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  • Two health workers in surgery gowns and gloves holding "I am the Human Experience" signs.

    Humanising Healthcare: we are the HeART of healing

    Human Experience Week (5-9 May) is our moment to recognise and celebrate the people who shape healthcare experiences every day. Across NSW Health, every action, big or small, has the power to make a difference for our patients, carers, families, and colleagues. This year, we’re inviting everyone to be part of a vital conversation: The… Read more »

  • Six people with a bicycle outside an Emergency Department entrance.

    Port Macquarie Base Hospital’s Ironman volunteer effort

    A dedicated team of 287 medical volunteers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and students, will represent Port Macquarie Base Hospital this weekend as they support one of Australia’s most iconic endurance events — the Port Macquarie Ironman, held on May 4. Led by Medical Directors Simon Ross and Dr Dawn Martin, the hospital’s presence at… Read more »

  • Two men and a woman wearing feather boas, crowns and crazy glasses in a photobooth.

    Kempsey gets quizzical and fun about falls prevention

    Kempsey District Hospital celebrated April Falls 2025, a day of safety awareness and promotion to reduce patient falls. We kicked off with a fun scrub day on 1 April, which included a photo booth and a Falls Prevention Escape room. Throughout the month, the hospital has also marked the occasion with an afternoon tea, accompanied… Read more »

  • A doctor smiling standing in a hospital corridor.

    A flood of community spirit welcomes Dr Genevieve

    When Doctor Genevieve Postlewait arrived for her first shift at Bellinger River District Hospital, she had no idea she was about to experience the heart of Bellingen in full force. Severe weather due to Cyclone Alfred meant floodwaters threatened to cut off the road back to her home. Genevieve came well-prepared, bringing along her two-year-old… Read more »

  • A man looking at a television screen which is broadcasting a message from a nurse.

    Showcasing our careers and lifestyle at the Easter Show

    Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) was proudly represented at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Respiratory Protection Program Fit Test Assessor, Michael Ryan, volunteered to support the NSW Health interactive stall on Easter Sunday. Located in the bustling Woolworths Fresh Food Dome, the NSW Health stall was a hub of activity, offering visitors… Read more »

  • A nurse standing outside a hospital entrance and smiling.

    Zoe returns home to grow her career in Bellingen

    Mid North Coast Local Health District warmly welcomes Clinical Nurse Consultant Zoe Raward, who recently joined Bellinger River District Hospital’s palliative care team. She is returning to the community where her nursing journey first began. With nearly a decade of experience in palliative care, she brings clinical expertise and a deep passion for supporting patients… Read more »

  • Four healthcare workers are smiling and holding certificates.

    An experience that changed me: Schwartz Round at Kempsey

    The Schwartz Rounds Leadership Group held its latest Schwartz Rounds at Kempsey District Hospital on 16 April 2025. Attendees listened to their colleagues’ stories on ‘An experience that changed me’. The panel consisted of Bryce Lacey – Third Year Medical Student, Tegan Saul – AHNM, Midwife RN ED, Kim-Maree Doolan, – Acting Manager, Disaster Recovery… Read more »

  • A nurse holding a coffee mug, sitting at a desk with a computer and notepad.

    Superannuation education webinar series with Aware Super

    Get ready for the end of the financial year by enhancing your superannuation knowledge on investing, insurance and retirement. Running from 1 to 29 May, join Aware Super’s complimentary Superannuation Education webinar series, featuring 15 sessions on topics including building better money habits, Super 101, retirement planning, insurance 101, investing, beneficiaries, estate plans and more…. Read more »

  • A mobile phone screen showing various social media applications.

    Social media: be kind, respectful and professional

    Social media is a powerful tool for connecting, communicating, and celebrating our work across NSW Health. However, it’s important to use it responsibly and in a way that reflects our values of care, integrity, and community. Whether you’re posting personally or professionally, remember that we all represent NSW Health—even online, even on our personal profiles…. Read more »

  • Three movement disorder specialists sitting in a medical office.

    Movement Disorder Service marks two-year anniversary

    Mid North Coast Local Health District’s (MNCLHD) Movement Disorders Neurology Service is celebrating its two-year anniversary of providing specialised care to the community. Launched in April 2023, the service provides patients with a hybrid model blending face-to-face appointments in Coffs Harbour, and telemedicine appointments with specialist neurologists in either Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour. The… Read more »

  • A graphic of lungs

    Updated policy and guide around managing nicotine dependence

    Our staff play an important role in helping patients to stop smoking or vaping, which is why we’ve released the new ‘Managing Nicotine Dependence Guide‘. It offers updated practical guidance, including pharmacotherapy and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Plus, there’s information on patient follow-up and discharge planning, including the role of General Practitioners. It supports our revised… Read more »

  • MA group of five people playing instruments and singing.

