Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network

16/09/2026

🥳 CONGRATULATIONS to the Barmera Health Service Open Day Working Group who were finalists for the RMCLHN 2026 Area of Focus - Diversity and Inclusion Award!

The Barmera Health Service Open Day Working Group dedicated many months, and after hours work to plan, promote and execute a diverse and inclusive Barmera Health Service Open Day for consumers, community and staff, in October 2025.

The Working Group included Barmera Health Service staff members, consumer representatives and Health Advisory Council (HAC) members.

The aim of the event was to provide an opportunity for the community to come together, learn more about health services and explore ways the health service and other local organisations and businesses could support and enhance the community’s wellbeing.

The event was opened by Berri Barmera Council Mayor Ella Winnall, emceed by ABC Riverland’s Matt Stephens, and featured health information stalls, multicultural and volunteer food stalls, site tours, music, entertainment, games, and opportunities for Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) residents to participate.

The Open Day actively contributed to creating an equitable, safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for colleagues, consumers, clients, residents and the broader community.

📸Pictured: Direct Care Attendant Jenny Lowery, Administration Officer Naomi Hunt, Bamera Health Service Director of Nursing Sally Milsom, Lifestyle Coordinator Erin Noack, Lifestyle Officer Kerry Westall, Acute Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Megan Del Zoppo and Riverland Aboriginal Health Team Leader/NUM Darryle Barnes.

15/09/2026

Being on dialysis can make travel difficult, but it does not have to stop people from taking a holiday or spending time with family and friends.

This is the second year of the partnership between the South Australian Government and Kidney Health Australia, following successful visits to Robe and Kangaroo Island in 2025.

The Mobile Dialysis Truck is bringing free holiday haemodialysis sessions to three South Australian destinations:

Loxton: 12 October – 24 October 2026
Wallaroo: 23 November – 5 December 2026
Robe: 8 February – 20 February 2027

Staffed by experienced renal nurses, the Mobile Dialysis Truck enables eligible people to continue their essential treatment.

Sessions are free, with visitors responsible for arranging their accommodation and transport to and from the Truck.

Bookings are now open. Visit kidney.org.au/bus or call Kidney Health Australia on 1800 454 363.

14/09/2026

SA Health is reviewing the ‘You’re Worried, We’re Listening’ program, and how patients, families and carers can raise concerns when they are worried that a patient’s condition is getting worse while in our care.

We are inviting patients, families and carers to complete an expression of interest to share their views and experiences in a focus group. Focus groups will go for 2-hours and participants will be reimbursed for their time.

Feedback received from the focus group will help to inform and improve SA Health’s approach to how patients, families and carers can raise concerns when they are worried about a patient’s condition.

You can find more information and complete an EOI at: brnw.ch/focusgroups

The EOI closes on Friday 18 September 2026.

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS to the Karoonda Aged Care – Resident of the Day Improvements project - WINNER of the RMCLHN 2026 Area of Focus - Diversity and Inclusion Award!

Members of the Karoonda and District Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital team were nominated for their revised approach to “Resident of the Day”.

This is a common concept in aged care facilities, where each resident takes a turn at being “Resident of the Day”. On that day, the site reviews that resident’s care, records vital sign observations, and discusses the resident, usually during handover.

Historically there has been a risk that the discussion can become perfunctory and limited, so the team decided to put a plan in place to make it more meaningful and inclusive. The resident and their loved ones, along with all staff, are now invited to be included in the discussion. This includes services, administration and clinical staff, as well as a diversional therapist – with consent of the resident and their family.

The discussion is structured to work through a variety of questions, asking the resident and their loved ones if they are satisfied with the care they receive, the environment, the food, activities and more.

The staff also ask them about their spiritual and cultural care, and if there are any practices they would like to observe. They also check if there is anything they want staff to know about what matters to them – for example, if they want to arrange a visit to a place of worship. Staff also talk with them about their memories, music preferences and old habits, and use this information to inform care plans, diversional therapy sessions and lifestyle choices.

The revised “Resident of the Day” process has been particularly beneficial for Aboriginal residents and their families. The staff have learnt a lot about cultural history, needs and wishes, and are working towards including Aboriginal Liaison Officers in future discussions.

The “Resident of the Day” discussions are now lively, funny, poignant and very meaningful. They recognise and celebrate the rich diversity of each individual. Residents are fully engaged with the process, which has given them a stronger voice, including those with significant cognitive impairment.

