Murrumbidgee Local Health District

14/10/2026

Happy Allied Health Professions Day! 💙

Today, October 14, we celebrate the diverse Allied Health teams across MLHD who play a vital role in delivering care and supporting better health outcomes for people at every stage of life.

From physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and dietitians, to social workers, podiatrists, allied health assistants and many more, Allied Health professionals work alongside patients, families and healthcare teams to support health, recovery and wellbeing.

Today we're proud to showcase some of the dedicated Allied Health teams working across the region and recognise the expertise, compassion and care they bring to our health service and communities.

Thank you to all our Allied Health professionals for the invaluable contribution you make every day. 👏

Interested in a career in Allied Health? Learn more here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/mlhd/work-us/allied-health-careers

14/10/2026

This Emergency Nurses Day, we recognise the dedication, skill and compassion of emergency nurses who provide vital care to communities across MLHD.

One of those nurses is Tumbarumba emergency nurse Kristyn Paton, whose commitment to rural healthcare has made a lasting impact close to home.

Born and raised in the region, Kristyn has dedicated her career to supporting rural patients through some of their most challenging moments. This is the part she loves the most, the opportunity to make a real difference.

"Living in a small community, people will often stop me in the street to thank me for helping them."

“There's a genuine sense of satisfaction in knowing you've helped someone and made a difference in your community."

Kristyn encourages anyone considering a career as an emergency nurse to give it a go, saying "it's a career like no other."

""It can be a very fulfilling and rewarding career," she said. "You won't regret it."

Thank you, Kristyn, and all our emergency nurses across Murrumbidgee, for the care, professionalism and kindness you bring to every shift.

To learn more about a career in nursing at MLHD head to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/mlhd/work-us/nursing-midwifery-careers

13/10/2026

Safety around bats: Important reminder from NSW Health

Murrumbidgee Local Health District is reminding community members not to touch or handle bats, following a recent increase in people requiring medical assessment after being bitten or scratched across NSW.

In the two weeks from 28 September to 10 October, 43 people were assessed after bat-related injuries, compared with 10 reported cases during the same period last year.

While bats play an important role in our environment, they can carry Australian bat lyssavirus, a rare but serious infection closely related to rabies.

If you see an injured or distressed bat, do not attempt to handle it. Contact WIRES on 1300 094 737.

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat:

• Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes
• Apply an antiseptic with antiviral action, such as Betadine, and allow it to dry
• Seek urgent medical assessment as soon as possible

Although Australian bat lyssavirus infection in humans is extremely rare, prompt treatment following a bite or scratch is critical.

For more information about lyssavirus refer to the Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus infection fact sheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Rabies-Australian-Bat-Lyssavirus-Infection.aspx

NSW Health is reminding the community to avoid touching or handling bats, following a recent increase in people being bitten or scratched across the state.

In the two weeks from 28 September to 10 October, 43 people were assessed by NSW Health after being bitten or scratched by bats. This includes in coastal areas in Hunter New England, the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW, and the Central Coast.

This is a significant increase when compared with 10 reported cases of bat bites or scratches for the same two-week period in 2025.

Keira Glasgow, Director in Health Protection at NSW Health, said while bats are particularly active during spring and summer, the increase in exposures is an important reminder for people to avoid touching bats to protect themselves against infection from viruses.

“We want people to assume that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which is a close relative to the rabies virus and very dangerous to humans,” Ms Glasgow said.

“If you see a bat that is injured or in distress, call your local wildlife rescue service and do not touch it. Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should interact with bats.

“It is incredibly rare for Australian bat lyssavirus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly there is no effective treatment.

“If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, urgent medical assessment is crucial.”

People who have been bitten or scratched by a bat are advised to immediately wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry.

It is important to then seek immediate advice from your doctor regarding post-exposure treatment.

Ingrid Emery, Executive Director Conservation Programs, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the increased bat activity is being caused by food shortages.

“During food shortage events, flying-foxes typically stay in feed trees during the day instead of returning to their larger colonies,” Ms Emery said.

“Consequently, members of the community are seeing flying-foxes remaining in their backyard trees during the day.

“According to current reports received by NSW DCCEEW, this food shortage event is occurring along the eastern coast from the Clarence Valley in the north to the South Coast.

“This situation is expected to return to normal when natural food supplies become more widely available, which will depend on seasonal conditions.”

If you see a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it. Instead, contact trained experts WIRES on 1300 094 737 or your local wildlife rescue group: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/rehabilitating-native-animals/licensed-wildlife-rehabilitation-providers-in-nsw

For more information about lyssavirus refer to the Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus infection fact sheet: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Rabies-Australian-Bat-Lyssavirus-Infection.aspx

For more information on protecting yourself around wildlife, visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/be-careful-around-wildlife.aspx

12/10/2026

NSW Health Awards finalists 🎉

Congratulations to our finalists in the NSW Health Awards for 'Embedding Culture and Healing at Griffith Base Hospital' in the Aboriginal Healthcare category.

The Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment placed Aboriginal leadership, cultural authority and connection to Country at the heart of the project.

