NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Laos achieve more substantive progress in building community with shared future

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China, Laos achieve more substantive progress in building community with shared future

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 13 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from Friday to Saturday after attending the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation here, stressing to continue to deepen practical cooperation with Laos.

    Li, together with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, attended the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building here on Saturday. Speaking at the ceremony, Li extended warm congratulations on the successful completion of the project, highlighting the hospital as the largest in scale, most comprehensive in functions, and best equipped modern comprehensive hospital and medical teaching base in Laos.

    As a flagship overseas project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the Mahosot Hospital has played an important role in improving medical conditions and safeguarding the health of the Lao people.

    Vilaphan Keokuman, deputy chief of the ear, nose, and throat department at Mahosot Hospital, said: “The brand-new building, modern facilities and equipment of the hospital, as well as its capacity to accommodate more patients, provide us with greater convenience.”

    Premier Li emphasized in his speech at the ceremony that in recent years, the two countries have closely focused on building a community with a shared future with high standards, high quality, and high level, strengthened the synergy of development strategies, continued to deepen practical cooperation, and worked hard to complete a number of important infrastructure projects, injecting strong impetus into the economic development and improvement of people’s livelihood in both countries.

    During his meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, Li said China and Laos should enhance practical cooperation in trade, investment, production capacity, electricity, minerals and other fields, calling on both sides to further tap potentials, give full play to the driving-effect of the China-Laos Railway, and push for more visible results in all-around cooperation.

    While talking with Sonexay, Li pointed out that China is ready to work with Laos to speed up the development along the China-Laos Railway and juxtaposed border control, and strengthen cooperation in new energy, advanced manufacturing, digital economy and artificial intelligence, among other fields.

    Launched in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway, which serves as Laos’ first modern railway, has facilitated the transportation of over 10 million tonnes of goods valued at approximately 5.74 billion U.S. dollars as of September 2024, according to local authorities.

    During Li’s visit, China and Laos released a joint statement focused on mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality.

    In the statement, the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen practical cooperation under the framework of strategic alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Laos’ strategy to “convert the landlocked country into a land-linked hub”, and jointly implement the outline of the Belt and Road cooperation plan between the two countries.

    Currently, China is the largest foreign investor in Laos, and Laos sees huge potential for further deepening cooperation with China across various fields including the export of agricultural products, the import of electric vehicles and trucks, tourism, hotels and restaurants, and electricity, mining, and solar energy.

    Analysts said that both China and Laos are poised to take Premier Li’s visit, alongside the 15th anniversary of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, as pivotal moments to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

    Lu Guangsheng, a professor at Yunnan University’s Institute of International Relations, said China and ASEAN, including Laos, have strong industrial complementarity.

    “China requires new drivers from Laos, while Laos looks to China for industrial support,” he remarked, suggesting that this mutual dependence will foster constructive strategies for promoting high-level openness and advancing the shared vision for a community with a shared future for humanity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star set to accelerate world’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) economy with market projected to reach $2.7 trillion by 2032

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 13, 2024/APO Group/ —

    GITEX GLOBAL (www.Gitex.com), the world’s largest tech and startup event, takes centre stage in the UAE next week with this year’s 44th edition destined to redefine the world’s digital economy and AI ecosystem.

    Held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, the incomparable international showpiece will be more influential than ever this time around – presenting an expanded events programme that transforms the UAE into an AI universe epicentre.

    Under the theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy”, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 welcomes the world’s largest technology enterprises alongside governments, investors, experts, startups, academia, and researchers.  

    Expand North Star (http://apo-opa.co/405aSCm), the world’s largest startup and investment show, runs concurrently at Dubai Harbour from 13-16 October – hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by DWTC.

    With over 6,500 exhibiting companies, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries participating across 38 halls of innovation and business opportunities, these blockbuster events will see the UAE “strategically propel the next generation of AI-driven technologies”.

    Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, said: “At GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, we shall close the year with significant manoeuvres from our tech community by doubling down on global collaborations and intensive engagements amongst all involved. Through these efforts, we shall forge competitive advantages in the race towards regional and international digital supremacy.

    “With international participation in GITEX GLOBAL 2024 rocketing by almost 40 per cent, it’s a barometer of the unstoppable ambitions of many young rising digital nations who are now confidently forging their ways into the future global AI economy through GITEX. As the world’s most global tech event brand with events in Germany, Singapore, Morocco, and Nigeria alongside Expand North Star, we are committed to strategically propelling the next generation of AI-driven technologies via startups, scale-ups and unicorns.”

    A global agenda for tomorrow’s AI economy

    According to Fortune Business Insights, the global AI market is projected to reach $621 billion in 2024 and soar to $2.7 trillion by 2032. Given its influence and impact now and in the future, the technology takes centre stage at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 with over 3,500 enterprises presenting the latest breakthrough innovations in AI, IoT, data, and the cloud.

    Amongst them is TECOM Group PJSC, which celebrates its 25th successive year at GITEX GLOBAL next week. Ahead of the event, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group PJSC and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: “Dubai’s pro-innovation frameworks are the bedrock of tech advancements that serve a greater purpose. GITEX GLOBAL is a springboard to unlock this potential, and as the region’s leading tech hub, Dubai Internet City has been a proud partner for decades in its mission towards a brighter future. Our community is pleased to connect innovators from more than 3,500 companies across fields like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, digital transformation, and beyond to realise this vision.”

    Abu Dhabi’s most influential companies and organisations, including the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and G42 Group with its leading enterprises Presight and Khazna, will reinforce the Emirate’s position as an emerging global AI nexus. Other tech giants participating are Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Builder Ai, Dell, Google, Honeywell, Huawei, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, Salesforce, SAS, solutions by STC, and Tech Destination Pakistan.

    Presenting the year’s largest AI event, GITEX GLOBAL will deliver 120-plus hours of AI and deep tech-focused content across various topics, facilitating discussions on the implications of AI in Future Health, Digital Finance, and EdTech. Following the wildfire pace of AI adoption and the unprecedented growth in data storage demand, the event is also launching the region’s largest Data Centre Symposium in 2024, featuring the industry leaders Datalec, Kerno, Khazna, Legrand, NTT Data, Schneider Electric, Vertiv, among many others.

    The programme will build anticipation ahead of the all-new AI Everything Global 2025. This event – taking place in Abu Dhabi (4 February) and Dubai (5-6 February) will gather some of the world’s most visionary AI tech companies to construct an innovative, fair, and responsible AI industry of the future.

    Fast-tracking the next generation of startups

    The world’s largest startup and investment event, Expand North Star will foster the next frontier of tech and innovation. In another record-breaking edition, the event will connect the most innovative global founders with new markets, enterprise customers, and an influential pool of investors and venture capitalists with over $1.2 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). These include SOSV, Bessemer Ventures, Lightrock, Sinovation Ventures, and the European Innovation Fund.

    Additionally, Expand North Star will seek to redefine the future of money, blockchain, and creativity through leading co-located events GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. Accelerating the next generation of scaleups, the world’s largest start-up pitch competition, Supernova Challenge 2.0, also graces GITEX GLOBAL with the winners claiming a share of the $200,000 prize pool.

    Historic international involvement

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 will welcome the highest international attendance in its history, welcoming over 400 government and digital development agencies from around the world. Alongside GITEX GLOBAL regulars, the new nations debuting this year will showcase their latest groundbreaking tech innovations.

    Next week marks the largest European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with over 35 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups from debuting countries, including Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia.

    Many rising digital nations from Latin America are also behind the record-breaking international involvement, as are those from Central and Southeast Asia. Joining long-time GITEX GLOBAL participants such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are several debutants – Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan amongst them.

    While promoting international business development, entrepreneurship, and investment engagements to benefit enterprises, organisations, and SMEs alike, GITEX GLOBAL welcomes the European Innovation Council for the first time, Europe’s biggest deep-tech investor.

    It will also see significant collaborations with global organisations from all continents, such as the European Innovation Council, Tech Destination Pakistan, IE University, University College London (UCL), Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and key corporate ventures from leading tech enterprises such as Sony, Honda, Standard Chartered, QIC, and many more.

    An action-packed agenda

    Throughout its six-day duration, GITEX GLOBAL will become a microcosm of the world, launching industry-defining programmes such as GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos. In 2024, the event will connect 59 top global unicorns, such as Axelera, DeepL, Insilico Medicine, and Synthesis AI.

    The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit is another must-attend show with global innovators and influential leaders set to address critical priorities shaping the future of technology. Additionally, GITEX Cyber Valley is this year’s most anticipated cybersecurity showcase – hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council. With specialists forecasting that damage costs could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the show will present a power-packed conference agenda as the world’s most influential CISOs, CIOs, and GRC leaders to discuss the risks of global cybercrime.  

    Leo Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President & President of Enterprise Sales at Huawei, which will be present with a flagship stand at the event, commented on the possibilities unlocked at the event for the industry: “GITEX GLOBAL offers a unique platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogues with industry peers about the trends and perspectives on industrial intelligence. We look forward to sharing our insights and learning from others to explore the endless possibilities of industrial digital and intelligent transformation.”

    For more information on GITEX GLOBAL 2024 and to secure your passes, please visit http://www.Gitex.com. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Ho Man Tin today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a building in Ho Man Tin this morning (October 13), in which a male worker, while dismantling a bamboo scaffold at the external walls of the building, fell from height to the ground. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

         The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the dismantling, alteration and use of the bamboo scaffold at the external walls of the building. The contractors cannot resume the work until the LD is satisfied that measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”

         The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”

         To prevent workers from falling from height while dismantling bamboo scaffolds at external walls of buildings, the LD reminds employers to take suitable safety measures, including providing every worker engaged in the work with a suitable safety harness that is attached continuously to a suitable and secure anchor point, an independent lifeline or a fall arresting system, and ensuring the proper use of the safety equipment by the workers concerned throughout the work.

         The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years on conviction on indictment; or $3 million and imprisonment for six months on summary conviction.

         In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

         The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

         For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal for information following man found in a critical condition, Whangamarino

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    In the early Hours of this morning, 14 October, a man was located with critical injuries on Hampton Downs Road, Whangamarino.

    The man remains in a critical condition in Auckland City Hospital.

    Police are working to determine the circumstances that led to the man being injured.

    Cordons are in place between Hampton Downs Road / junction with Hampton Downs landfill access road and Hampton Downs Road nearby Chris Amon Drive.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241014/2225.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election anniversary: a year into 3-party coalition government, can the centre hold?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Nearly a year on from its formation, it’s clear a three-party coalition is not quite the same as the two-party versions New Zealand is accustomed to.

    Normally, the primary dynamic has been clear: the major party sets the pace while the smaller governing partner receives a bauble or two for supporting the lead act. There may be occasional concerns about tails wagging dogs, but the dog is clearly in charge.

    With the present National-ACT-NZ First coalition, however, things are more complex and less predictable. The dog has two tails, both of which are more than capable of vigorous wagging.

    On the anniversary of the 2023 election, which produced the first three-party coalition government since the MMP system was adopted in 1996, we are perhaps beginning to get a picture of where dog ends and tails begin.

    Speed wobbles

    If that picture has been a little blurry until now it’s partly because of the speed with which the government has moved – not always to its own advantage.

    In the process of ticking off the 49 items on its plan for the first 100 days, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s administration has kept some election promises but broken or fudged others, having to backtrack as a result.

    It has delivered tax cuts, but been forced to trim and cap spending in areas (like health and infrastructure) crying out for extra investment.

    It has given the impression of urgency and action with its Fast-track Approvals Bill. But it had to scrap the policy’s core element of granting three ministers unprecedented constitutional authority over which projects to fast-track.

    Concerns about executive overreach and potential conflicts of interest have dogged other policy areas, too. These range from the repeal of ground-breaking smoke-free legislation to firearms control – both the responsibility of junior coalition party ministers.

    This sense of a government somewhat at odds with itself extends to the swingeing cuts made to the public service workforce. Marketed as freeing up resources for front-line staff, the cuts are increasingly likely to be affecting actual service delivery in health, police, defence and elsewhere.

    Executive overreach? A protest march in Auckland against the government’s fast-track consenting legislation.
    Getty Images

    An ‘executive paradise’

    Some of this can be put down to a new government’s distrust of a public service inherited from its predecessor, and a desire to make the most of its first year before the shadow election campaign kicks off mid-term.

    But the coalition’s vigorous embrace of the executive authority baked into New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements has still been something to behold. As constitutional lawyer and former prime minister Geoffrey Palmer put it, the fast-track legislation risked turning New Zealand into “an executive paradise, not a democratic paradise”.

    The government has used parliamentary urgency more frequently than any other contemporary administration. It has been rattling legislation through the House faster than the wheels of parliamentary democracy are meant to turn.

    Submitters on the Māori wards legislation, for example, were given just three working days to prepare their arguments. Those wanting to comment on the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill had four days.

    And the government has been making less use of parliament’s expert select committees than is standard practice. This has limited public participation and constrained scrutiny of proposed legislation.

    Ministers have also been prepared to ignore public service advice while paying plenty of attention to operational matters in the departments that furnish that advice.

    New Zealand’s system of public management distinguishes between ministers’ responsibility for policy outcomes and senior officials’ responsibility for the operational decisions required to deliver those outcomes.