The staff have learned things about the residents that they never knew, even about residents who had been at the facility for many years. They have enriched the care they provide, ensured it’s inclusive, and that residents’ voices are heard.

📸Pictured: Administration Officer Shana Krueger, Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) Nicole Taylor, Diversional Therapist Sharon Miller, Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Tanya Rajaguru and Karoonda and Mannum Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Day Parkhurst.

13/09/2026

Have you always wondered if nursing is for you? Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career as an Enrolled Nurse?

If you live in regional or rural South Australia and dream of becoming a nurse — this could be your moment.
The Regional Enrolled Nurse Cadetship Program gives you:
✔️ Paid part-time work as an Enrolled Nursing Cadet (2 days/week)
✔️ Support to study your Diploma of Nursing at one of the regional TAFE SA campuses listed below (25 hrs/week)
✔️ Hands-on experience at a hospital close to home

What you need to know:
🩺 No prior nursing experience required! To be eligible, applicants must already be studying or be enrolled to study the Diploma of Nursing at one of the following TAFE SA regional campuses (Nuriootpa, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln or Whyalla) to commence late January 2027.
🎓 Have you enrolled yet? TAFE SA nursing applications are open now via SATAC at satac.edu.au
📅 Cadetship roles open September 2026 via the SA Health Careers website. Check back here for updates.
❤💛🖤 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply through our targeted rolling recruitment process – find out more at bit.ly/ENRollingRecruitment

👉 Have questions? Email: [email protected]

12/09/2026

Did you know that sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection that can happen to anyone of any age – even if they’re taking antibiotics – or are young and healthy?

In sepsis, the body has a harmful reaction to infection, and this can lead to organ failure, tissue damage, and even death, if not treated in hospital quickly.

Know and share with others:
🔹Almost any infection can lead to sepsis – a simple infected cut, a urinary tract infection or a more serious infection like pneumonia.
🔹Signs of sepsis may include feeling very sick with fast breathing, drowsiness or confusion, extreme shivering, fever, blotchy, clammy skin or unexplained pain.
🔹Survivors of sepsis are also at risk of post sepsis syndrome, with symptoms of fatigue, mood changes and memory issues lasting months.

If you suspect sepsis, don’t be afraid to ask your health professional: ‘Could it be sepsis?’

If identified early, sepsis is usually treatable. To learn more visit: sahealth.sa.gov.au/sepsis

12/09/2026

🍤🍟 Residents at Renmark Paringa District Hospital Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) recently enjoyed a shrimply irresistible Seafood Day!

The day was organised by the Lifestyle Team to fulfill the wish of a resident.

The resident had shared at a Resident and Representative Meeting that she wanted to enjoy a seafood meal at a restaurant, but she wasn’t able to due to mobility limitations – so the team brought the restaurant experience to her!

💙 All residents enjoyed a Fisherman’s Basket for lunch, and the facility was decked out with seafood décor – they were even joined by a mermaid! 🧜‍♀️

The day was a fintastic success that created a shared, enjoyable experience for everyone!

11/09/2026

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS to Leah Muir, who was a finalist for the RMCLHN 2026 Everyday Heroes Award!

Leah is a Governance Administration Officer who provides high-quality administrative and governance support across a wide range of functions. Her work ensures that governance processes are well-organised, reliable and timely, allowing leaders and teams to focus on strategic priorities and service delivery. She is known for being highly responsive, efficient, incredibly knowledgeable, and someone people can rely on to "just get things done".

Leah began with RMCLHN in 1997, and her work has always been accurate, timely and of high quality. She is a vital member of her team who approaches every task with kindness, patience and respect, and makes her colleagues feel supported and confident that things are in safe hands.

Leah demonstrates exceptional administrative expertise, work ethic and professionalism while remaining calm, unflappable and unfailingly kind, even when juggling competing priorities. She supports others without seeking recognition and is always willing to step in when workloads are high or colleagues need time away.

Leah’s care for others is unmistakable in every interaction – with team members, leaders and everyone she works with.

11/09/2026

Our Social Work teams hosted afternoon teas in Berri and Murray Bridge this week, in collaboration with the Department for Child Protection (DPC), for National Child Protection Week.

National Child Protection Week runs from 6 to 12 September and reminds us that keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility.

We also know that health services are often one of the first places where concerns may be noticed. Whether it's a change in behaviour, disclosure from a child, or signs that a family needs support, health professionals play an important role in recognising concerns and responding appropriately.

For more information about National Child Protection Week, visit www.napcan.org.au