From local language wayfinding and culturally significant healing spaces to Aboriginal artwork and storytelling, the redevelopment demonstrates how considered collaboration can create more welcoming, culturally safe environments for staff and patients.

Congratulations to the teams involved. We can't wait to find out the results at the ceremony later this month.

12/10/2026

This week is National Carers Week.

It's a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the more than 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.

The MLHD Palliative Care and Integrated Care Carer Coordination Service are holding stalls and virtual events across the District to support Carers living in the region and share information about services and resources for Carers.

💻 Online education sessions
Monday 12 October and Wednesday 14 October at 2 pm via Microsoft Teams. Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v6eHptsC30O8u-eovaYRojb-wFfPBdtNn8V6-r8kI0BUNUEzM1ZJRTQzRUdIM1A2MVJSVTAxTkRQSC4u&origin=QRCode&fbclid=IwY2xjawU5JkBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR42mGpN31aQSU-s_L1pd6iSSegC4ZZoS9KMxir_CtHmPVfdoO3y4HApObVbKg_aem_wAMpe3mS8zZYdoSEpTU2tA

📍 Carer information stalls
Tuesday 13 October, 10 am to 2 pm, at Wagga Base Hospital and Griffith Base Hospital main receptions.

Visit the team for service information, carer resources and a free goodie bag.

Carers Week events hosted by MLHD 💜 The Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Palliative Care and Integrated Care Carer Coordination Service is holding events this week for National Carers Week, with this year’s theme, “Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible”.

💻 Online education sessions
Monday 12 October and Wednesday 14 October at 2 pm via Microsoft Teams. Register here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v6eHptsC30O8u-eovaYRojb-wFfPBdtNn8V6-r8kI0BUNUEzM1ZJRTQzRUdIM1A2MVJSVTAxTkRQSC4u&origin=QRCode

📍 Carer information stalls
Tuesday 13 October, 10 am to 2 pm, at Wagga Base Hospital and Griffith Base Hospital main receptions. Visit the team for service information, carer resources and a free goodie bag.

12/10/2026

Temora Hospital Redevelopment reaches major construction milestone

The $95 million Temora Hospital Redevelopment has reached a major milestone, with the structure for the eastern wing of the new building now complete, with roofing, windows and doors installed, paving the way for the next stage of works.

For the first time, once complete, the new hospital will offer CT services and a new ultrasound service, significantly improving local access to diagnostic imaging.

With the building structure now complete, work will progress on the internal fit-out and installation of furniture, fittings and equipment, as well as external works and landscaping.

Health services continue to operate throughout construction and every effort is being made to minimise impacts to patients, staff and visitors.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2028.

Read more: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/health-infrastructure/news/temora-hospital-redevelopment-reaches-major-construction-milestone

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day.

It's a reminder that looking after our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health.

Throughout October, Mental Health Month encourages us to take time to check in with ourselves, support those around us and recognise the role positive mental wellbeing plays in our everyday lives.

This year's theme, 'A Little Connection Goes a Long Way', highlights the power of simple moments of connection. Whether it's a conversation, a walk in nature or reaching out to someone who may need support, small actions can make a big difference.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. In an emergency always dial 000.

• NSW Mental Health Line (24 hours, 7 days) – 1800 011 511
• Lifeline (24/7 crisis support and su***de prevention) – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue (24/7 mental health and wellbeing support) – 1300 22 4636
• Su***de Call Back Service (24/7 phone and online counselling for people affected by su***de) – 1300 659 467
• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) – 131 450

09/10/2026

📣 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

If you're overdue for your breast screen, why not book with a friend?

It's quick, free and could save your lives. Tag the friend you'll take 💗 Follow BreastScreen NSW NSW to learn more.

09/10/2026

After 40 years of dedicated service to public health, we are saying farewell to Director of Public Health, Alison Nikitas.

Alison has been a passionate advocate for prevention, health promotion and protecting the wellbeing of communities across Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health District throughout her four decades.

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, recognised Alison's contribution to public health in NSW, saying:

“Alison has made a significant contribution to public health in NSW over many years, and her leadership has had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across the Murrumbidgee,"

Thank you, Alison, for your dedication and service. Wishing you all the very best for the next chapter.

Read more about Alison's career here: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/mlhd/news/latest-news/a-passion-for-prevention-celebrating-alison-nikitas-40-years-health

08/10/2026

Ardlethan local Roslyn appreciates every moment she is able to spend with her family.

Especially as someone living with a complex nutritional condition, which until now, required specialist care outside of Murrumbidgee.

Now, Roslyn and other patients are able to receive care closer to home, with the life-sustaining Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) service available from Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

Roslyn believes the new service will give regional patients greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing specialised support is available locally.

"Just knowing there's someone closer makes all the difference," Roslyn said.

"For all regional patients, both now and into the future."

A range of teams within MLHD alongside the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District collaborated to bring this service to Murrumbidgee.

Learn more about Roslyn's story and the HPN service here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/mlhd/news/latest-news/roslyns-care-now-close-to-home