Month: April 2019

To observe World Oral Health Day this year, DPV Health launched a new book which tells the story of a child’s visit to the dentist. “Burndap Balit Liang – My visit to the dentist” (meaning “Good Strong Teeth” in Wurundjeri), is written with the aim of adults reading it to their children to demonstrate how easy and accessible a trip to the dentist can be.

Beautifully illustrated by DPV Health Aboriginal Access Worker, Melissa Brickell, it instructs on how to make a dental appointment at DPV Health and how to care for your teeth.

The launch was well attended with local families and practitioners from several services who work with Aboriginal children. Everyone in the audience enjoyed the experience of being welcomed to country and listening to the didgeridoos being played for the ceremony. Don Tidbury, DPV Health CEO spoke about how common oral health problems are in children and how good oral health habits should begin early in life.

Each child received a copy of the book, which garned positive feedback. We hope that through reading this book, our community members will be made aware of the availability and high quality of the children’s dental services here at DPV Health.

March 29 marked the beginning of a celebration of two healthcare providers combining to become one of the largest primary care providers in Victoria.

Guests from the community, government, council and healthcare sector have joined us in celebrating 365 days of planning for, and delivering, improved health within Melbourne’s north west.

We marked the occasion with the traditional cutting of a (healthy) birthday cake, helped by special guest Maria Vamvakinou MP, Federal Member for Calwell, whose words of support gave us all something to celebrate.

DPV Health now boasts 20 sites with approximately 600 staff and volunteers throughout the North West, bringing a wide range of new and improved healthcare services to almost half a million people. DPV Health CEO, Don Tidbury, is excited about the future and wants everyone to join the journey.

“I am very proud to have been recently appointed CEO of DPV Health, at this exciting phase of the organisation’s development”, Don said. “With our combined resources, knowledge and skill, we can transfer services across both councils Hume and Whittlesea.  Adult speech pathology, early childhood intervention services, medical treatments and numerous other vital programs and services are now available across both areas, allowing improved access and health management.”

Don went on to say -“A good example of the recent service benefits to the community is the expansion of our Big Steps program from Broadmeadows into Mill Park. Clients, like 3 year old Boyd, have seen remarkable behaviour changes and improvements in social skills, by working with our team of Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologists and Child Psychologists. Our expertise is easily transferable and provides the opportunity to extend to suburbs where the need is high.”

DPV Health plans a range of free community events throughout the community, such as Super Clinic BBQ Days, fun activities for the kids, and free health and wellbeing information at Shopping Centre pop-ups. We will also take part in the Broadmeadows Street Festival Sunday April 7.

Visit the birthday celebration page here for more.