    Nonetheless, Cabinet has commandeered oversight of operational matters in Whaikaha/Ministry of Disabled People, following botched communications over changes in disability funding. And civil servants have recently been told to stop working from home and return to the office.

    The government will be betting this tactical disposition bolsters its “getting stuff done” narrative. But no one wants a concern with short-term operational details to come at the expense of long-term policy thinking.

    Treaty principles pantomime

    Nowhere is the coalition’s internal tension more evident, however, than in its confrontational approach to Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi issues.

    Having courted voters already sceptical or disgruntled about Māori cultural assertiveness, the coalition moved fast to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora/Māori Health Authority, repeal legislation supporting Māori wards in local government, row back on official use of te reo Māori, and cut funding for Māori language revitalisation.

    But its proposed Treaty Principles Bill – an ACT Party initiative – looks set to be especially constitutionally fraught and politically divisive.

    National and NZ First have indicated they will not support the bill beyond its first reading, but have agreed it will receive a full six months in front of a select committee.

    This only raises the question of why any parliamentary time and money should be spent on the proposal at all – especially given the government’s supposed “laser focus” on cost and efficiency elsewhere.

    Can the centre hold?

    The politics around the Treaty Principles Bill also reveal just how much the prime minister has had to cede to ACT, for whom the proposed legislation was a bottom line during the government formation process.

    And it inevitably casts doubt on the extent and exercise of prime ministerial authority under three-way governing arrangements. ACT leader and soon-to-be deputy prime minister David Seymour has questioned Christopher Luxon’s authority more than once.

    And Luxon’s apparent unwillingness to at least censure an under-performing minister from another party (NZ First’s Casey Costello, for example) contrasts starkly with his firmer treatment of those in his own National Party (Melissa Lee and Penny Simmons, both demoted).

    One year into a three-year term, these issues can perhaps be dismissed as part of the process of bedding down a new government. But politics never rests. Winston Peters hands the deputy prime minister role to David Seymour at the end of next May. Both NZ First and ACT will want to distinguish themselves from National.

    As the next election nears and the jockeying for attention begins, the prime minister’s authority over his administration, and the coalition’s coherence, will be tested further.

    Richard Shaw does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Election anniversary: a year into 3-party coalition government, can the centre hold? – https://theconversation.com/election-anniversary-a-year-into-3-party-coalition-government-can-the-centre-hold-240189

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Procter, Professor and Chair: Mental Health Nursing, University of South Australia

    Escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon in recent weeks, has brought news of death, casualties and displacement.

    In response, the Australian government has organised evacuation flights for Australian citizens and is urging all Australians in Lebanon to take the earliest available flights due to the unpredictable nature of the conflict.

    For the more than 248,000 Australians with Lebanese ancestry, and others, this has been a deeply distressing time.

    Escalating violence in Lebanon has also resonated deeply with other diasporas in Australia, such as those from Palestine and Ukraine. These scattered communities share similar experiences of conflict and displacement.

    So how do Australians with links to Lebanon, Gaza or other conflict zones look after their mental health at this time? And how can you support others who may be struggling?

    Identifying with pain and suffering

    People with emotional ties to conflict zones overseas identify with the pain and suffering they see and hear. Australians with shared cultural heritage may be living in the shadow of homeland events and experiencing what research has called “push-pull” dynamics.

    This may be experiencing periods of calm and ease mixed with intermittent periods of intense fear, uncertainty and emotional pain as upsetting events unfold.

    For some, sleeplessness, irritability, fear, frustration, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion combine. People are no longer isolated from their country of origin. Rather, global events influence their personal and social life, and mental health.

    The way people manage the interplay between homeland events, sense of powerlessness, and mental health in Australia are complex. It is easy to be rapidly consumed by what is happening. Events are graphic, compelling and fast moving.

    How to look after yourself

    So what can you do if you notice yourself or someone close to you is becoming impacted?

    Know your distress triggers. For some, this might be witnessing violence on television news or social media. For others, this might be stories about children and young people who have been killed. Seeing and hearing images and stories can be distressing if they are repeated across multiple platforms. Some people may need to minimise their media exposure.

    Talk to people you trust about how you are feeling. Describe what is happening and what you notice about yourself. If you are feeling fragile or concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of a loved one, seek support from your health-care provider.

    Reconnect with and strengthen personal support networks. Supportive cultural connections and family members, and other supports including friends and colleagues, can protect against the onset or worsening of mental distress.

    Getting help early can create more options for support. It can also make it easier to accept help in the future.

    Refer to trusted sources of information and calibrate media exposure. While many people need to know about events, news stories and imagery are distressing.

    Incorporate activities that comfort and distract you, and make your situation feel safer. This can include:

    • spending time with family members or friends

    • spiritual, faith or religious reconnecting

    • distraction through music or food.

    Avoid taking devices to bed to protect your sleep and your mental health.

    How to support others

    If you work with or support someone who is impacted, recognise this is a time for sensitivity and compassion. Show you are concerned and, at the same time, check they’re OK. Ask:

    What would be most helpful in our support for you?

    What is the best way for me/the team at work to be supportive and alongside you?

    It is also important to ask about someone’s mental health. You can ask:

    With events unfolding, how are things at home for you right now?

    When validating a person’s experience, remember it is not always important to know personal detail or circumstances in fine detail. What is important is to demonstrate genuine interest, create trust and psychological safety. Aim to really listen, rather than listening so you can respond.

    As a friend, colleague or manager, offering support and listening without judgement may help a person impacted by global catastrophic events.

    In times like these, validation, human connection and support are some of the best things you can do to protect your own and other people’s mental health.

    Sometimes it can be hard to find the words. Here’s what we know helps.

    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

    Nicholas Procter currently receives funding from Overseas Services to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Foundation House and SA Health. He has previously received sitting fees from the Department of Home Affairs.

    Mary Anne Kenny has previous received funding from the Australian Research Council and sitting fees from the Department of Home Affairs.

    – ref. How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone – https://theconversation.com/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-right-now-if-you-have-family-in-the-middle-east-or-another-conflict-zone-240995

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Waikanae closure another symptom of funding debacle, urgent cure needed

    Source: GenPro

    The closure of a satellite medical practice at Waikanae Beach is the latest symptom of a growing crisis in primary healthcare caused by years of inadequate funding.

    “Waikanae Beach patients, many of whom are elderly and high needs, will now have to travel much further to access medical help at Waikanae Health. This puts more even pressure on this health provider,” said Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (GenPro).

    “In addition to closing its satellite practice, Waikanae Health also says it has stopped taking on new patients, withdrawn from delivering care at four rest homes, and quit almost all out-of-hours and home consultations. All would have been difficult decisions for the owners of the practice.

    “The biggest concern is the impact on patients. But it’s also sad that this, and other closures and reductions in services, elicit no response from the government or Te Whatu Ora, which seem resigned to the gradual erosion of primary healthcare”.

    “The state is disinterested in these closures and appears to expect general practice care to be replaced by pharmacies and telehealth, as they are cheaper options. Government is either unconcerned or ignorant to the fact that outcomes will suffer and cost more in the long term,” Dr Chambers said.

    General practices are in crisis due to years of under-funding by government and are constrained by out-of-date rules which limit patient charges. They’re also struggling with higher costs, greater patient need, and shortages of medical professionals.

    The pressures facing general practices are well documented. Barely a month goes by without a general practice closing, ceasing patient enrolments, or reducing services such as after-hours care.
     
    “Waikanae’s issues are also reflective of the national trend for hospitals to push more and more patients back to GPs, and the impact of changes in eligibility for Community Services Cards that disadvantaged some practices with a high proportion of card holders with high health needs, such as Waikanae.
     
    “The result of this cocktail of problems is that practices are struggling to stay afloat and retain and recruit GPs, meaning long days and staff burn out. Early retirement, reduction in services and, as we regrettably see again today, practice closures are logical consequences. “
     
    “The government must as a matter of urgency increase its support of primary healthcare, overhaul the current out-of-date funding model, and help increase the supply of medical professionals into primary healthcare,” said Dr Chambers.

    GenPro, which represents about half of all general practices in Aotearoa, is ready to work with the Minister of Health and the Health NZ Commissioner to develop the solutions needed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Major funding boost for the Asylum Seekers Centre

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 11 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health, Minister for Multiculturalism

    The Asylum Seekers Centre will be able to expand primary care clinics and meet the increasingly complex health needs of some of Sydney’s most vulnerable residents, thanks to a grant of more than $1 million from the NSW Government.

    Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced funding of $1.07 million over three years for the Centre, which will help employ more clinical staff to manage the growing number of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the asylum seeker community.

    The funding will also help the Centre address the increasing need and cost of medicine for members of the community without access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

    The Asylum Seekers Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1993 and offers practical and personal support to people seeking asylum. The Centre also provides primary healthcare services for people seeking asylum with limited Medicare eligibility through a specialist nurse-led health service with volunteer GPs and other specialists.

    The Centre’s health service runs four GP clinics per week and has seen an 81 per cent increase in visits since June 2022. The complexity of visits has increased due to growing mental health presentations, an ageing population, and increased demand for pharmaceuticals, compounded by rising costs.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “This funding will allow people seeking asylum to access critical healthcare services they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

    “Without access to the valuable work of the Asylum Seekers Centre, patients would often have nowhere else to turn but to our already busy emergency departments.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper:

    “NSW settles a significant proportion of people fleeing conflicts in Australia. They are an important part of the NSW community and we must ensure they have access to the services they need.

    “We are proud to support the Asylum Seekers Centre to facilitate access to essential primary health care to those who need it most.”

    Quotes attributable to Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Frances Rush OAM:

    “The Asylum Seekers Centre Health Clinic relies on the support of the state government, as well as the generosity of our GPs, physiotherapists, and others who provide their services for free, including partner organisations that provide free access to optometry and dentistry.”

    “The Asylum Seekers Centre is appreciative of both the Minister’s support for the Centre’s Health Clinic and the recognition of the often-precarious plight that people seeking asylum in our state face.”

    “Without access to the Centre’s pharmaceutical services, many people seeking asylum would not have the means to access life-saving medication – a priority healthcare right for all.”

    “This funding will go a long way to help address the great need in our community, enhancing the health and lives of people seeking asylum.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Paper highlights significant burden of healthcare-associated infections in public hospitals

    Source: Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission

    Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in public hospitals are estimated to have cost the health care system $955 million in 2021 and to have caused more disability than road traffic crashes.
    These infections can have a significant impact on patients and their whānau, causing longer hospital stays, delaying return to work or normal activities and, in severe cases, can lead to death. There are also additional costs for primary and community-based care, such as follow up GP visits and rehabilitation.
    A paper produced by Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission on the annual economic burden of HAIs in terms of cost, deaths and disability has now been published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology journal.
    It highlights this national burden and will inform a strategy to reduce HAIs across Aotearoa New Zealand.
    Clinical lead of the surgical site infection improvement programme at Te Tāhū Hauora and clinical microbiologist, Dr Arthur Morris, says that understanding the burden infections have on the health care system is an important step toward making positive change.
    Dr Morris says, ‘Our data from 2021 shows that the burden of infections on the health care system is high. However, there are already quality improvement activities underway in districts to reduce them happening.
    ‘One example is the Surgical Site Infection Improvement Programme, which has achieved and sustained 20 and 25 percent reductions in infections following orthopaedic and cardiac surgery respectively.
    ‘Our goal is to identify which of those activities will have the biggest impact and then roll them out on a national level.’
    Dr Morris says our rate of healthcare-associated infections is not unusual internationally.
    ‘It’s difficult to compare the rate of healthcare-associated infections in New Zealand with those of other countries because there are differences in the surveillance methods.
    ‘However, reviewing other countries using similar methodology showed the prevalence of these infections in adult patients in New Zealand was comparable to Europe, Wales and Switzerland and less than that of Australia and Singapore.’
    Te Tāhū Hauora is working with the health care sector to identify the priorities for improving infection prevention and control practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
    Background
    Te Tāhū Hauora, in partnership with district health boards, carried out Aotearoa New Zealand’s first national point prevalence survey (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in public hospitals in 2021.
    A report was published by Te Tāhū Hauora in 2022 and the findings were published in Journal of Hospital Infection in 2023.
    The data from the national point prevalence survey has now been used to calculate the annual economic burden of HAIs in terms of cost, deaths and disability. These findings are detailed in the paper published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology journal, ‘The burden of healthcare-associated infections in New Zealand public hospitals 2021’.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Approves $825 Million to Helene Survivors and Communities, President Biden and Administrator Criswell Travel to Florida

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Approves $825 Million to Helene Survivors and Communities, President Biden and Administrator Criswell Travel to Florida

    Biden-Harris Administration Approves $825 Million to Helene Survivors and Communities, President Biden and Administrator Criswell Travel to Florida

    FEMA received over 250,000 applications for assistance in one day, making it the busiest day in the agency’s history for registrations

    WASHINGTON – FEMA remains fully committed to assisting survivors affected by Helene and Milton as response teams work tirelessly to address immediate needs. 

    Today, President Biden and FEMA Administrator Criswell traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. On Friday, in response to Milton, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, unlocking federal funds for survivors in 34 counties for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Survivors also have access to Serious Needs Assistance, for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. 

