist • The opening in Dubbo of the Bultje Street Mental Health and generalist positions and a range of supporting Centre which will be a hub for service delivery to the documents including: a competency maintenance region. framework, position description development tools and • Continue to implement Essentials of Care (EOC) program a comprehensive communication and support plan. It across the LHD. Focus will be commencement of wards/ is envisaged that this work will be completed prior to units at Orange Health Service and continued support implementation of National Registration for Aboriginal for wards/units currently engaged in various phases of Health Workers in July 2012. EOC across the LHD. • Implementation of Episode Funding. • Completion of Stage 2 of the Bathurst Health Service redevelopment (Heritage Building and Ambulatory Care). • Implementation of Power Billing and Revenue Collection (PBRC) system • The piloting of an expanded Mental Health Emergency Care Program (MHEC Plus) to address service continuity issues for remote sites such as Bourke and Lightning Ridge.

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. 99 98 84 92 115 3.1% 5.6% 1.7% 0.7% 2011 2011 83.1%

Volume Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 2010 2010 aff 2011 – //

, relating to the access to , relating al St t ution index 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 % of To % of distrib 2009 2009 Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2008 2008 Per cent employment levels are reported but a benchmark level has not been fee. There was no information for one request, for There one and no information was fee. application to refused access as the was applicant failed identification. and provide the consent application fee, applications part refused in were because full or in Two i.e. (table) S14 in to referred information of the disclosure disclosure against interest public overriding an there was - responsible effective and - one application, government – justice rights, processesindividual judicial natural and two applications. An external review conducted was the Office by of the a and application, one on Commissioner Information report been not has received. Schedule in as set form 2 the out in required Information, (Public Access) the Information Government of 2010 Amendment Regulation applications the Western made NSW to Local Health provided is below. Network 2010-11 during NSW Health 3 4 N/A 19% 50% 2.6% 100 100 100 100 100 or target or target Benchmark Benchmark 1.1% (2011) 1.3% (2012) 1.5% (2013) 1 6 . Minimum target 4. by2015. 5

. A distribution index of 100 indicates that the centre of distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to . Excludes casual staff. 3

(GIPA Act) there is a presumption in favour of the of Act) favour in a presumption there is (GIPA . Minimum annual incremental target. 6 5 People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment with a disability requiring work-related People People with a disability People People with a disability with People Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders Strait Torres Aboriginal people and People whose first language was not English whose first language People Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders Strait Torres Aboriginal people and People whose first language was not English first language whose People a disability requiring work-related adjustment with People Women Women EEO Group EEO Group . Staff numbers are as at 30 June. 2 * EEO survey was conducted elicited in June a low 2011 response A distribution rate (22%). index based on an EEO survey response rate of less than 80% may not be accurate. completely Note: Information for the above tables is provided by the Workforce Profile Unit, Public SectorWorkforce Branch, Department of Premier and Cabinet. 1 set. that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the lower the index will be. An index of more than 100 indicates that the EEO group is less concentrated at the lower salary levels. 7 Excludes casual staff. disclosure of government information unless an there is information government of disclosure overriding public interest against disclosure. Western NSW Local Health Network reviews its and basis on on the a regular website information to be interest of may that routinely uploads information the public. 30 to the six periodDuring month 1 January from 2011 Western NSW LHN formal access received five June 2011 within the completed whichapplications, were of all reporting period. Of thoseaccess,full five applications, granted was one partialone granted access, was one request refused was respond a request to to as the to applicant failed full in requestclarify provide and the information application Government Information (Public Access) Act (PublicUnder Access) the Information Government 2009 Government Information Information Government 2009 Act Access) (Public Table 1. Trends in the Groups in Representation EEO of Trends 1. Table Table 2. Trends in the in Distribution Groups EEO of Trends 2. Table Table A. Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome*

Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm or withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Media 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Members of Parliament 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Private sector business 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not for profit organisations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 or community groups Members of the public 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 (application by legal representative) Members of the public 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 (other)

*More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.

Table B. Number of applications by type of application and outcome

Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm or withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Personal information 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 applications# Access applications (other 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 than personal information applications) Access applications that are 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 partly personal information applications and partly other

# A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in Clause 4 of Schedule 4 of the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

Table C. Invalid applications

Reason for invalidity NUMBER of applications Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act) 1 Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) 0 Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act) 0 Total number of invalid applications received 0 Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications 1

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tion tion

tion used* 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Volume Two t successful t successful no no Number of times when applica when applica considera Number of occasions Number of occasions 2011 – //

Annual Report 2010 Report Annual

Decision varied Decision upheld Total Internal review 0 0 0 Review by Information Commissioner* 1 0 1 Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act 0 0 0 Review by ADT 0 0 0 Total 0 0 1

Table H. Applications for review under Part 5 of the Act (by type of applicant)

Number of applications for review Applications by access applicants 1 Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access applications relates (see section 54 of the Act) 0

128 Annual Report 2010 // 2011 – Volume Two NSW Health