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Strengthening Healthcare in the North

Northern Health and DPV Health are thrilled to announce they have signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support initiatives for innovation, shared service planning and delivery to benefit our growing communities.

The MOU will establish a framework to strategically explore opportunities for both parties to collaborate and address priority health and wellbeing issues across outer Northern Melbourne.

Working closely together, DPV Health and Northern Health have already commenced collaboration on a range of projects including:

  • The establishment of a COVID-19 Screening Centre, operated by Northern Health at DPV Health’s Epping site in March 2020.
  • Northern Health’s “Staying Well with Diabetes in the North” project, to establish an integrated, multidisciplinary health care model targeting diabetes.
  • DPV Health’s “Community Watch” project which aims to develop a whole of region coordinated approach for a wellbeing check and referral guide for local community organisations to support their clients to stay well during the COVID-19 isolation period and beyond.

Don Tidbury DPV CEO said “The MOU builds on the already great alliance between DPV Health and Northern Health. Successful partnerships between the acute and primary health systems will ultimately benefit the growing communities we serve.”

Siva Sivarajah Northern Health’s Chief Executive said “We are pleased to further develop this longstanding partnership with DPV Health.  Healthcare in the future needs collaboration like this to better connect all aspects of people’s health care needs.”

*Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute and specialist services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing north. Services are provided through our four main campuses: Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre.

** DPV Health is a not-for-profit organisation that offers exceptional health care services to people of all ages across the cities of Hume and Whittlesea. As one of Victoria’s largest & most comprehensive community health organisations, DPV Health provides an extensive range of medical, dental, allied health, paediatric, disability, mental health and programs to support vulnerable people.

 

Pictured left to right: Briana Baass- Executive Director – Chief Allied Health Officer & Partnership- Northern Health, Siva Sivarajah – Chief Executive- Northern Health and Don Tidbury – Chief Executive Officer – DPV Health.

 

 

Uniting For Community Health

DPV Health and Banksia Gardens Community Services (BGCS) are delighted to announce an alliance which will bring significant health benefits to Broadmeadows and surrounding suburbs. With almost 100 years combined service to the area, both organisations will now, together, be able to better address priority health and wellbeing issues within the local community.

Through a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding, both organisations will explore opportunities to:

  • Address health and well-being challenges and gaps in service provision for priority community groups, including but not limited to: family violence, children at risk, refugees, homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders etc.
  • Ensure prompt access to health, well-being and other support services for vulnerable people
  • Enhance engagement, collaboration, learning and development between the workforces of both organisations
  • Utilise each organisation’s expertise and capabilities to support the vision and purpose of each party

Don Tidbury, CEO DPV Health, said “We are thrilled to collaborate with Banksia Gardens Community Services to provide accessible, high quality care and supports to vulnerable people in the Hume region.”

Gina Dougall, CEO Banksia Gardens Community Services, said “This alliance has the potential to change lives. Our organisations are absolutely committed to working closely together for the benefit of our community. Our workforce is incredibly excited about the possibilities this alliance will bring.”

The alliance has already generated significant benefits including processes to fast track vulnerable clients through to essential health and social programs.

DPV Health is a not-for-profit organisation that offers exceptional health care services to people of all ages across the cities of Hume and Whittlesea. As one of Victoria’s largest & most comprehensive community health organisations, DPV Health provides an extensive range of medical, dental, allied health, paediatric, disability, mental health and programs to support vulnerable people.

Banksia Gardens Community Services is a vibrant local organisation which has its headquarters in the heart of Broadmeadows. With a strong commitment to community development and action research principles, its programs focus mainly on early childhood, education and training, young people, prevention of family violence environmental sustainability and community participation and advocacy.

 

 

Pictured left: Gina Dougall, CEO Banksia Gardens Community Services right: Don Tidbury, CEO DPV Health

*Photo was taken in February prior to social distancing restrictions.

 

Importance of healthy eating during COVID-19

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is key to helping your immune system function properly and to improve your mood and energy levels during COVID-19 and self isolation. We all need to nourish our bodies with good nutrition, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to have a strong immune system and manage stress. On the other hand there are food we need to avoid that can have negative effects on our immune system, anxiety and physical well-being.

Below are some advice from DPV Heath Dieticians on how to eat well during COVID-19.

Eating healthy during self-isolation:

  • Include a variety of foods including plenty of vegetables and fruits.
  • Eat according to your appetite.
  • Ensure you are keeping up your water intake (use jugs and bottles to help you track your intake).
  • Choose home cooked meals instead of takeaway. They are more nutritious and serving sizes are better for weight management.

Foods for boosting mood and energy levels:

  • Include whole grains, like wholemeal bread and brown rice at every main meal.
  • Small snacks in between meals such as fruits, nuts and yoghurt.
  • Variety of vegetables and fruits can help your body function at its best.
  • Omega 3s found in fatty fish including tinned fish (e.g. salmon).
  • Make sure you get outdoors every day for exercise and Vitamin D. This is important even when the sun is not shining.

Food and drinks that cause low energy:

  • Keep processed foods as ‘sometimes foods, in small quantities’ (including chocolates, biscuits, lollies, cakes, alcohol, soft drinks, fried foods).
  • Limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon, this will improve sleep quality.
  • Limit overall alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid over-eating.

Below is a great resource from Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute on Nutrition Facts to improve your immune system.

 

If you need help with your nutrition and diet call DPV Health on 1300 234 263 or book a Telehealth appointment with a Dietician, click here see for more info.

 

RESOURCES:

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/food-and-nutrition-tips-during-self-quarantine

https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/news/five-hearty-eating-tips-for-home-isolation

https://nomoneynotime.com.au/healthy-easy-recipes

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/easy-affordable-and-healthy-eating-tips-during-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-outbreak

 

Fun things for children and young people to do online during COVID-19

It’s not easy finding ways to entertain kids during self isolation. It’s not surprising parents may be hearing “I’m bored” a lot more than before. Here are some ways you can entertain your kids online at home. These activities are fun and educational!

 

Compiled by: Rebecca Jankovic- DPV Health
Hume School Focused Youth Services Coordinator

 

 

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DPV Health now offerHome Care Packages

Assisting you to stay safe, comfortable and independent at home.

DPV Health offer a range of services:

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