    Music brings Easter cheer to Port Macquarie Base Hospital

    Thanks to the efforts of hospital chaplains Bruce Blackbell and Bronwyn Dillon, patients, staff, and visitors at Port Macquarie Base Hospital were treated to a musical interlude this week. The chaplains organised a group of friends to perform for Music in the Atrium, a small event aimed at lifting spirits through music in the lead-up… Read more »

  • A group of older people smiling.

    Support group reduces stigma and boosts friendship

    Adjusting to life with a stoma can be challenging, but Mid North Coast Local Health District Stoma Continence Nurse Mandy Hawkins wants ostomates to know they’re not alone. A stoma is a surgical opening that allows waste to leave the body. It’s a life-saving procedure. It can be a temporary or permanent change for people… Read more »

  • Two women sitting in a garden and smiling.

    Celebrating young people and supporting healthy choices

    Youth Week recognises the strengths, passions, and potential of young people across NSW. This year’s theme celebrates their power as current and future leaders, and here at MNCLHD, our Drug and Alcohol Service is proud to support them with free, confidential services. Today’s youth make healthier choices than previous generations, with many delaying or avoiding substance use… Read more »

  • A scientist pipetting a DNA sample into an Eppendorf tube.

    Meet our new R3 Northern Clinical Trial Coordinators

    Four experienced professionals have been appointed Clinical Trial Coordinators based in MNCLHD as part of the R3 Northern Cluster Clinical Trial support unit (R3 NCCTSU). This new unit is dedicated to enhancing clinical trial capabilities outside of Oncology and Haematology and providing more equitable access to cutting-edge medical research for patients in Northern NSW’s rural,… Read more »

  • A woman holding a microphone, speaking to a room full of people

    Regional trauma expertise on show at collaborative ITIM event

    The NSW Institute of Trauma and Injury Management (ITIM), in partnership with trauma teams from Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and John Hunter, recently hosted a successful regional trauma education event, bringing together clinical experts, students, and healthcare professionals with a shared commitment to improving trauma care. Held on 1 April at Charles Sturt University and… Read more »

  • A group of men and women in health uniforms at a marquee stall outdoors.

    Making connections at Bowraville Health and Wellbeing Expo

    On 4 April, the Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) hosted a Health and Wellbeing Expo in Bowraville, bringing together local services and community members in a vibrant afternoon of connection and support. The event was a resounding success, with 35 stallholders and over 70 community members attending. The idea for the Expo emerged directly from community… Read more »

  • A group of people smiling in a hospital corridor surrounded by Christmas decorations.

    Music in the Atrium bringing joy this Easter

    Patients, staff, and visitors at Port Macquarie Base Hospital are in for a special musical treat this Easter. The hospital chaplains have organised Music in the Atrium, a heartfelt event to lift spirits through song and melody. On Tuesday, 15 April, the Atrium will come alive with the sounds of Easter music: 11:30 am –… Read more »

  • Drawings and red notes children created on paper.

    Healthy relationships and health education at Kempsey High

    As part of NSW Youth Week 2025, the Domestic Violence Prevention Education Program (DVPEP) and the Women’s Health Team delivered impactful workshops at Kempsey High School from 1-3 April. These sessions, designed for students in Years 7, 8, and 9, focused on building awareness around healthy relationships and girls’ health, fostering open discussions and empowering… Read more »

  • Five women standing and smiling, one woman seated and smiling. On the table in front of them is a piece of hospital equipment to detect bedwetting.

    Life-changing equipment will help children and families

    Thanks to the generosity of Macleay Valley local Gail Burn and the Lilli Pilli Ladies, families needing bed alarms to help children stop persistent bedwetting now have improved access to the devices. Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) had two bed alarms to share with needy families across the Hastings Macleay Clinical Network before… Read more »

  • Five women standing arm-in-arm smiling.

    Celebrating International Social Work Day

    On March 18, we celebrated International Social Work Day, a special time to thank the amazing social workers in the Mid North Coast Local Health District, who provide services in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community settings. Social workers are vital in helping patients and families during difficult times. They offer support, advice, and resources to help people cope with… Read more »

  • Three women in healthcare uniforms standing in front of an information stall at a wellness expo.

    Community connects at Kempsey Health and Wellness Expo

    Kempsey locals had the opportunity to explore a wide range of health, wellness, and support services at a community expo held at Kempsey Central on 2 April 2025. The event brought together local providers to share information, offer hands-on activities, and connect residents with services to support their health and wellbeing. NSW Health was well… Read more »

  • An elderly man smiling and holding up hand weights. In the background are four more people laughing and working out in a hospital therapy room.

    Doug Short: Farewell to an outstanding volunteer

    With deep sadness and great respect, we share the passing of Douglas “Doug” Short, President of Heart Health NSW and a tireless advocate for cardiac patients in the Port Macquarie community. Doug’s dedication to the wellbeing of others was unwavering. For over a decade, he served as a guiding force in our organisation, ensuring that… Read more »

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