    Yesterday, FEMA experienced a record-breaking day with over 250,000 applications, making it the busiest day in FEMA history for registrations inclusive of all storms. Applying online at disasterassistance.gov is the best way to apply for assistance.

    Throughout the Southeast, over 9,600 total federal personnel are deployed, including 4,100 FEMA personnel on the ground, working closely with state officials to ensure survivors receive the support they need. As of today, FEMA has approved $474 million in assistance for individuals and communities affected and over $351 million for debris removal and activities to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent damage to public and private property.

    Hurricane Milton Recovery Update

    While Hurricane Milton has passed, people in Milton-affected areas should continue following safety guidance from local officials – stay clear of downed power lines and continue to practice power outage and generator safety. 

    Power Restoration: Power restoration efforts have significantly improved across the region following Hurricane Milton. Crews have continued to work around the clock and have restored over 71% of the power outages.  

    Debris: FEMA is currently working with state and local officials on debris removal plans for areas affected by the storms. Residents should pay attention to local guidance related to debris removal in their area.  

    Staffing: More than 800 FEMA staff are on the ground providing support to affected communities. FEMA mobilized search and rescue teams, disaster response units and vital resources across Florida. Urban Search and Rescue continues to support state search and rescue teams, the National Guard, and local authorities. Federal teams supplemented the state’s critical operations such as water rescues, Emergency Operations Center support, volunteer and donations management and fire/HAZMAT response.

    Sheltering: Over 40 shelters are currently housing over 2,700 people impacted by Milton, a significant decrease from nearly 13,000 earlier in the week.  

    Commodities: FEMA has delivered more than 1.2 million meals and 392,000 liters of water to augment the state’s supplies. FEMA has an additional 7.2 million meals and 4 million liters of water available to support survivors of Hurricane Milton, ensuring critical supplies are ready for immediate distribution. 

    Hurricane Helene Recovery Updates

    FEMA has approved $474 million in federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors and over $351 million in public assistance funding to help communities rebuild.  
     
    Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue, with federal responders working throughout the region to provide immediate and long-term support. FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open across the region to provide support.

    The agency is actively working alongside state, local and tribal partners to assess damage and support those affected by Helene. Over 9,600 personnel from across the federal workforce, including FEMA staff, are deployed to affected communities. To date, FEMA has delivered over 12.6 million meals and more than 12.8 million liters of water to the region. 

    Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.   

    There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:  

    Support for North Carolina

    Financial Support: FEMA has approved more than $86 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 66,800 households.

    Power and Cellular Restoration: More than 96% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Cellular restoration continues to improve, with more than 93% of cellular sites in service as of today.  

    Staffing: As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,250 FEMA staff are on the ground providing support to affected communities. Over 350 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teamshave rescued or supported over 3,100 survivors to date.

    Sheltering: More than 2,225 families who cannot return home are staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. FEMA will notify applicants of their eligibility for this assistance through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. Shelter numbers continue to decline, with 14 shelters housing just over 500 occupants. 

    Commodities: Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations remain in areas of western North Carolina. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are helping survivors in heavily affected areas, including mass feeding sites in Buncombe and Watauga counties serving locations across the impacted areas. 

    Resources

    • There are more than 300 Disaster Survivor Assistance members supporting neighborhoods in four counties to connect survivors with the assistance they need.
    • There are four Disaster Recovery Centers now open, where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery.  To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
    • Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.  

    Support for Florida

    As Helene recovery efforts continue in Florida, FEMA has approved more than $164 million for over 53,700 households. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities affected by Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors are visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

    There are 82 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and three Disaster Recovery Centers are open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Additional centers will reopen following assessments to the facilities impacted by Milton. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  

    Support for South Carolina

    As recovery efforts continue in South Carolina, FEMA has approved over $114 million for more than 129,500 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, continuing to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    There are 76 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and one Disaster Recovery Center is open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. 

    Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 

    Support for Georgia

    FEMA has approved over $94 million for more than 99,800 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    There are 129 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and two Disaster Recovery Centers are open with another opening today where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Resources: Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene. 

    Support for Virginia  

    To date, FEMA has approved over $3.9 million for over 1,220 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    There are about 40 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and three Disaster Recovery Centers open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov)

    Support for Tennessee

    FEMA has approved more than $10 million for disaster assistance for over 2,036 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    There are more than 40 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors without cell coverage or power.

    Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    Voluntary Organizations

    Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has hundreds of trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. Additionally, they are helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page where people can enter pertinent information about the person they’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

    FEMA remains steadfast in its mission to support survivors as they begin their recovery from these historic storms. The agency will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by Milton and Helene.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bulldogs are beautiful companions & worthy AFL team mascots

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    It was Harry S Truman who said “If you want a friend in (insert name of city where politicians gather), get a dog”.

    Not to malign my many friends in Canberra, Truman had a point.

    My life would be infinitely poorer had I not shared so much of it with dogs.

    And there is one breed of dog in particular that has a very special place in my heart — the British bulldog.

    I love bulldogs. I have a bulldog, Walter. I had two bulldogs until last year when my beloved Tilly died at the ripe old age of 11.

    As honorary patron of the British Bulldog Club of Victoria, I feel it is my solemn duty to speak on behalf of not just the Walters and the Tillies of this country, but on behalf of all bulldogs.

    These canine companions are magnificent. They are loyal, don’t mind a pat (therapeutic for the patter and the pattee), and are content to lie under your study desk ‘til the wee small hours blissfully unstressed by matters of policy and politics.

    So having declared upfront my bias for these lovable lumps, you will understand my outrage that it has been suggested the Western Bulldogs AFL team should drop the bulldog as its mascot.

    The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claim the Western Bulldogs club is “supporting the intentional breeding of dogs with painful and debilitating deformities and encouraging people to buy dogs with extreme features that cause them to suffer”.

    Excuse me for being blunt but what a load of rubbish.

    PETA thinks that the Western Bulldogs should rebrand as “the Mutts” to encourage people to “adopt, don’t shop”.

    Don’t get me wrong, pet rescue organisations are absolutely worthy of praise for the role they play.

    But to be honest, PETA’s extreme stance is an insult to ethical breeders of bulldogs and responsible owners alike.

    Bulldogs are one of the breeds known as brachycephalic. They’re dogs that generally have wider, shortened heads and a shortened snout. People sometimes refer to them as having squished faces — just one of their many endearing attributes.

    You know the ones I’m talking about — the chonks that are British bulldogs, Australian bulldogs and their little Frenchie mates, boxers, pugs, chihuahuas, shih tzus and a long list of others.

    Just as poodles have curly hair, and great Danes have long legs, bulldogs have turned up noses. It’s just how they are.

    But, we cannot be naive. There are unethical breeders who will breed features into these dogs because there is a demand for a certain look such as a squishier face. Designer dogs as they’re known.

    But to get that squishier face you also get increased folds of skin around and inside the nose and throat, and that can lead to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS.

    BOAS can affect a dog’s ability to breathe, and affected pups can struggle to cope with the heat or even the most usual of activities like exercise, play, eating, drinking and sleeping.

    But PETA is wrong to pretend there has not been extensive research carried out to ensure the wellbeing of bulldogs in Australia.

    Dogs Australia is dedicated to improving the health of dogs and administers the respiratory function grading scheme.

    This groundbreaking scheme by the Kennel Club and the Cambridge Veterinary School provides an international, collaborative, and evidence-based approach — with a clinical assessment and exercise tolerance test — to help improve the health of BOAS-affected breeds globally.

    The data dogs is then shared on the Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID). Breeders can then access this information and make an evidence-based selection of the most suitable stock for breeding purposes.

    The RGF scheme has four grades — 0 means no evidence of BOAS; 1 means mild BOAS; 2 is moderate BOAS; and 3 means clinically affected or severe BOAS.

    And do you know what has happened since the scheme was introduced and breeders had access to the data in the UK? Vets are recording fewer and fewer scores of 2 and 3 in the brachy dogs they see.

    So, just as you can introduce problems into a breed, you can also breed them out. You just need to give people the right information.

    I met several owners and breeders at the Melbourne Royal Show a few weeks ago, who proudly showed their British bulldogs are just as cuddly and affectionate as they are well bred — and always on the lookout for snacks. And I say that with absolutely no judgment.

    Bottom line is, they love their bulldogs.

    And Western Bulldogs fans love their mascot.

    To suggest that big, boofy head should be replaced on the team’s logo is sacrilege.

    Originally published in The West Australian Monday 14 October 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Songs of freedom: Unplugging rules that prevent venues choosing their music

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Songs of freedom: Unplugging rules that prevent venues choosing their music

    Published: 13 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    Baffling restrictions on licensed venues that include “no entertainment” clauses are being torn up as part of the Minns Labor Government’s committment to bring back live music and nightlife to Sydney and across the state.

    Red tape that has built up in the system includes development consent conditions that specify what genre of music can be played at a venue – or stipulate that only a soloist, duo or trio can play, while a band is out of bounds.

    Specific approval conditions in some cases get so granular as to allow a cover band to play a venue but prevent original music being performed – or prevent live entertainment altogether.

    Pocket Bar in Terrigal has been forced to turn away a choir for having more than three members.

    Barangaroo House operates under conditions that make strobe lights and a disco ball a contravention.

    At the Mitch Hotel in Alexandria, management has wanted to stage acoustic music on Sunday afternoons but have been prevented by no entertainment restrictions in their venue’s Development Consent.

    Erskineville Hotel is barred from providing entertainment and Petersham Public House can’t have amplified music in the beer garden.

    At the South Dubbo Tavern, licence restrictions included a clause on hosting “small cover bands” rather than original rock bands. This effectively meant the Tavern could host an AC/DC cover band but if Angus Young came to town he would be unable to plug in his guitar and play Thunderstruck.

    Councils can currently apply “no entertainment” clauses regardless of the type of entertainment, noise impacts or community desire. This can mean even a mime artist is technically not allowed to perform at a local venue.

    Giving musical programming back to the venues that know their audiences is another milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s crusade against pointless red tape on going-out. This will be delivered in the second tranche of the Vibrancy Reforms, along with:

    Ending the antiquated rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a registered club from signing in without first becoming a member
    Binning the restriction on outdoor dining approvals that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside a licenced premises.

    The first round of Vibrancy Reforms delivered improvements that:

    • Permanently relaxed rules for outdoor dining to allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space
    • Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues
    • Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
    • Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
    • Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
    • Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

    Stifling rules have diminished opportunities for artists in NSW and the right of communities to engage with new voices and be part of the emergence of the next big act from their local area.

    A number of Sydney venues are restricted to playing recorded music, locking out any additional opportunities for live performers.  Development consent conditions may even specify how many instruments can be played inside a venue.

    Similar conditions were removed from liquor licences by legislation in November 2020.

    At present, removing conditions requires venues to formally apply to council to modify the development consent, which is costly, time-consuming and not guaranteed to succeed. It also means more administrative burden for councils.

    Under the soon to be introduced second tranche Vibrancy Reforms, the outdated conditions will be turned off for all licensed venues in the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act. For hotels, clubs and small bars, the prohibition on live entertainment will also be overridden.

    Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

    “When it’s a DA not the DJ choosing the tracks, you know the system has lost its way.

    “People don’t want their local councillor or state minister deciding what they listen to and what live music they can see.

    “How can anyone have faith in rules that allow a cover band to play but tell the band that wrote the songs to hit the road?

    “The Vibrancy Reforms are remastering a tangle of red tape and restrictions that do not pass the pub test, quite literally.

    “This plan to remove red tape builds on the Minns Labor Government’s multi-faceted support for live music that offers extended trading for venues that stage live performance, soundproofing grants to help live venues prosper in their” neighbourhoods and direct support for musicians and roadies via the Touring and Travel Fund.”

    Minister for Planning Paul Scully said:

    “These proposed changes will provide greater clarity for venues that host live music and encourage even more venues to support live entertainment.

    “It’s a chance to support performers and provide even greater opportunities for the people of NSW to enjoy a great night, or day, out.”

    Mitch Hotel at Alexandria owner Brett Davis said:

    “Acoustic duos or trios on a Sunday afternoon is something else our patrons can enjoy and maybe draw some more people to the venue; we’re not looking to have DJ sets or big bands.

    “However, the costs and time to have the current condition removed is too excessive, so we have decided not to pursue it.

    “We welcome these proposed changes to support venues like ours.”

    CEO of House of Pocket Hospitality Group Karl Schlothauer

    “The existing restrictive consent conditions limit our engagement with the local creative community and places a ceiling on being able to creatively use the space.  It stops our ability to diversify the venue offerings, and you have to be able to do this in regional areas and particularly tourism areas like the Central Coast in order to have your business survive all year round.

    “If the conditions were removed, we would be able to employ more local artists and trial new things. The Central Coast has a large population of creative practitioners, but they are stifled in not having many venue opportunities to perform.

    Sydney-based PEPTALK band member Phoebe Sinclair said:

    “If venues can host entertainment more regularly without so many restrictions there will absolutely be more employment opportunities for musicians.

