news

January 2022 Volume 8 Issue 1

View full newsletter here

Message from the CEO - Kim Hosking

On behalf of us all at Country SA PHN I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. As we head into 2022, we once again find ourselves in an ongoing period of uncertainty. Uncertainty at the micro level – what does today hold in store? – through to the macro-level – how will my health, my work life and finances, my children’s education be affected?

As we approach the two-year mark of COVID-19 affecting our lives many of us are feeling the fatigue that comes with this sustained period of upheaval. We now also face the very real prospect of contracting COVID-19 or being close contacts to those who do and what this means for our daily lives. Our ability to function as a society relies on us facing these challenges with understanding, compassion and humility.

At Country SA PHN we are continuing to follow the professional health advice, make appropriate choices and look after our colleagues, contracted service providers and collaborators. We are working from home and meeting online where possible and productive to do so. Despite these changes we maintain our passion for improving primary health outcomes for country South Australians. While we may not be meeting face to face, we continue to focus on ensuring opportunities for access to primary health care services for those living in rural and remote parts of our state.

All South Australians continue to see the benefits of telehealth and other digital health services. Many primary health care services are operating online to benefit country South Australians. We are continuing to support general practice with their unique and challenging issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations and providing regular GP care at such a difficult and busy time. We continue to distribute PPE and manage demand for PPE as well as queries regarding response activities.

Mental health services continue to be of the utmost importance. Ensuring rural and remote communities have access to services when they need them is essential. We continue to fund Regional Access – offering free professional telephone and online counselling 24, hours a day, seven days a week for people 15 years and older, living or working in regional South Australia: www.saregionalaccess.org.au or call 1300 032 186. Our heart is in the health of the country.

Read More
Share this article