Latest news with #HunterNewEnglandHealth
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Health Minister puts 'troubling' Calvary Mater maintenance mess at arm's length
A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said. A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said. A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said. A local politician is "troubled" by reports the Calvary Mater Hospital is riddled with leaks and battling a mould outbreak, but the Health Minister has already moved to distance the government from the maintenance mess. Aspergillus mould, which is dangerous to the elderly and people with lowered immune systems, has been detected in multiple areas in the hospital, including air conditioners and a ward with immunocompromised patients. Moisture has become such an issue at the Waratah hospital that dehumidifiers have been brought into wards, and leaking windows are being patched up with plastic and drained into garbage bins. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was troubled by the reports of mould and leaks. "To me, it is simply not OK," she said. "I have raised this with the Minister for Health, asking that the maintenance issues be addressed. I will be seeking further answers with regard to this matter." The Newcastle Herald asked NSW Health Minister Ryan Park if he'd spoken directly to Mater administrators about the mould, leaks and maintenance backlog. Mr Park initially declined to answer any questions and instead directed Hunter New England Health staff to respond. However, when pressed by the Herald a spokesperson for Mr Park made it clear Novacare, the company managing the hospital's infrastructure and facilities, was responsible for the building's upkeep. "Maintenance of the hospital building and infrastructure is the responsibility of Novacare, under a public-private partnership with NSW Health," the spokesperson said. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, which ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. In March, the government passed Joe's Law to ban future public-private partnerships for the state's acute hospitals, after the death of a toddler at Northern Beaches Hospital. Mr Park was also asked if it was time to reconsider the Mater's public-private partnership and bring the hospital under a fully public system. "The Minister has made clear that he does not support public-private partnerships being imposed on any future acute hospitals in circumstances where a private provider both constructs the facility and provides acute hospital service to public patients at the facility," the spokesperson said. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), which is responsible for patient care and clinical services within the Mater, said it was "actively working to minimise any risk" to patients following the detection of Aspergillus in a number of inpatient wards. "As a precaution, deep cleaning has been carried out, and additional air filtration units have been installed in the affected areas while further actions are being assessed," a HNEH spokesperson said. Earlier this week, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association raised the alarm about the state of the hospital. "These public-private partnerships don't work, you can't put people's lives at risk to make some money," the union's Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said.
The Advertiser
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'They give me goosebumps': simple joys, special moments for dying kids
When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us." When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us." When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us." When little ones die, it's a devastating time for families. There's pain, suffering and emotion, but there's people who can help. Madelon Scully, a paediatric palliative care occupational therapist with Hunter New England Health, said "no parent wants to see their child referred to end-of-life care". "Our role is to support any child or young person with a life-limiting illness," Ms Scully said. Ms Scully spoke to the Newcastle Herald to mark National Palliative Care Week, which helps break the taboo of discussing death. "We find moments to bring joy. It's phenomenal to help those patients and families alleviate suffering and do what we can to fulfil their wishes and goals," she said. There are many poignant moments. "There are certainly things that give me goosebumps," Ms Scully said. "It is a special thing. Often kids at the end of life will see a dog or pet that died. Or they'll talk about a grandparent who died. "There are those intangible things that happen but are hard to measure." Simple joys and helping children live their best lives were important. "We have little babies who get pleasure from having a bath and soaking in warm water," she said. "For some kids, it's getting to school to see their friends. For others, it's being able to go outside." The service helps children ease pain and suffering. "Our medical and nursing team is great at symptom management. Kids might have pain or breathlessness. "It could be fear and anxiety. We manage that. "There are lots of non-pharmacological ways to relieve symptoms. Our music therapist does amazing symptom management." Some children are fed through tubes in their tummies. "They aren't able to eat and taste things. Often we will talk to families about risk versus benefit. "For some kids, having a little taste of something gives them pleasure, even if they're not swallowing." Some kids are fatigued. "They only have so much energy. I chat to them about how they want to spend their energy. Do they want to have a shower or do something fun?" Humour plays a big part. "People often say it must be so depressing, but we have so much laughter. "Some of our kids love to play jokes and have fun and be silly. We've had dance-offs and the worst possible singing you could imagine. "There's a lot of banter and happiness that goes on." Paediatric palliative care can be long term. "We can have relationships with families for many years. In paediatrics, there are a lot of kids with genetic and neurological disorders. We get oncology referrals as well. "We work as a team - medical, nursing, allied health, OT [occupational therapy], social work and music therapy." When little ones die, families can see their bodies at John Hunter Hospital's mortuary. "The mortuary corridor was old and dingy. Paint was falling off the walls. It was awful," Ms Scully said. The Minns government is boosting paediatric palliative care funding to about $80 million over four years. "Some of this funding has gone to improve the mortuary area for families," Ms Scully said. "A more calming and supportive space for families is important to us."