    “This in turn will help so many artists to actually work in the industry full time, as it can be a difficult leap without consistency in the live performance space.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Tour Damage in St. Petersburg Post Hurricanes

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Tour Damage in St. Petersburg Post Hurricanes

    President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Tour Damage in St. Petersburg Post Hurricanes

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with federal, state and local officials as well as survivors to receive a briefing on the recovery efforts and tour the damage in areas of Florida impacted by two hurricanes less than a week apart.

    Throughout the Southeast, over 9,600 total federal personnel are deployed, including 4,100 FEMA personnel on the ground in Florida, working closely with state officials to ensure survivors receive the support they need.

    On Friday, Oct. 11, the President approved a major disaster declaration for 34 counties in Florida following Hurricane Milton. President Biden previously approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. FEMA reported a record-breaking day on Oct. 12 with more than 250,000 applications received for disaster assistance. 

    Those affected by Hurricane Milton can now start to register for disaster assistance. In addition, Hurricane Helene survivors—who to date have been approved for over $474 million in federal disaster assistance—can also continue to apply for assistance. 

    FEMA encourages individuals to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. The three ways to apply include visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App. Survivors may receive funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. 

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states impacted by Helene and Milton.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56331″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/1adfdc1ae08d66d832526d602202b69e.jpg?itok=V6aB1lMJ” alt=”Caption:

    St. Petersburgh, Fla – President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with community members, local, state, federal officials and disaster survivors to talk about the ongoing Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. 

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    St. Petersburgh, Fla – President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with community members, local, state, federal officials and disaster survivors to talk about the ongoing Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. 
    LAKEPORT, Florida – Florida Army National Guard members assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment load food, water and tarps into a vehicle at a point-of-distribution site. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Guard)
    STARKE, Florida – Airmen from the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing, arrive at the National Guard Camp Blanding Joint Training Center to restock supplies for their continued missions in support for Hurricane Milton relief. (Photo credit: U.S. Army Guard) 
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56311″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/deebdbe219b8e886e70979f83d19e7dc.jpg?itok=TqaqbOxl” alt=”Caption: Tampa, FL – After Hurricane Milton, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell makes a visit to Tampa and talks with Chris Whitler of Task Force 8, a Florida search and rescue team that primarily focuses on water-based rescues.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Tampa, FL – After Hurricane Milton, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell visited Urban Search and Rescue and emergency workers primarily focused on water-based rescues.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56268″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/4f066b8ad59fa36135e4ab194c997003.jpg?itok=igLEwDnk” alt=”Caption: Greenville, SC (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center is open to those affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Greenville, SC (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA continues to open Disaster Recovery Centers in the states impacted by Hurricane Helene. View this online resource for an update on locations for the Disaster Recovery Centers.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56291″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/30761d701e1ad8455bab482d304acb1a.jpg?itok=aQih8k7D” alt=”Caption: Fort Pierce, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Volunteers with a faith-based organization support survivors of Hurricane Milton.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Fort Pierce, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Volunteers with a faith-based organization support survivors of Hurricane Milton.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56302″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/74649b5a2cbeca184114d315e25946ad.jpg?itok=KQpymVeI” alt=”Caption: Tampa, FL – FEMA’s federal partner Health and Human Services (HHS) sent a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from Alabama to Florida in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The 37 team members are supporting St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, as three of the local hospitals are closed due to the hurricane. The DMAT team members assemble their own emergency room and are doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychiatrists, paramedics, logistics, and security personnel and will stay until the mission is complete.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Tampa, FL – As part of the federal response, Health and Human Services (HHS) ASPR reassigned a NDMS Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from Alabama to Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. This team is supporting St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The 37-person DMAT team consisting of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychiatrists, paramedics, logistics, and security personnel are augmenting the hospital staff and providing medical care to the community.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56325″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/81375e36d113f3799509b6f384e99cc0.jpg?itok=ArKAEY6d” alt=”Caption: Elizabethton, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – Salvation Army has joined the River’s Edge Fellowship to provide meals for the evening to local survivors affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Elizabethton, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – Salvation Army has
    joined the River’s Edge Fellowship to provide meals for the
    evening to local survivors affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56308″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/eec42c5018f150321910c3b8d147069c.jpg?itok=fryygDUN” alt=”Caption: Jonesborough, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA and Red Cross representatives speak with a survivor at the state-initiated Multi-Agency Resource Center which includes the Small Business Administration and several local and state organizations to provide assistance to survivors of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Jonesborough, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA and Red Cross representatives speak with a survivor at the state-initiated Multi-Agency Resource Center which includes the Small Business Administration and several local and state organizations to provide assistance to survivors of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56202″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/f7fb86176346e14cbc56c8a24998d9ef.jpg?itok=HZuKFXDX” alt=”Caption:

    Smyth County, Va. (Oct. 10, 2024) – A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist leaves a flyer with information on applying for disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene at a home in Smyth County, Va., on Oct. 10.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Smyth County, Va. (Oct. 10, 2024) – A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist leaves a flyer with information on applying for disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene at a home in Smyth County, Va., on Oct. 10.

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Rumor Response.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: For people with lung cancer, exercise can be gruelling. It’s also among the most important things

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kellie Toohey, Associate Professor Clinical Exercise Physiology, Southern Cross University

    Ivan Samkov/Pexels

    When you think of lung cancer treatment, what comes to mind – chemotherapy, radiation, surgery? While these can be crucial, there’s another powerful tool that’s often overlooked: exercise.

    Our recent study, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, challenges the common belief that people with lung cancer are too sick to be physically active.

    In fact, we found exercise can play a vital role in improving life for those battling this disease.

    What we did and what we found

    Our review involved analysing 26 high quality studies on how best to incorporate exercise into treatment for lung cancer.

    We found the overwhelming weight of evidence shows exercise offers benefits at every stage of the lung cancer journey. This includes:

    • before surgery (being more fit can lead to faster recovery and potentially fewer complications)
    • after surgery (gentle exercise helps regain strength and makes daily tasks easier)
    • during other treatments (physical activity can ease side effects like fatigue and muscle weakness)
    • at advanced stages of disease (even for late-stage patients, evidence shows exercise can improve quality of life and maintain independence)
    • patients experiencing muscle wasting (evidence shows exercise, especially strength training, helps preserve muscle and keeps patients stronger).

    What does exercise look like?

    When we say “exercise,” we’re not talking about running marathons. For someone with lung cancer, it might mean:

    • taking a short walk around the block
    • doing some gentle cycling on a stationary bike
    • swimming or doing some movement in the water
    • lifting light weights or doing banded exercises
    • doing yoga or tai chi for more mobile, flexible joints, as well as stress and pain reduction.

    The key is to start slowly and listen to your body. What works for one person might not work for another.

    Getting started safely

    If you or a loved one has lung cancer and wants to be more active, start by talking with your doctor. They can advise on any precautions you should take and send you to an exercise specialist if needed.

    You might also consider working with an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist who can design a safe, personalised program.

    It’s OK to start small – even five to ten minutes of activity is beneficial, according to the Cancer Council Australia .

    Try to be consistent, if you can. Regular, gentle exercise is better than occasional intense bursts.

    It can help to keep track of your progress and how you feel after each session. You might also try looking for support groups or exercise classes specifically for cancer patients at local hospitals or community centres.

    The Cancer Council Australia website offers inspiration and ideas on exercises to start with, even in the home.

    The real-world benefits

    Research shows regular physical activity can significantly improve quality of life for lung cancer patients. These can include:

    • reduced fatigue, even though that might seem counterintuitive
    • less breathlessness, as exercise can improve lung function
    • less muscle weakness, which makes daily tasks easier
    • better mood, as physical exercise can help fight depression and anxiety
    • better sleep; many patients report sleeping more easily after starting an exercise routine.
    Exercise can improve lung function and may reduce breathlessness.
    Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock

    Ditch the stigma, and get the exercise support you deserve

    Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. It’s a devastating illness that affects not just the body, but also a person’s mental health and quality of life.

    Unfortunately, there’s often a stigma attached to lung cancer. Many patients feel judged, or that they must have done something – such as smoking – to “deserve” their diagnosis.

    This shame can prevent people from seeking help or joining support programs.

    But here’s an important truth: anyone can get lung cancer, even if they’ve never smoked.

    And regardless of how someone developed the disease, they deserve compassion and the best possible care – including support for physical activity.

    Never too late to start

    It’s important to note exercise can be beneficial even for those receiving palliative care.

    In palliative care, the goals shift from fighting the cancer to enhancing comfort and quality of life, and physical activity can play a significant role in this.

    Even palliative care patients may benefit from exercise.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    A lung cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly daunting. But we’re learning patients have more tools to improve their wellbeing than we once thought.

    Exercise isn’t a cure, but it can be a powerful complement to traditional treatments and medications.

    If you or someone you know is facing lung cancer, don’t be afraid to discuss incorporating exercise into the treatment plan with your health-care team. Start small, be patient and consistent, and remember that every bit of movement counts.

    By challenging old assumptions and embracing exercise as part of lung cancer care, we can empower patients to take a more active role in their treatment.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. For people with lung cancer, exercise can be gruelling. It’s also among the most important things – https://theconversation.com/for-people-with-lung-cancer-exercise-can-be-gruelling-its-also-among-the-most-important-things-240216

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A year later, Kiwis already see ACT’s real change

    Source: ACT Party

    A year after the 2023 election, ACT is celebrating the long list of actions already taken to empower New Zealanders.

    “In Opposition, we spent six years listening to New Zealanders,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “This resulted in a comprehensive election platform with a commitment not just to change the Government, but to deliver real change.

    “Thanks to New Zealanders’ support, on October 14 we were put in a position to deliver, and less than 11 months after signing the coalition agreement, we’ve made serious progress.

    “The breadth and intensity of our action in Government speaks for itself. Even our critics complain at how we’re punching above our weight for a small team. We call it value for your vote.

    “Below is a list of actions ACT has taken that reflect ideas we campaigned on, and on which Kiwis elected us to deliver. Together, these actions break down barriers for Kiwis working to succeed on their own terms. We’re addressing challenges in the economy, law and order, democracy, education, health and more.”

    THE ECONOMY:

    • Cut wasteful Government spending to get inflation under control.
    • Delivered tax cuts to ease the cost of living.
    • Restored the Reserve Bank’s focused on tackling inflation.
    • Restored the option of 90-day trials for all businesses.
    • Established the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape to make doing business simpler.
    • Commenced two regulatory reviews for early childhood education and agricultural products.
    • Repealed the Auckland Fuel Tax.
    • Repealed the Ute Tax.
    • Repealed “Fair Pay” Agreements
    • Repealed Labour’s resource management regime.
    • Agreed on core design features for a replacement of the Resource Management Act centred on property rights.
    • Sped up timeframes for overseas investment applications.
    • Increased the use of sanctions for beneficiaries who can work but refuse to take steps to find a job.
    • Eased restrictions to accessing credit under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.
    • Scrapped EECA’s “decarbonising industry” (GIDI) fund.
    • Scrapped Auckland Light Rail, the Lake Onslow hydro scheme, and funding for Let’s Get Wellington Moving.
    • Started phasing back in interest deductibility.
    • Suspended the requirement for new Significant Natural Areas.
    • Unveiled a new contracting gateway test to provide certainty to workers and businesses.
    • Began delivering regulatory relief for businesses dealing with anti-money laundering rules.
    • Launched consultation to improve the Holidays Act.
    • Launched a nationwide roadshow to inform improvements to health and safety law.
    • Launched a framework for Regional Deals between central and local government to deliver infrastructure.
    • Stopped blanket speed limit reductions and enabled faster speed limits on our safest roads.
    • Introduced legislation to reverse the oil and gas ban and promote the use of Crown minerals.
    • Introduced tenancy legislation to enable Pet Bonds, restore 90-day ‘no cause’ terminations, and restore tenants’ and landlords’ notice periods to 21 and 42 days.
    • Introduced legislation to improve access to building products available overseas.
    • Introduced a member’s bill to liberalise Easter Trading.

    LAW AND ORDER:

    • Increased funding for Corrections to lift prison capacity.
    • Abolished Labour’s prisoner reduction target.
    • Defunded Section 27 “cultural reports”.
    • Commenced a review of the Firearms Registry.
    • Strengthened consequences for Kāinga Ora tenants who engage in repeated antisocial behaviour.
    • Strengthened Firearms Prohibition Orders.
    • Made gang membership an aggravating factor at sentencing.
    • Introduced legislation to reinstate Three Strikes.
    • Introduced a member’s bill to make rehabilitation or education a condition of parole.
    • Introduced legislation to toughen sentences for attacks on workers and give weight to the victim’s circumstances at sentencing.
    • Introduced legislation to amend Part 6 of the Arms Act affecting clubs and ranges.

    STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY:

    • Directed the public service to deliver services based on need, not race, and end “progressive procurement” quotas.
    • Abolished the Māori Health Authority.
    • Advanced the Treaty Principles Bill.
    • Restored local referendums on Māori Wards.
    • Scrapped Labour’s law to give 16-year-olds votes in local elections.
    • Broadened the terms of reference of the Covid-19 Royal Commission with a second phase.
    • Defunded the Christchurch Call.
    • Halted work on hate speech laws.
    • Introduced legislation to remove Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.
    • Seen Otago University adopt a free speech policy in response to ACT’s coalition agreement.

