There has been a growing awareness of the need for carer accommodation in Albury Wodonga for more than a decade. Both local Rotary and Lions clubs independently looked at the problems facing patients, families and carers from outside areas attending the Albury and Wodonga Hospitals – sometimes for days and weeks at a time. Motel accommodation is expensive and not always ideal at a worrying time.

Now the growth of the Albury Wodonga Health Service, and the just announced Cancer Centre to be built on the Albury campus, has lent urgency to the need and the Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga, the Rotary Club of Albury North and the Lions District 201V6 have come together in common cause with the Fight Cancer Foundation to make the dream a reality.

The new service has been set up following concerns from France over PIP breast implants. While there is no evidence of increased rupture rates here in Australia, support is available for women who want more information.  Click here for more details.

Attached is the Annual Financial Report for Financial Year 2010 - 2011. Click here to open the report.

Nicola Roxon has announced the organisations that will become the nations first Medicare Locals from 1 July 2011. read more

The Department of Health and Ageing has developed guidelines for Medicare Locals outlining their repsonsibilities for after hours primary health care.  A recent workshop held in Sydney enabled the Divisions of General Practice to discuss and provide comment on these guidelines.  It is anticipated that the guidelines will be finalised prior to 1 July 2011 in time for the establishment of the first tranche of Medicare Locals.  To view the draft guidelines click here.

The Hume Medicare Local application was submitted on 5th April.  The first round of Medicare Locals are expected to be announced by 1st June 2011.  Click here to view a copy of the application.

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