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Putting an end to doubts and naysayers': hospital building set to start
Construction is set to begin on the $138 million Cessnock Hospital redevelopment. The Minns government said the project would begin "in the coming months", with builder Hansen Yuncken appointed after a tender process. Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said many people thought the idea of a new Cessnock hospital was "too good to be true". "But here we are signing contracts and making dreams come true," Mr Barr said. He said the Labor government was "putting an end to all doubts and naysayers". "Before we know it, we will have shovels on site and a brand new hospital rising out of the ground. I can't wait." The project includes a new acute services building with an expanded emergency department, operating theatre, day surgery spaces and two new inpatient wards. It also includes a sterilising services unit, a new medical imaging service and a modern pharmacy. Construction is expected to be complete in 2027. The hospital will continue to operate during the construction period, with "minimal disruption to staff, patients and the community". The project recently gained planning approval and was "shaped by feedback from the community throughout planning and design". Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said "the appointment of the builder marks a key milestone". "The new acute services building will transform Cessnock Hospital, support the latest models of care and provide a welcoming environment," Mr Park said. Hunter New England Health's Anna Styles-Tape, the acting planning director, said "we look forward to work getting underway". Construction is set to begin on the $138 million Cessnock Hospital redevelopment. The Minns government said the project would begin "in the coming months", with builder Hansen Yuncken appointed after a tender process. Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said many people thought the idea of a new Cessnock hospital was "too good to be true". "But here we are signing contracts and making dreams come true," Mr Barr said. He said the Labor government was "putting an end to all doubts and naysayers". "Before we know it, we will have shovels on site and a brand new hospital rising out of the ground. I can't wait." The project includes a new acute services building with an expanded emergency department, operating theatre, day surgery spaces and two new inpatient wards. It also includes a sterilising services unit, a new medical imaging service and a modern pharmacy. Construction is expected to be complete in 2027. The hospital will continue to operate during the construction period, with "minimal disruption to staff, patients and the community". The project recently gained planning approval and was "shaped by feedback from the community throughout planning and design". Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said "the appointment of the builder marks a key milestone". "The new acute services building will transform Cessnock Hospital, support the latest models of care and provide a welcoming environment," Mr Park said. Hunter New England Health's Anna Styles-Tape, the acting planning director, said "we look forward to work getting underway". Construction is set to begin on the $138 million Cessnock Hospital redevelopment. The Minns government said the project would begin "in the coming months", with builder Hansen Yuncken appointed after a tender process. Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said many people thought the idea of a new Cessnock hospital was "too good to be true". "But here we are signing contracts and making dreams come true," Mr Barr said. He said the Labor government was "putting an end to all doubts and naysayers". "Before we know it, we will have shovels on site and a brand new hospital rising out of the ground. I can't wait." The project includes a new acute services building with an expanded emergency department, operating theatre, day surgery spaces and two new inpatient wards. It also includes a sterilising services unit, a new medical imaging service and a modern pharmacy. Construction is expected to be complete in 2027. The hospital will continue to operate during the construction period, with "minimal disruption to staff, patients and the community". The project recently gained planning approval and was "shaped by feedback from the community throughout planning and design". Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said "the appointment of the builder marks a key milestone". "The new acute services building will transform Cessnock Hospital, support the latest models of care and provide a welcoming environment," Mr Park said. Hunter New England Health's Anna Styles-Tape, the acting planning director, said "we look forward to work getting underway". Construction is set to begin on the $138 million Cessnock Hospital redevelopment. The Minns government said the project would begin "in the coming months", with builder Hansen Yuncken appointed after a tender process. Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said many people thought the idea of a new Cessnock hospital was "too good to be true". "But here we are signing contracts and making dreams come true," Mr Barr said. He said the Labor government was "putting an end to all doubts and naysayers". "Before we know it, we will have shovels on site and a brand new hospital rising out of the ground. I can't wait." The project includes a new acute services building with an expanded emergency department, operating theatre, day surgery spaces and two new inpatient wards. It also includes a sterilising services unit, a new medical imaging service and a modern pharmacy. Construction is expected to be complete in 2027. The hospital will continue to operate during the construction period, with "minimal disruption to staff, patients and the community". The project recently gained planning approval and was "shaped by feedback from the community throughout planning and design". Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said "the appointment of the builder marks a key milestone". "The new acute services building will transform Cessnock Hospital, support the latest models of care and provide a welcoming environment," Mr Park said. Hunter New England Health's Anna Styles-Tape, the acting planning director, said "we look forward to work getting underway".
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Omicron wasn't mild': Hunter's four-year COVID death total revealed
The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm." The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm." The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm." The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm."