    EDUCATION:

    • Restored charter schools, now with the option of state school conversion, with the first schools to open next year.
    • Streamlined early childhood education regulations.
    • Delivered an action plan to improve school attendance and started publishing attendance data weekly.
    • Improved the school lunch programme to feed more kids for less money.
    • Switched fees-free university from first year to third.

    HEALTH:

    • Delivered Pharmac its largest-ever budget, which has now funded life-saving medicines.
    • Repealed the Therapeutic Products Act.
    • Restored the sale of medicine containing pseudoephedrine.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Regional NSW Ambulance staff recognised for their service and bravery

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Regional NSW Ambulance staff recognised for their service and bravery

    Published: 14 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health

    NSW Ambulance staff from across southern NSW have today been recognised for their service and dedication at a special awards ceremony in Goulburn.

    Among those being recognised are paramedics and control centre staff who responded to a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, as well as those who successfully assisted with a premature birth and resuscitation.

    Other NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers were acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Certificates of Appreciation, Commissioner Unit Citations, while others were recognised for attaining or expanding their qualifications.

    The Goulburn Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the second of three events being held in 2024 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. The first ceremony was held in Port Macquarie with the third to be held in Sydney in December.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “This ceremony is about recognising the hard-working NSW Ambulance clinicians, control centre staff and volunteers who serve our communities so effectively, day in and day out.

    “Today, we honour the dedication of our clinicians and control centre staff whose tireless efforts make our communities safer, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

    “I also want to thank and recognise the exceptional care paramedics and call takers deliver to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

    “The NSW Ambulance staff being recognised today have shown they can perform their duties to the highest standard even in the most challenging situations.

    “Each award is not just an acknowlegement of individual excellence, but a celebration of the collective spirit of teamwork and resilience that defines our NSW Ambulance and wider NSW Health community.

    “Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being there to service your communities in their time of need. Your role is incredibly appreciated.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

    “It is a privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide critical care in life-threatening situations is a testament to their training and character.

    “As well as awarding the Commissioner’s Unit Citation and Commissioner’s Certificate for those who attended a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, we are also recognising our paramedics for their long and diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals, the National Medal and the National Emergency Medal.

    “Today, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the profound impact they have had on countless lives. We are proud to recognise the invaluable work they do every day.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: There’s a plan for free school lunches in Queensland. Is this a good idea?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Dix, Lecturer In Nutrition & Dietetics, University of the Sunshine Coast

    Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced free school lunches if Labor is re-elected at the state’s upcoming election on October 26.

    The A$1.4 billion policy would cover primary students in public schools and begin next year. Labor estimates it would save parents about $1,600 per child, per year. On Sunday, Miles said:

    [The program is] universal to avoid stigmatising the kids that need the food the most, but also to ensure that it supports every Queensland family.

    The meals will be delivered in partnership with P&Cs Queensland, Queensland Association of School Tuckshops, school principals, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and non-government food providers.

    The Greens are also campaigning on a pledge to deliver free breakfasts and lunches for every state primary and high school student, costed at $3 billion over the next four years.

    Would a school lunches program help students and families? How would it work in practice?

    An unusual approach for Australia

    Unlike the United Kingdom and United States, Australian does not have a national or state-based free or subsidised school meal program.

    Instead, parents are responsible for providing morning tea and lunch through a “lunchbox system”. Families can also usually pre-order food from a canteen or tuckshop. In some cases, state or territory governments fund charities and non-for-profits to provide breakfast or lunch programs for schools identified as most in need of support.

    Research shows the nutritional quality of food provided to Australian school children often does not meet dietary guidelines. There are mandatory guidelines for state school canteens and tuckshops to follow but these are not always reflected in practice. Research shows many canteen menus contain less-than-desirable options and pricing often does not encourage families to buy healthier options.

    Unfortunately, health survey data shows Australian children’s diets are high in energy dense and nutritionally poor foods. On top of this, the 2023 Foodbank Report shows 36% of Australians are food insecure and about one quarter of these households have children at home who may not have adequate food for school.

    Australia has a ‘lunchbox system’ where families provide the food for school.
    Halfpoint/ Shutterstock

    What are the potential opportunities?

    So the idea of a free school lunch program delivered by organisations familiar with providing food in schools sounds like a positive solution.

    Beyond improving nutrition and health outcomes for more than 326,000 Queensland students, it can also provide other benefits.

    We could see improved school attendance by creating an incentive for students to go to school and improved diets leading to reduced illness. Because well-nourished children are more ready to learn, concentrate and stay on task, school lunches could lead to improved academic performance.

    Importantly, school lunches can reduce inequality and stigma for families who experience food insecurity.

    The school kitchen can also provide a opportunities for students to learn about food preparation and service as well as healthy eating.

    What are the key challenges?

    But we need to make sure the program is properly and sustainably designed. There will be a cost to taxpayers, not just in terms of the set up, but ongoing maintenance.

    The initial implementation will require commercial kitchens and equipment, qualified and trained staff, secure food procurement and supply chains as well as all the policies and procedures to go with this. This raises the question of whether the timeline of starting in Term 1, 2025 is realistic for all schools.

    The roll out needs to be equitable – extra consideration is needed for how this plan will be delivered to rural and remote Queenslanders. We also know access to reliable supplies of food, staff, equipment and support varies greatly across the state.

    The program will also need to cater to children with food allergies and intolerances, food preferences experienced with conditions like autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and different cultural eating practices.

    This plan has the potential to improve Queensland children’s health and education outcomes, while saving families money, time and stress. But it is complex and success will lie in making sure all Queensland primary students are provided with nutritious and appropriate food at school.

    Clare Dix has received funding from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.

    – ref. There’s a plan for free school lunches in Queensland. Is this a good idea? – https://theconversation.com/theres-a-plan-for-free-school-lunches-in-queensland-is-this-a-good-idea-241242

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Man found in critical condition, Whangamarino

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke

    A scene examination has been completed at Hampton Downs Road after a man was located critically injured in the early hours of this morning.

    The victim remains in a critical condition in Auckland Hospital, and Police are in the early stages of determining the circumstances that led to the man being injured.

    Cordons have since been removed and the road has reopened.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the Hampton Downs area between 10pm on Sunday 13 October and 1am this morning, 14 October. This includes any dashcam footage from in the area.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241014/2225.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Exercise empowers lung cancer patients to take active role in treatment

    Source: University of South Australia

    14 October 2024

    Coughing, chest pain and a shortness of breath – they’re all distressing symptoms of lung cancer. So, while exercise may seem a counterintuitive activity for lung cancer patients, new research shows otherwise.

    In a cornerstone review from a team of global experts*­ – including Southern Cross University and the University of South Australia – researchers show that exercise may not only improve quality of life and treatment effectiveness, but also boost survival rates for lung cancer patients.

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In Australia, it is estimated that 15,122 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone.

    Examining the effects of exercise on various lung-cancer associated health outcomes, researchers have now developed recommendations for patients and health practitioners, to support exercise before, during and after lung cancer treatments.

    Combined aerobic and resistance training, performed 2-5 times per week, is typically prescribed across the cancer continuum. Researchers say that exercise can support lung cancer patients by:

    • Improving quality of life: Exercise programs demonstrate improvements in fitness, strength, and quality of life for people with lung cancer before, during, and after treatment.
    • Reducing symptoms: Exercise can help manage cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and muscle weakness.
    • Reducing post-op complications: Preoperative exercise programs may lead to reduced postoperative complications and shorter hospital stays.
    • Boosting wellbeing: Exercise during treatment can help patients maintain muscle mass, reduce fatigue, and improve psychological well-being.
    • Increasing appetite: Exercise may play a role in managing cancer cachexia (a common complication of cancer that causes you to lose significant amounts of skeletal muscle and body fat) and can be safe for patients with bone metastases when properly prescribed.
    • Easing advanced symptoms: Exercise can be beneficial even for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer, helping to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

    Lead author Southern Cross University’s Associate Professor Kellie Toohey says to optimise exercise interventions for lung cancer patients, an integrated approach across interdisciplinary care teams was needed.

    “Lung cancer care involves a broad range of healthcare professionals – oncologists, clinical exercise physiologists, dieticians, psychologists, and physical therapists – all of whom must work together to support a patient with exercise,” Associate Professor Toohey says.

    “To facilitate this integration, we need to educate healthcare providers and patients about exercise in lung cancer care.

    “By highlighting the mental and physical benefits of exercise, we hope that patients can be empowered to take a more active role in their treatment and recovery, potentially transforming their lung cancer journey from passive endurance to active participation in health improvement.”

    UniSA researcher Dr Ben Singh says the research challenges beliefs about the inability of people with lung cancer to exercise.

    “There’s an often-held misconception that lung cancer patients are too ill or frail to exercise, particularly because their illness affects their lungs and breathing. But contrary to this belief, research shows that exercise can have many benefits for people with lung cancer,” Dr Singh says.

    “Exercise has the potential to counteract many health issues, not only improving their quality of life, but also potentially influencing treatment outcomes.

    “This is particularly striking given the historically poor prognosis associated with lung cancer.

    “Regular, tailored exercise can help improve a patient’s physical condition, helping them better tolerate the physical demand of diagnosis, surgery, treatment, and recovery. It can also vastly improve a patient’s mental health, helping counteract feelings of depression and anxiety, so often associated with a lung cancer diagnosis.”

    Notes for editors:

    *This research has been conducted by a team of researchers from Southern Cross University, University of Canberra, University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Flinders University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Notre Dame Australia, University of South Australia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (Brazil), Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, University of Queensland, University of Pittsburgh (USA), Campbelltown Hospital, University of Melbourne, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Griffith University, and Cancer Council Queensland.

    Media contacts

    Southern Cross University: Sharlene King, media office, M +61 429 661 349 E scumedia@scu.edu.au
    UniSA: Annabel Mansfield, media & communications, M +61 479 182 489 E Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au
    UniSA contact for interview:  Dr Ben Singh E: Ben.Singh@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on the Yukon coroner’s investigation of suspected toxic drug deaths

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

    • Read more about Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on the Yukon coroner’s investigation of suspected toxic drug deaths
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City marks Hate Crime Awareness Week

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property which is motivated by an offender’s hatred of someone because of their race, colour, ethnic origin or nationality, their religion, their gender or gender identity, their sexual orientation, or their disability.

    It can take many forms, from physical attacks such as an assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti and arson, to verbal abuse or insults or the threat of attack, including the sending of offensive letters, emails or texts, abusive or obscene telephone calls or malicious complaints.

    The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership is calling on people to help raise awareness of the issue, and understand the ways that victims of, or witnesses to, an incident can report hate crime, during this year’s national Hate Crime Awareness Week, which began on Saturday and continues until 19 October. People can:

    • Call police on 101 – or dial 999 if it is an emergency
    • Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via Crimestoppers 
    • Report in person to the police at any police station or one of the Police Hate Crime drop-ins – see StopHateWLV for details
    • Report at any Third-Party Reporting Centre – independent organisations that have been trained to record hate crimes and incidents, offer support and signpost to other help. See StopHateWLV for details
    • Visit Report It and fill in the online reporting form which will be forwarded to police for investigation
    • If an incident occurs on a train or the Midland Metro, text British Transport Police on 61016
    • If the incident is Islamophobic in nature, Tell MAMA by visiting Tell MAMA or calling on 0800 456 1226
    • If the incident is anti-Semitic, it can be reported via Community Security Trust’s website, CST, or by calling 0208 457 9999.  

    Members of the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership will be at Tesco Wolverhampton, Marston Road, on Wednesday (16 October) from 10am to 12.30pm, Central Library, Snow Hill, on Thursday (17 October) from 10am to 12.30pm and Wednesfield Library, Well Lane, also Thursday from 2pm to 4.30pm, to raise awareness the importance of reporting hate crime, and will also be holding a series of other activities throughout the week.

    Meanwhile, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health team have been working with the University of Wolverhampton’s Wellbeing champions, who will be supporting with activities this week.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership takes hate crime incredibly seriously, and all reports will be fully investigated by police.

    “We are using Hate Crime Awareness Week to get people thinking about how they can respond to hate crime if they witness or are victims to it.

    “Most importantly, we’ll be encouraging people to report instances of hate crime, which will enable victims to get the support they need and to ensure those committing it are met with justice.”

    People can find out more about hate crime by logging on to StopHateWLV. For details of National Hate Crime Awareness week, please visit #NationalHCAW. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pregnant women and older adults eligible for RSV vaccine

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    RSV is a major respiratory virus that is common over the winter period, typically November to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, it accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK annually, and for 20 to 30 infant deaths.

    It can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and flare ups of existing lung disease and other long term conditions and leading to around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK every year.

    It may cause a cough or a cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever, as well as bronchiolitis in infants, which can make it difficult to breathe and feed. Most cases are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks.

    All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant are being offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine to help protect their newborn babies and should speak to their maternity service or GP to arrange this. Meanwhile all adults aged 75 and over are also eligible and will be invited by their GP.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Infections usually get better by themselves but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.

    “The RSV vaccine is given all year round but it’s particularly important that people who are eligible for the jab make sure they are protected as we head into the winter months, when the virus is more common.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Canyon County of State of Idaho in US suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 14) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Canyon County of the State of Idaho in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 40 950 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 13.86 million poultry eggs from the US in the first six months of this year.

