Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

12/06/2026

💙 STAFF SPOTLIGHT | Sarah – Cardiology Nurse Manager

Meet Sarah, Cardiology Nurse Manager at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, leading the establishment of a brand-new cardiology service as part of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment.

With over 13 years’ experience across Wollongong and Shoalhaven, Sarah has built her career close to home and is now returning to cardiology in a leadership role at an exciting time for the region.

“I’m leading the establishment of our new cardiology service, making sure it launches with a strong team and a steady heartbeat 💓. It’s about building something that will support both our staff and our patients from day one,” Sarah says.

For Sarah, this is a rare chance to help shape a developing cardiology service from the very beginning – from planning and recruitment through to how it will operate day to day.

For the Shoalhaven community, this marks a significant step forward in access to specialised cardiac care. With a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory planned, specialised cardiac procedures such as coronary angiograms will be introduced over time as the service develops, improving access to care closer to home and reducing the need for transfers.

“Bringing a cardiology service to the Shoalhaven is truly monumental for our community,” she says.

As the new service takes shape, opportunities will become available across the Coronary Care Unit, Cardiology Inpatient Unit and Cardiac Diagnostic Centre – supporting clinicians to develop their skills in a specialised area.

For Sarah, this is also about creating opportunities for others as the team grows.

“It’s such a unique opportunity to be part of something new and help shape how it’s developed from the ground up,” she says.

Being part of the redevelopment and commissioning of the cardiology service is a career highlight, bringing her journey full circle.

“Opening the service and welcoming our first patient into the Coronary Care Unit will be a truly meaningful milestone – I think my proudest moment is still ahead of me,” Sarah says.

👉 Be part of something new at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital – Explore current opportunities today, with more to come. https://ow.ly/57Oj50ZaK6Q

12/06/2026

Looking for more than just a job? At ISLHD, you’ll find a rewarding career in Aboriginal Health while enjoying the lifestyle of the beautiful NSW South Coast.

From coastal walks to vibrant communities, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven offer the perfect balance of career and lifestyle. Be part of a team that offers a supportive environment and continuous opportunities for learning and career growth!

✨ Make a difference in people’s lives
✨ Build your career close to home (or make the move!)
✨ Enjoy work–life balance in a stunning coastal region

🔍 Explore all Aboriginal Health opportunities today: https://ow.ly/BgU150ZaJOH

• Aboriginal Health Worker - Illawarra Shoalhaven Region - Identified
🔗 REQ666008 - https://ow.ly/UVJw50ZaJOG

• Aboriginal Cultural Capability Facilitator - District Executive Office, Warrawong - Identified
🔗 REQ667126 - https://ow.ly/Z6E150ZaJOE

• Senior Aboriginal Health Worker – Illawarra Drug & Alcohol Service (IDAS) - Identified
🔗 REQ667284 - https://ow.ly/Izvf50ZaJOF

• New Street Aboriginal Clinician - Warilla Community Health Centre
🔗 REQ648419 - https://ow.ly/9Hjq50ZaJOI

11/06/2026

Become the next generation of health professionals. NSW Health offers up to $12,000 financial support.

Gabrielle is studying postgraduate Medicine. She says the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy has helped ease the financial pressure that comes with full-time study.

The support has helped cover rent, living expenses and provided a small financial buffer, allowing her to focus on study, clinical training and becoming more involved in the medical student community.

“This assistance has enabled me to pursue my medical education without compromising my well-being.” says Gabrielle.

Limited subsidies available. Check if you're eligible and apply today:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/studysubsidies

11/06/2026

Do you travel long distances for treatment?

The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) can provide financial assistance when you travel for treatment that is not available locally.

From Friday 12 June, the IPTAAS system is getting an upgrade, and we are incorporating the NSW Digital ID or Multi Factor Authentication to make the process simpler, and more secure.

The IPTAAS system will undergo planned maintenance on 11 June 2026 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. During this time you will not be able to submit online applications.

You may email us any applications during this period at [email protected].

For more information, visit: www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 478 227.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

11/06/2026

New reforms mean trained GPs can continue scripts for people already diagnosed with ADHD.

These changes will help reduce long wait times for you and your family and save you a trip to a specialist.

To find out about ADHD care options near you:
- talk to your family’s regular GP
- visit https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/adhd-in-general-practice/find-a-prescriber to find a GP who can continue you or your child’s treatment, or
- call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a nurse.

For more information, visit: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/adhd

11/06/2026

Influenza is serious, but it isn’t as scary if you’re vaccinated.

Protect yourself and others from influenza (flu).

Your yearly flu vaccine offers you the best protection from serious illness and is available from your GP or pharmacy. Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Everyone aged 2 years and over can get a flu vaccine at a pharmacy.

Book your flu vaccine at your GP or pharmacy today: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine

09/06/2026

Getting headaches and you're not sure why? 🤕
Sometimes, headaches can be triggered by things you might not expect.

When a headache starts try:
- Resting in a quiet, dark space
- Relaxing your face and shoulders
- Staying hydrated
- Taking a pain reliever that’s right for you

If your headache is severe or not getting better, use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to find the care you need 💛

09/06/2026

Exhausted but can't switch off? Can't seem to recharge no matter what you do? 😖
Stress and burnout share some symptoms so it's easy to mix them up. But they aren't the same thing and one can lead to the other💔

Stress feels intense and urgent. Burnout feels like complete exhaustion — like you have nothing left to give.

The good news? Catching stress early can help prevent burnout.

Small steps that can help:
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation or grounding techniques
- Staying active
- Listening to music

If stress keeps building, talking to someone you trust, or a professional can make a real difference 💛

09/06/2026

All young people from 2 to 17 years of age in NSW are now eligible for the free nasal spray flu vaccine.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is gentle, painless and available for free for a limited time at GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and pharmacies.

Many GPs and AMSs are likely to have exhausted their supply by 5 June, but some may have a small allocation of stock available until the 10 July. We recommend parents and carers to call ahead to check with their provider.

Funding for the expanded free nasal spray flu vaccine program in pharmacies has been expanded by another 10,000 doses, which is expected to run out around Thursday 11 June. Families are encouraged to book in as soon as possible before the allocation runs out.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is available for purchase after this date.

We recommend parents and carers call ahead to check availability with their provider. Families are encouraged to book in as soon as possible before the allocation runs out.

Influenza (flu) is serious but isn’t as scary if you’re vaccinated. A flu vaccine offers you and your child the best protection from serious illness.

Learn more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/families_and_individuals.aspx

The yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and over.

Book your family's flu vaccine today: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine

09/06/2026