Renmark Paringa Health Advisory Council

02/10/2025

Time for a Friday mood check. Tell us – which Kermit best represents your mood today?

Checking in with your emotions and talking openly about how you’re feeling is important.

When we talk about our mental health, we can break down barriers and help those around us feel safe to reach out for support too.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.

For a list of services, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/mentalhealth

02/10/2025

Renmark Medical Clinic is now offering
Together Through Menopause and Perimenopause clinic with Dr Corina Sims

Please contact the clinic on 8586 4111 or speak with reception for further information and to arrange an appointment

01/10/2025

23/09/2025

Stay Ahead of Bowel Cancer: Get Screened Today!

Did you know that early detection of bowel cancer can save lives? The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free, simple test for eligible Australians aged 45 to 74. By participating in regular screening, you can reduce the risk of advanced bowel cancer and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Why Get Screened?
Early Detection: Over 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if found early.
Convenience: The test can be done easily at home with a free kit provided by the program.
Peace of Mind: Regular screening helps you stay on top of your health and catch potential issues before they become serious.

How to Participate:
Request Your Kit: Eligible Australians can request a free bowel cancer screening kit by visiting the National Cancer Screening Register - or talking to your GP!

Follow the Instructions: The kit includes everything you need to collect samples at home. It's quick, clean, and easier than you might think.
Send It Back: Use the provided reply-paid envelope to send your samples for testing.
Don't wait—take control of your health today!

For more information, visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program or talk to your GP at your next consult!

22/09/2025

🎈 JOIN US for the Barmera Health Service Open Day on Saturday 4 October 2025 from 2:00pm-6:00pm!

We have a wide variety of entertainment, stalls and activities planned, including:
🎶 live music from The Bowerbirds and Nev and Ron’s Band, a didgeridoo player, face painting and a magician
🎊 market stalls with crafts, books, giftware, clothing, pottery, homewares and more
🍦 food and drinks including Indian and Philippine cuisine, Mishes_kitchen, Rolled Ice Cream, Machi’s Cuisine, Mario’s Coffee Van, a sausage sizzle and Aboriginal cultural food
🐴 guests from Caring Canines, Miracle Park Stables Ltd, the SA State Emergency Service and SA Ambulance Service
🩷 information about health services, Health Advisory Councils, local funeral services, NDIS and a breast cancer wig library
🏥 tours of the hospital and health service at 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

The event will be officially opened by Mayor of the Berri Barmera Council Ella Winnall, and will be emceed throughout the day by Matt Stephens from ABC Riverland.

All members of the community are invited to come along.

Bring a gold coin donation – all funds raised will be donated to Barmera Health Service.

Berri Barmera Health Advisory Council Berri Barmera Libraries Berri Lions Club Renmark Lions Club 1st Barmera Scout Group Pixel & Bound Barmera Medical Clinic Barmera Primary School Barmera-Monash Fc Barmera Visitor Centre Dear Donna Giftware Altschwager Family Funerals

21/09/2025

The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) is pleased to announce that families living in our region can now access Inklings! 💙

Inklings is a program to support babies aged 6 to 18 months who are showing early differences in their social interaction and communication.

Through the program, eligible parents and caregivers can access 6 to 10 sessions with a supportive, trained practitioner, at Inklings clinics in Berri or Murray Bridge or via telehealth. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families, including those who are not eligible for medicare funding.

At-home visits for families living throughout the Riverland Mallee Coorong region may be available in specific circumstances upon request.

Referrals to the program can be made by a health professional, like a GP, nurse or allied health professional, or you can self-refer.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families can request support from a RMCLHN Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO) or Community Aboriginal Health Worker during their appointment/s.

ℹ For more information visit www.inklings.org.au/sa or contact the team at inklings@thekids.org.au or by phone on 1300 030 655.

Inklings Program

20/09/2025

As you get older, you lose bone faster than you build it which can lead to osteoporosis – a condition that makes bones weak and easy to break.

Anyone can get osteoporosis, but women after menopause have a higher risk.
If your doctor thinks you're at risk, you might need a bone density scan.

This scan uses low-energy x-rays to measure how strong your bones are, alongside your risk of a fracture.

The test takes about 30 minutes and there is no out-of-pocket expense.
The SA Medical Imaging Mobile Bone Density Service travels around rural South Australia providing bone density scans. To find out when it's coming to you, call (08) 7074 5400.

For more info, visit brnw.ch/21wVGB4

15/09/2025

🟣Do you know someone living with dementia? Or maybe you’d just like to learn more?

🟣You’re warmly invited to a free community presentation on Thursday 18 September 2025.

🟣Come along, bring a friend, and discover helpful information and support resources.

🗓️ Check the flyer for full details – we’d love to see you there!

14/09/2025

Did you know that sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection that can happen to anyone of any age – even if they’re taking antibiotics – or are young and healthy?

In sepsis, the body has a harmful reaction to infection, and this can lead to organ failure, tissue damage, and even death, if not treated in hospital quickly.

Know and share with others:
👉 Almost any infection can lead to sepsis – a simple infected cut, a urinary tract infection or a more serious infection like pneumonia.
👉 Signs of sepsis may include feeling very sick with fast breathing, drowsiness or confusion, extreme shivering, fever, blotchy, clammy skin or unexplained pain.
👉 Survivors of sepsis are also at risk of post sepsis syndrome, with symptoms of fatigue, mood changes and memory issues lasting months.

If you suspect sepsis, don’t be afraid to ask your health professional: ‘Could it be sepsis?’

If identified early, sepsis is usually treatable. To learn more, visitsahealth.sa.gov.au/sepsis

13/09/2025

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS to Dr Zhi Tan - WINNER of the RMCLHN 2025 Outstanding Contribution to RMCLHN by GPs, Contractors and Partners Award!

Dr Zhi Tan is a Locum Medical Registrar at Riverland General Hospital (RGH) who consistently demonstrates a deep dedication to both patient care and the wellbeing of his colleagues. He is highly supportive, approachable, and respectful, creating an environment where both staff and patients feel valued and heard.

Dr Zhi Tan possesses extensive knowledge and an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, ensuring his patients receive the highest standard of care. His patient-centred approach is evident in the way he ensures families are well-informed, listens deeply to patients’ concerns beyond their immediate medical needs, and treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of circumstances.

Dr Zhi Tan goes above and beyond to check-in on staff, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. His warm and welcoming nature make him a trusted mentor for new staff and students, and he offers guidance and encouragement to help them thrive. He is also a pillar of support across other departments, proactively offering assistance and creative problem solving to address challenges in patient care and workflow.

What truly sets Dr Zhi Tan apart is his unwavering compassion, empathy and calm demeanour, even in high-pressure situations. He approaches every interaction with kindness and a smile, creating a reassuring presence for patients and colleagues alike.

Dr Zhi Tan exemplifies the very best qualities of the organisation through his professionalism and willingness to help others. His contributions have a significant positive impact on patients, caregivers, colleagues and the wider community.