         “The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Symposium at the Polytechnic: New Technologies in Medicine and Physiology

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On October 10 and 11, the Polytechnic University hosted a scientific symposium entitled “New Technologies in Preventive Medicine and Physiology”. The event was organized by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences with the participation of the Preventive Medicine Section of the Medical Sciences Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Physiological Sciences Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    The symposium, dedicated to new technologies in preventive medicine and physiology, was held as part of the events for the 125th anniversary of the founding of SPbPU. The participants were members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading experts in the field of immunology, virology, physiology, brain sciences, as well as young scientists, postgraduates and senior students of SPbPU.

    It is a great honor for us that such an event is held at the Polytechnic University. This means that our university is a significant part of the process of forming advanced scientific thought in the field of life sciences in the Russian Federation. Any high-quality research requires a serious material and technical base, constant continuity, and development of educational programs. To achieve maximum efficiency, we must concentrate our knowledge, transmit it, and combine efforts at events like our symposium, – the first vice-rector of SPbPU Vitaly Sergeev opened the event.

    After this, the event participants were greeted by the guests of honor.

    We are facing extremely serious tasks that can only be solved by consolidating all our efforts. The areas that we are discussing at the symposium are priorities. This is the development of mRNA drugs, the creation of vaccines, genetically engineered biological drugs, medicines, and many others. I am confident that today’s event will be another contribution to the development of science not only in St. Petersburg, but also in our country, – emphasized the head of the Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Chief Scientific Secretary of the Presidium of the North-West Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Vadim Mazurov.

    Polytechnic University has already become a bit like home for me. For many years, we have been cooperating with the university in two areas. Firstly, this is the educational level: we give online lectures to students. Secondly, we have close scientific cooperation in the field of microRNA, as well as in the creation of vaccines, primarily subunit, recombinant ones. The symposium presents reports on various topics, but all of them are related to the most pressing medical and biological problems, – noted the scientific director of the I. I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, head of the preventive medicine section of the Department of Medical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vitaly Zverev.

    Words of gratitude to the Polytechnic University for holding the symposium were expressed by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Advisor to the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Natochin.

    The first report was given by the Director of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Vasin. He spoke about the development of “life sciences” at the Polytechnic and the contribution of Polytechnic scientists to the development of these sciences.

    Andrey Vasin presented the main areas of scientific activity of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology and its structural divisions, in particular the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration under the direction of Ilya Bezprozvanny, the Research Complex “Nanobiotechnology”, the Research Laboratory “Polymer Materials for Tissue Engineering and Transplantology”, the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances.

    Yuri Natochin spoke about the problems of stabilizing the physicochemical parameters of blood, Vitaly Zverev spoke about vaccination. Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Sergei Seredenin spoke about the report “Pharmacological regulation of Sigma1R chaperone”. Director of the Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Areg Totolyan spoke about COVID-19 and the development of infectious immunology.

    A joint work dedicated to new technologies for the prevention of infections associated with the provision of medical care was presented by the head of the Department of Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nikolay Briko, an employee of the Kemerovo State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia Elena Brusnina and the director of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vasily Akimkin.

    The report “Natural technologies for controlling the activity of neural networks in the long-term range” was presented by the Director of the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Pavel Balaban.

    Director of the Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia Vsevolod Belousov spoke about oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

    On the second day of the symposium, visiting sessions of the Bureau of the Section of Preventive Medicine of the Department of Medical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Bureau of the Department of Physiological Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences were held.

    Research in the field of life sciences began at the Polytechnic University back in the 1960s, when the Physics and Mechanics Department began training personnel in the field of “Biophysics”. Our university has become a real forge of personnel for domestic molecular biology, physiology, biophysics, virology and even medicine. Many Polytechnic graduates have been successfully working in the leading scientific institutes of our country for half a century and head some of them. A number of graduates are members of the departments of medical, physiological and medical sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences. As part of the research conducted at the Polytechnic University, we collaborate with leading Russian and foreign research teams. I am very glad that we were able to gather such a large number of leading scientists of our country in the field of physiology and preventive medicine at the university. I would also like to note that we held two visiting Bureaus – the Department of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the section of preventive medicine of the Department of Medical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, – Andrey Vasin summed up.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/science_and_innovations/scientific-symposium-at-polytechnic-new-technologies-in-medicine-and-physiology/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Commissioner initiated investigation into informed consent finds systems weaknesses

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

    A Commissioner initiated investigation into patient consent for the involvement of junior medical staff, students and other trainees at North Shore Hospital has found systems weaknesses but no breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code).
    The Health and Disability Commissioner, Morag McDowell, initiated the investigation following a complaint from a registered nurse who was concerned that trainee doctors and medical students had provided services and received teaching in obstetric and gynaecology services, without patient consent.
    The Commissioner’s opinion considers how consent processes apply to teaching and clinical care situations, having regard to the qualifications and experience of the medical staff providing care.
    In particular, the Commissioner noted the distinction between medical students (who are not qualified as doctors), and trainees (qualified doctors undertaking specialist training – some of whom may be at the start of their careers and others who are very advanced but not yet qualified as a specialist in their chosen field). A critical issue for the investigation was to consider in what circumstances a patient’s participation in teaching needed to be specifically consented to.
    In the course of the investigation, it was identified that informed consent practices, policies and procedures were significantly inconsistent across Aotearoa New Zealand. There was also a lack of clarity about the application of the Code, which clearly requires that teaching involving patients must be undertaken only with their knowledge and consent.
    “Consumers cannot be involved in teaching without giving informed consent, and providers of health and disability services must ensure they have a robust system and culture for obtaining that consent,” said Ms McDowell.
    Ms McDowell found weaknesses in Health NZ Waitemata’s system – including its consent forms – noting the processes minimised student or trainee clinician’s involvement, and didn’t prompt introductions for explanations of the role, involvement or degree of supervision of the trainee. Where verbal discussions may have been held about teaching, they were not adequately documented, she said.
    In relation to the involvement of medical students, Ms McDowell said “Clinicians must be mindful that informed consent is more than just a tick box exercise, and they must be alive to individual patient circumstances. The wording of Health NZ’s 2018 consent form and apparent reliance on it to justify all medical student involvement beyond observation, was a significant weakness in Health NZ’s consent practices.”
    In relation to trainees, who are qualified doctors, there is more complexity when it comes to consent processes. While all medical student involvement in patient care represents teaching, trainees are not always providing care in situations where teaching is taking place, and therefore specific consent about teaching is not required. Each case will turn on its own facts.
    Ms McDowell’s adverse comment addressed consent and policy forms, medical students in theatres, trainees who are part of the team, sensitive examinations, and procedures under general anaesthesia.
    “Basic courtesy and respect for patients apply and, wherever practicable, consumers should know who is to be providing their care and what they will be doing. This is information that a reasonable consumer can expect to receive,” said Ms McDowell. She emphasised the particular importance of sharing this information when consumers are undergoing sensitive or intimate examinations.
    Ms McDowell commended the nurse for raising her concerns, first to Health NZ and then to HDC, noting her complaint offered an opportunity to address significant inconsistencies in approaches to informed consent and knowledge of the Code. She also commended Health NZ for its efforts in undertaking a careful, ongoing review and improvement of its informed consent policy and practice.
    She made a range of recommendations including that Health NZ Waitematā develop patient information about clinical teaching to ensure it is easy to understand and emphasises patient choice. She has also asked Health NZ to report back on progress on its national policy on informed consent. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Hato Hone St John and call handler breach man’s rights in management of 111 call

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

    A man’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights were breached by Hato Hone St John, and a call handler, said the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Deborah James, in a decision released today.
    The decision centres on the management of a 111 call from a woman who described symptoms indicating a heart attack being experienced by her husband. An ambulance service took the initial call and then transferred it to St John. The call was prioritised as ‘serious but not immediately life threatening.’
    Approximately 30 mins later, a dispatcher launched an initial assignment tool to identify which ambulances were available. The tool indicated a 27-minute wait for an ambulance and suggested the use of a first response team (Fire and Emergency NZ), which was available to respond. The dispatcher decided this was unnecessary as the patient was alert, breathing easily and had no cardiac history.
    Thirty minutes after her first call, the woman called 111 again because her husband’s condition had deteriorated. Another call handler picked up this call and advised her that an ambulance had not been assigned due to demand, but she did not re-triage the call. The woman told the call handler she would drive her husband to the hospital. The call handler then closed off the incident. Sadly, the man had a heart attack three minutes from the hospital and could not be revived.
    Deborah James found the call handler (Ms B) had deviated from St John’s standard operating procedure (SOP). “…the St John incident review identified that when Mrs A advised Ms B that she would take Mr A to hospital herself, there was a need for Ms B to advise that it might be a good idea to continue waiting for the ambulance response. I note that Ms B’s failure to re-triage Mrs A’s second 111 call may have affected her decision not to advise Mrs A to wait for the ambulance to arrive.”
    Unfortunately, despite the man’s wife telling the call handler that her husband’s condition had worsened, the call handler did not ask for any further information about his symptoms. As a result, Ms James found the call handler had breached the Code by not providing services that complied with professional standards.
    Deborah James found St John had also failed the man by not meeting expected wait times when there was a 30-minute delay in using the initial assignment tool, nor was a welfare check undertaken.
    “There will undoubtedly be times where ambulances are unavailable to respond to incidents immediately. However, it is St John’s responsibility to find ways to mitigate the risks associated with unavailable ambulances. In my view, conducting welfare checks every 30 minutes (as outlined in St John’s SOP) is an appropriate tool in mitigating such risk.”
    She also found St John breached the Code by not providing the man (through his wife) with information he could have expected to receive under the circumstances. This included not conducting a welfare check and not advising the woman about delays in dispatching an ambulance, or for her to wait for an ambulance response.
    Ms James made an adverse comment about the St John dispatcher who launched the initial assignment tool noting her concerns about the delay, despite the busyness at the time, saying it was a useful safety netting tool that should have been deployed. Ms James was also critical that the dispatcher did not document his reasons for not dispatching the first response unit.
    Ms James has recommended the call handler formally apologise to the woman. Further recommendations include that St John provide additional training for call handling and dispatch staff, on the importance of welfare checks and to update its dispatching guides to be clearer about how to use the initial assignment tool.
    St John has made a range of changes since the event which are outlined in the decision. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Woman’s rights breached when pharmacist dispenses incorrect medication

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner
    A woman’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Consumers’ Rights were breached by a pharmacist when she dispensed incorrect medication, the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner has found.
    Dr Vanessa Caldwell said the pharmacist failed to provide services which complied with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards as a result, in a decision released today.
    The case centres on the incorrect dispensation of Salazopyrin instead of Pentasa for management of the woman’s gastrointestinal issues by the pharmacist. The woman took the Salazopyrin for seven weeks, assuming it was a substitute, but started feeling very unwell after four weeks. She immediately felt better when she received her correct prescription for Pentasa after returning to the pharmacy where the error was discovered.
    “The Pharmacy Competence Standards state that a pharmacist must maintain a logical, safe, and disciplined dispensing procedure. In this case the pharmacist did not comply with this standard as she failed to double check that the correct medication had been dispensed,” said Dr Caldwell.
    She added that the same standards states that “a pharmacist should monitor the dispensing process for potential errors and act promptly to mitigate them. In this case, the pharmacist did not comply with this standard, as she was not aware of her mistake for approximately seven weeks when she was alerted to the error….”
    The pharmacist agreed to a breach of Right 4(2) of the Code proposed by Dr Caldwell who said she had demonstrated a willingness to achieve a speedy resolution and make changes. She also noted there was the potential for a more restorative approach to managing the issue given the pharmacy is the woman’s long-term provider.
    Dr Caldwell made an adverse comment against the pharmacy for not keeping relevant standard operating procedures up to date. However, she commended the pharmacy’s manager for promptly making changes to prevent the error from happening again.
    Dr Caldwell recommended the pharmacist, and pharmacy, formally apologise to the woman and for the pharmacy to rewrite its relevant dispensing standard operating procedures, and audit and evaluate the effectiveness of the new policies and processes and report back to HDC on the results and corrective actions taken. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Woman’s rights to appropriate care for diabetes breached by Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

    A woman’s rights to receive an appropriate standard of care were breached over a two month period, which included several admissions to Kaitaia Hospital, said Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall in a report published today.
    The woman’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) were breached by Health New Zealand Te Tai Tokerau (previously Te Whatu Ora) for care by multiple staff.
    The woman suffered from multiple complications from Type 2 diabetes. On several occasions she presented, or was admitted, to Kaitaia Hospital for treatment. Following a deterioration in her symptoms, and subsequent hospital admission, she underwent a toe amputation, followed by a below-knee amputation and further surgery. Sadly, she died from a bacterial infection in her right groin.
    Ms Wall Found Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau breached the Code for failing to provide services to the woman with reasonable care and skill.
    “Health NZ Te Te Tokerau was the group provider with overall responsibility for ensuring that the woman received timely intervention to try to avert the profound difficulties she ultimately experienced,” Ms Wall said.
    During the woman’s two-week hospital admission, the clinicians failed to assess and consider the cause of her ulcers adequately, Ms Wall said.
    In addition, she was seen on multiple occasions over two months and despite a clear need, was not referred to the vascular service or the diabetes clinic. “In my view this was a failing of multiple staff over the course of her care,” Ms Wall said.
    Ms Wall also made an adverse comment about the registered nurse at the medical centre who assessed the woman’s foot and incorrectly classified the extent of disease present. This led to an inappropriate referral to the community podiatry service, rather than the diabetes clinic.
    Ms Wall acknowledged, however, that the nurse was working within a system where guidance and terminology were confusing, which enhanced the likelihood of an error.
    In relation to the community podiatrist who returned the referral to the system administrator, Ms Wall made an educational comment. The community podiatrist correctly identified that the referral should go to the diabetes clinic but did not provide adequate clarity in her explanation for her referral rejection. Ms Wall acknowledged issues with the referral system that did not have a default requirement to leave a note of explanation. 
    In addition to the investigation into the care provided to the woman, Ms Wall also investigated whether the Primary Health Organisation contracted by Northland District Health Board to deliver community podiatry services in Northland (PHO 1) provided an appropriate standard of care to multiple consumers from July 2017 to June 2020.
    Considering the overall community podiatry services in Northland, Ms Wall made an adverse comment about PHO1.
    “I am critical that PHO 1 did not provide an adequate community podiatry referral system and processes, which affected multiple consumers,” Ms Wall concluded.
    While noting that PHO 1 was removed from the Companies Register in March 2022 and no longer has legal status, Ms Wall wrote to Manatū Hauora|Ministry of Health and the Health NZ National Office highlighting her concerns.
    Since the events, a number of changes have been made by Health NZ, with further recommendations outlined by Ms Wall in her report.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene
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    Whether directly or indirectly, millions of people in North Carolina have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Natural disasters are traumatic for individuals, families and communities, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. After a hurricane, it’s even more important to get mental health support if you believe you or a loved one may need help, and to stay in contact with family and friends as soon as your access to communications is restored. 

    “You are not alone, there is always someone to call and someone to respond if you need help with your mental or behavioral health,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage that will be felt immediately and for weeks, months and years to come. We are committed to helping those who are impacted right now, and for the long haul.”

    The following resources are always available if you or a loved one need help immediately:

    • The national Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year resource dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people impacted by a natural disaster or emergency. Help is available in English and Spanish. Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers can call or text through their preferred Relay provider.
    • Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org. The person who answers your call is a trained counselor and can provide immediate support.
    • The statewide Peer Warmline, 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762), is staffed 24/7 by Peer Support Specialists who offer non-clinical support and resources to those in crisis. Peers are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support through the lens of personal lived experience.
    • For first responders and volunteers, it’s important to take care of yourself while you take care of others. For stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just someone to talk to, call Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
    • The Disability Disaster Hotline, 800-626-4959, provides information, referrals and guidance to people with disabilities and their families during disasters. Help is available 24/7.
    • People who are uninsured or have Medicaid can also call the crisis line of the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization in their region:
      • Partners: 1-833-353-2093 (serves western region)
      • Vaya Health: 1-800-849-6127 (serves western region)
      • Alliance: 1-877-223-4617
      • Trillium: 1-888-302-0738

    There are also resources available for people impacted by Hurricane Helene who are experiencing a crisis and need a safe place for care, as well as those have a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder.

    Mental Health Crisis Care
    Community Crisis centers (facility-based crisis) are starting to re-open. Community Crisis & Detox Centers open as of Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024:

    • The Balsam Center, Haywood County – Open
    • Foothills Regional Treatment Center, Caldwell County – Open
    • Neil Dobbins Center and C3356 BHUC, Buncombe County – Closed
    • Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center, Buncombe County – Closed
    • Synergy Recovery, Wilkes County – Open

    Walk-in Clinics 
    People can walk into a clinic for mental health or substance use care the same way urgent care clinics help people with immediate physical health needs.  Walk-in Mental Health centers are open in more than two dozen counties that may have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.  You can view a list of walk-in clinics that are open here: Hurricane Recovery Resources – Vaya Health.

    Mobile Crisis Response
    Mobile Crisis teams are operating throughout the disaster area. Mobile Crisis teams can send trained clinicians to a home, community, or shelter to respond to an urgent need.  To get connected with a mobile crisis team, you can call Vaya Health at 1-800-849-6127 and they will respond to you as soon as possible depending on your location.

    For the most up to date info on Behavioral Health resources in the area, please reach out to Vaya Health’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127.

    Opioid Treatment Available 
    All Opioid Treatment Programs in the storm-impacted region are currently open. If you need to find a program, there is a real-time map with location, contact information and hours of operation available at thecentralregistry.com/map. Programs are working with emergency shelters, and all shelters have overdose rescue medications on-hand to provide emergency assistance to shelter residents if needed.

    Behavioral Health Shelter Support
    Most emergency shelters also have a behavioral health clinician and mental health services available onsite to support people currently residing in the shelter until they are able to return home or secure temporary housing. If additional supports, are needed, shelter staff can reach out to Vaya Health at 1-800-849-6127.

    Connections App
    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is using the Connections App to make evidence-based support for mental health and substance use recovery available to anyone in Western North Carolina. It is free and confidential. Enroll at signup.connectionsapp.com to receive services like 24/7 peer support, virtual meetings and access to an online community of people in recovery from substance use. Whether you’re in treatment, have a provider, or are seeking support for the first time, the Connections App can help support you. Watch a short video to learn more.

    Access to Medication
    For people who take regular medications for anxiety, depression, or any other mental health needs, it is important to maintain your regular medication schedule as much as possible. With some exceptions, the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program enables pharmacists to dispense a one-time emergency supply of up to 90 days of a prescribed medication when they are unable to reach the prescribing medical provider, and a one-time emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply.

    Visit www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene to locate a pharmacy that is open and operating in Western North Carolina.

    Medicaid Flexibilities
    Temporary flexibilities for people on NC Medicaid are in place to make it easier for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury to continue to receive services and avoid care disruptions related to the hurricane. Detailed information on these flexibilities and all the services they cover can be found in the Oct. 4 press release, Additional Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation.

    NCDHHS will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to ensure the people and families in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene have access to both the physical and mental health services they need to recover from the storm.

    Whether people need help right away after the hurricane, or later on as recovery continues, it’s never too early or too late to ask for support. Please reach out as help is always available to those who need it.

    a sea directa o indirectamente, millones de personas en Carolina del Norte se han visto afectadas por el huracán Helene. Los desastres naturales son traumáticos para las personas, las familias y las comunidades, y no hay una forma correcta o incorrecta de sentirse. Después de un huracán, es aún más importante obtener apoyo de salud mental si cree que usted o un ser querido pueden necesitar ayuda, y mantenerse en contacto con familiares y amigos tan pronto como se restablezca su acceso a las comunicaciones.

    “No está solo, siempre hay alguien a quien llamar y alguien que responda si necesita ayuda con su salud mental o conductual”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “El huracán Helene trajo daños catastróficos que se sentirán de inmediato y durante semanas, meses y años. Estamos comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que se ven afectados en este momento y a largo plazo “.  

    Los siguientes recursos siempre están disponibles si usted o un ser querido necesitan ayuda de inmediato:

    • La Línea Nacional de Ayuda para los Afectados por Catástrofes, 1-800-985-5990, es un recurso disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, los 365 días del año, dedicado a brindar asesoramiento inmediato en caso de crisis a las personas afectadas por un desastre natural o una emergencia. La ayuda está disponible en inglés y español. Los sordos y personas con problemas de audición, o que usan el lenguaje de señas estadounidense (ASL, por sus siglas en inglés) pueden llamar o enviar mensajes de texto a través de su proveedor de retransmisión/relé preferido.
    • La ayuda también está disponible para cualquier persona, en cualquier momento en inglés o español a través de una llamada, mensaje de texto o chat al 988. Más información en Linea988.org/es. La persona que responde a su llamada es un consejero capacitado y puede brindarle apoyo inmediato.
    • La línea estatal de ayuda entre pares, Peer Warmline, 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762), cuenta con especialistas en apoyo entre pares las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, que ofrecen apoyo y recursos no clínicos a las personas en crisis. Los pares son personas que viven en recuperación con enfermedad mental y/o trastorno por uso de sustancias que brindan apoyo a través de la perspectiva de sus propias experiencias vividas.
    • Para los miembros de equipos de rescate inmediato y los voluntarios, es importante cuidarse a sí mismo mientras cuida a los demás. Para el estrés, la fatiga emocional, una crisis de salud mental o simplemente alguien con quien hablar, llame a la Línea de Ayuda Hope4NC al 1-855-587-3463 para obtener asistencia gratuita y confidencial las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana.
    • La Línea Directa de Desastres para Discapacitados (Disability Disaster Hotline), 800-626-4959, proporciona información, referencias y orientación a las personas con discapacidades y sus familias durante los desastres. Hay ayuda disponible en cualquier día a cualquier hora.
    • Las personas que no tienen seguro o tienen Medicaid también pueden llamar a la línea de crisis de la Entidad de Gestión Local/Organización de Atención Administrada en su región:
      • Partners: 1-833-353-2093 (sirve a la región del oeste)
      • Vaya Health: 1-800-849-6127 (sirve a la región del oeste)
      • Alliance: 1-877-223-4617
      • Trillium: 1-888-302-0738

    También hay recursos disponibles para las personas afectadas por el huracán Helene que están experimentando una crisis y necesitan un lugar seguro para recibir atención, así como para aquellas que tienen un diagnóstico de salud mental o un trastorno por uso de sustancias.

    Crisis de salud mental
    Los Centros Comunitarios de Crisis (crisis en instalaciones) están comenzando a reabrir. Los Centros Comunitarios de Crisis y Desintoxicación abren a partir del jueves, 10 de octubre de 2024:

    • El Centro Balsam (The Balsam Center), condado de Haywood – Abierto
    • Centro de Tratamiento Regional de Foothills (Foothills Regional Treatment Center) , condado de Caldwell – Abierto
    • Centro Neil Dobbins (Neil Dobbins Center) y el Centro de atención urgente de salud mental C3356 (C3356 BHUC), condado de Buncombe – Cerrado
    • Centro de Crisis Infantil Caiyalynn Burrell (Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center), condado de Buncombe – Cerrado
    • Centro de recuperación Synergy (Synergy Recovery), condado de Wilkes – Abierto

    Clínicas ambulatorias que no requieren cita previa 
    Las personas pueden ingresar a una clínica para recibir atención de salud mental o por uso de sustancias de la misma manera que las clínicas de atención de urgencia ayudan a las personas con necesidades inmediatas de salud física. Los centros de salud mental sin cita previa están abiertos en más de dos docenas de condados que pueden haber sido afectados por el huracán Helene. Puede ver una lista de clínicas ambulatorias en las que no necesita cita previa y que están abiertas aquí: Recursos de Recuperación del Huracán – Vaya Health.

    Servicios móviles de respuesta ante crisis
    Los equipos de servicios móviles de respuesta ante crisis están operando en toda la zona del desastre. Los equipos móviles de respuesta ante crisis pueden enviar médicos capacitados a un hogar, comunidad o refugio para responder a una necesidad urgente. Para ponerse en contacto con un equipo móvil de respuesta ante crisis, puede llamar a Vaya Health al 1-800-849-6127 y le responderán lo antes posible dependiendo de su ubicación.

    Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre los recursos de salud conductual en el área, comuníquese con la Línea de Crisis de Salud Conductual de Vaya Health al 1-800-849-6127.

    Tratamiento contra opioides disponible
    Todos los programas de tratamiento contra opioides en la región afectada por la tormenta están actualmente abiertos. Si necesita encontrar un programa, hay un mapa en tiempo real con ubicación, información de contacto y horarios disponibles en thecentralregistry.com/map. Los programas están trabajando con refugios de emergencia, y todos los refugios tienen medicamentos de rescate para sobredosis disponibles para brindar asistencia de emergencia a los residentes del refugio si es necesario.

    Apoyos de salud conductual para refugios
    La mayoría de los refugios de emergencia también tienen un médico de salud conductual y servicios de salud mental disponibles en el lugar para apoyar a las personas que actualmente residen en el refugio hasta que puedan regresar a casa u obtener una vivienda temporal. Si se necesita apoyos adicionales, el personal del refugio puede comunicarse con Vaya Health al 1-800-849-6127.

    Aplicación Connections
    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está utilizando la aplicación Connections para poner a disposición de cualquier persona en el oeste de Carolina del Norte el apoyo basado en la evidencia para la recuperación de la salud mental y el uso de sustancias. Es gratuito y confidencial. Inscríbase en signup.connectionsapp.com para recibir servicios como apoyo entre pares las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, reuniones virtuales y acceso a una comunidad en línea de personas en recuperación del uso de sustancias. Ya sea que esté en tratamiento, tenga un proveedor o esté buscando ayuda por primera vez, la aplicación Connections puede ayudarlo. Mire un vídeo corto para obtener más información. 

    Acceso a medicamentos
    Para las personas que toman medicamentos regulares para la ansiedad, la depresión o cualquier otra necesidad de salud mental, es importante mantener su horario regular de medicamentos tanto como sea posible. Con algunas excepciones, el Programa de Asistencia de Recetas de Emergencia permite a los farmacéuticos dispensar un suministro de emergencia único de hasta 90 días de un medicamento recetado cuando no pueden comunicarse con el proveedor médico que lo prescribe, y una recarga de emergencia única de un suministro de hasta 30 días. Visite http://www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene para localizar una farmacia abierta y en funcionamiento en el oeste de Carolina del Norte.

    Flexibilidades de Medicaid
    Existen flexibilidades temporales para las personas con Medicaid de Carolina del Norte para facilitar que las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo y lesiones cerebrales traumáticas continúen recibiendo servicios y eviten interrupciones en la atención relacionadas con el huracán. La información detallada sobre estas flexibilidades y todos los servicios que cubren se puede encontrar en el comunicado de prensa del 4 de octubre, Flexibilidades temporales adicionales para los beneficiarios de Medicaid debido a la devastación del huracán Helene.

    El Departamento de Salud Y servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte continuará trabajando con socios locales, estatales y federales para garantizar que las personas y familias en las comunidades afectadas por el huracán Helene tengan acceso a los servicios de salud física y mental que necesitan para recuperarse de la tormenta.

    Ya sea que las personas necesiten ayuda inmediatamente después del huracán o más tarde a medida que continúa la recuperación, nunca es demasiado pronto o demasiado tarde para pedir ayuda. Póngase en contacto con nosotros, ya que siempre hay ayuda disponible para quienes la necesiten.

    Oct 10, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene

    NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene
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    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging western North Carolinians who rely on a private well for their drinking water and were impacted by Hurricane Helene to continue to use bottled, boiled or treated water until private wells can be disinfected and tested for dangerous bacteria. Safety measures and precautions are also needed for septic systems that have been impacted by the storm before returning to use.

    More than 300,000 people in or near flood-impacted areas in western North Carolina are estimated to rely on private wells, and the number on septic systems is estimated to be slightly higher. People in flood and storm-impacted areas should have their private wells and septic systems inspected and repaired if damaged. Wells should be disinfected and tested after repairs to ensure water safety, while septic systems should be inspected to confirm they are functioning properly. These steps are essential to help keep individuals and their families safe following the storm.

    North Carolinians who lost access to water or septic through a private well or damaged septic system as a result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and learn about other resources available to help you and your family recover from the storm.

    Safety Measures for Private Wells
    Excessive rain and flooding can cause water in private wells to become contaminated, meaning the water can make people sick if it is consumed. People with medical conditions can be particularly susceptible to severe illness or even death related to dangerous bacteria from contaminated wells.

    After a flood, your private well must be assessed for damage, disinfected and tested. It is critical that people do not drink or use water from a private well that has been damaged or flooded until it has been properly disinfected and tested after the storm. Potentially contaminated water should not be used for drinking, washing and preparing food, making ice, preparing baby formula, washing dishes, brushing teeth or washing hands. Use an alternative water source until testing confirms contamination is no longer detected in your water. Alternative sources include bottled water, a source you know isn’t contaminated or boiling your water for at least one minute before use.

    Follow these steps to assess your well:

    • Wait to turn on electricity. Do not turn on the electricity to your pump until flood waters recede.
    • Check your well for damage. If your well is damaged, contact a licensed well driller for assistance. You can search for well contractors in your county at Find Certified Well Contractors.
    • Disinfect your well. If you are able to determine your well is not damaged, and you already have the necessary disinfection materials on-hand, you can disinfect your well to prepare it to be tested. Use the NCDHHS instructions on How to Disinfect Your Well After a Flood for assistance.
      • If you do not have disinfectant supplies or have questions about disinfecting your well, contact your local health department for assistance.
    • Test your well. Because you cannot see, taste or smell bacterial contamination in your well, it is imperative to have the water tested after disinfection to determine whether it is safe for use. 
      • The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health provides free testing available through local health departments. 
      • If you live near animal feeding operations, agricultural fields where pesticides are applied or industrial chemical factories, you should talk with your local health department about additional testing, especially if you smell fuel or chemicals in your water.
    • Interpret your results. Your local health department or testing lab will provide the water testing results back to the well owner as quickly as possible. If you need help interpreting your results, you can use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina) or contact the NCDHHS Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900 or oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    In response to Hurricane Helene, the NC State Laboratory of Public Health and NCDHHS Environmental Health Section are working to provide both disinfection and sampling kits at Point of Distribution locations across Western North Carolina. More details will be announced soon.

    Safety Measures for Septic Systems
    Your septic system can also pose a public health risk after a flood or storm because of sewage back up, dangerous gases or contaminated wastewater. It is important to keep your family, especially children and pets, away from areas affected by sewage or wastewater to reduce the risk of disease.

    If your property was affected by flooding or damage from Hurricane Helene, follow these steps to protect your septic system and your health:

    • If your property has been flooded, do not use the plumbing system while the septic tank is still under water.
    • Look for signs that your septic system may have been damaged, such as soil settling around the septic tank or drain field, septic system components that have moved or surfaced, or sewage backup into your home or wastewater on the ground.
    • Do not use your plumbing system if sewage water has backed up into your home and avoid contact with any sewage from a septic tank that is not operating.
    • Avoid putting floodwater or disinfectants into the system as these can cause further damage. Instead, contact your local health department if your system requires repairs.
    • Have your septic system inspected by a certified wastewater system inspector after a flood or if you suspect storm-related damage. You can call the NC Onsite Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board at 336-202-3126 to find a certified inspector near you.
    • Before restoring power to the system, ensure your electrical and system components are working properly. Check the electrical system for any damage, clean the effluent filter or screen, and determine whether your septic tank needs to be pumped by a licensed professional before coming back online.
    • For assistance or additional information on repairing or constructing a septic tank system, contact your county health department.

    If your flood or storm-impacted septic system has caused sewage to back up into your home, take precautions while cleaning the area to avoid exposure or direct contact with the debris. Wear rubber gloves, boots, and eye protection while cleaning and disinfecting the area. See the NCDHHS after the flood flyer for additional information about safety measures to help keep yourself and your family safe when cleaning up after a flood. More Hurricane Helene resources are available at ncdhhs.gov/helene. 

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte recomienda a los habitantes del oeste de Carolina del Norte que dependen de un pozo privado para su agua potable y se vieron afectados por el huracán Helene a que continúen utilizando agua embotellada, hervida o tratada hasta que los pozos privados puedan desinfectarse y analizarse para detectar bacterias peligrosas. También se necesitan medidas de seguridad y precauciones para los sistemas sépticos afectados por la tormenta antes de volver a usarlos.

    Se estima que más de 300,000 personas en o cerca de las áreas afectadas por las inundaciones en el oeste de Carolina del Norte dependen de pozos privados, y se estima que el número de sistemas sépticos es un poco más alto. Las personas en áreas afectadas porinundaciones y tormentas deben inspeccionar sus pozos privados y sistemas sépticos y repararlos si están dañados. Los pozos deben desinfectarse y analizarse después de las reparaciones para garantizar la seguridad del agua, mientras que los sistemas sépticos deben inspeccionarse para confirmar que funcionan correctamente. Estos pasos son esenciales para ayudar a mantener a las personas y sus familias seguras después de la tormenta.

    Los habitantes de Carolina del Norte que perdieron el acceso al agua o al séptico a través de un pozo privado o un sistema séptico dañado debido al huracán Helene pueden ser elegibles para recibir asistencia de FEMA. Visite disasterassistance.gov o llame al 800-621-3362 para solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA y obtener información sobre otros recursos disponibles para ayudarlo a usted y a su familia a recuperarse debido a la tormenta.

    Medidas de seguridad para pozos privados
    El exceso de lluvia y las inundaciones pueden contaminar el agua de los pozos privados, lo que significa que el agua puede enfermar a las personas si se consume. Las personas con afecciones médicas pueden ser particularmente susceptibles a enfermedades graves o incluso a la muerte relacionadas con bacterias peligrosas de pozos contaminados.

    Después de una inundación, su pozo privado debe ser revisado por daños, desinfectado y analizado. Es sumamente importante que las personas no beban ni usen agua de un pozo privado que haya sido dañado o inundado hasta que haya sido desinfectado y analizadoadecuadamente después de la tormenta. Agua posiblemente contaminada no debe usarse para beber, lavar y preparar alimentos, hacer hielo, preparar fórmula para bebés, lavar platos, cepillarse los dientes o lavarse las manos. Utilice una fuente de agua alternativa hasta que los análisis confirmen que ya no se detecta contaminación en su agua. Las fuentes alternativas incluyen agua embotellada, una fuente que sabe que no está contaminada o hervir el agua durante al menos un minuto antes de su uso.

    Siga estos pasos para evaluar su pozo:

    • Espere para encender la electricidad. No encienda la electricidad de su bomba hasta que las aguas de la inundación retrocedan.
    • Revise su pozo en busca de daños. Si su pozo está dañado, comuníquese con un taladrador de pozos con licencia para obtener ayuda. Puede buscar contratistas de pozos en su condado en Encontrar contratistas de pozos certificados.
    • Desinfecte su pozo. Si puede determinar que su pozo no está dañado y ya tiene los materiales de desinfección necesarios a mano, puede desinfectar su pozo para prepararlo para el análisis. Use las instrucciones del NCDHHS sobre Cómo desinfectar su pozo después de una inundación para obtener ayuda.
      • Si no tiene suministros desinfectantes o tiene preguntas sobre la desinfección de su pozo, comuníquese con su departamento de salud local para obtener ayuda.
    • Realice un análisis de su pozo. Debido a que no puede ver, saborear u oler la contaminación bacteriana en su pozo, es importantísimo analizar el agua después de la desinfección para determinar si es segura para su uso.
      • El Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública de Carolina del Norte ofrece pruebas gratuitas disponibles a través de los departamentos de salud locales.
      • Si vive cerca de operaciones de alimentación de animales, campos agrícolas donde se aplican pesticidas o fábricas de productos químicos industriales, debe hablar con su departamento de salud local sobre pruebas adicionales, especialmente si huele a combustible o productos químicos en el agua.
    • Interprete sus resultados. Su departamento de salud local o laboratorio de pruebas proporcionará los resultados de las pruebas de agua al propietario del pozo lo más rápido posible. Si necesita ayuda para interpretar sus resultados, puede usar la herramienta en línea Be Well Informed (seleccione Carolina del Norte) o comuníquese con la Sección de Epidemiología Ocupacional y Ambiental de NCDHHS al 919-707-5900 ooeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    En respuesta al huracán Helene, el Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública de Carolina del Norte y la Sección de Salud Ambiental de NCDHHS están trabajando para proporcionar kits de desinfección y muestreo en los puntos de distribución en todo el oeste de Carolina del Norte. Más detalles se anunciarán pronto.

    Medidas de seguridad para sistemas sépticos
    Su sistema séptico también puede representar un riesgo para la salud pública después de una inundación o tormenta debido a la acumulación de aguas residuales, gases peligrosos o aguas residuales contaminadas. Es importante mantener a su familia, especialmente a los niños y las mascotas, alejados de las áreas afectadas por las aguas residuales para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades.
    Si su propiedad estuvo afectada por inundaciones o daños causados por el huracán Helene,siga estos pasos para proteger su sistema séptico y su salud:

    • Si su propiedad se ha inundado, no use el sistema de plomería mientras el tanque séptico todavía esté bajo el agua.
    • Busque señas de que su sistema séptico puede haberse dañado, como la tierra del suelo alrededor de la fosa séptica o del área de drenaje, componentes del sistema séptico que se han desplazado o han salido a la superficie, o la entrada de aguas residuales o del alcantarillado en su casa o en el suelo.
    • No use su sistema de plomería si las aguas residuales se han acumulado en su hogar y evite el contacto con las aguas residuales de un tanque séptico que no esté funcionando.
    • Evite poner agua de inundación o desinfectantes en el sistema, ya que pueden causar más daños. Mas bien, comuníquese con su departamento de salud local si su sistema requiere reparaciones.
    • Realice una inspección por un inspector certificado en sistema de aguas residuales después de una inundación o si sospecha daños relacionados con la tormenta. Puede llamar a la Junta de Certificación de Contratistas e Inspectores de Aguas Residuales en Sitio de NC al 336-202-3126 para encontrar un inspector certificado cerca de usted.
    • Antes de restaurar la energía al sistema, asegúrese de que los componentes eléctricos y del sistema funcionen correctamente. Revise el sistema eléctrico en busca de daños, limpie el filtro o pantalla de efluentes y determine si su tanque séptico debe ser bombeado por un profesional autorizado antes de volver a conectarse.
    • Para obtener ayuda o información adicional sobre la reparación o construcción de un sistema de tanque séptico, comuníquese con el departamento de salud de su condado.

    Si su sistema séptico afectado por inundaciones o tormentas ha causado que las aguas residuales entren en su hogar, tome precauciones mientras limpia el área para evitar la exposición o el contacto directo con los desechos. Use guantes de goma, botas y protección para los ojos mientras limpia y desinfecta el área. Consulte el volante después de la inundaciónde NCDHHS para obtener información adicional sobre las medidas de seguridad para mantenerse a si mismo y a su familia a salvo cuando limpie después de una inundación. Más recursos sobre el huracán Helene están disponibles en ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Oct 10, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –