NSW Health

24/03/2026

Did you know there were over 500 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in NSW last year?

For World Tuberculosis Day, we spoke with the statewide TB Clinical Nurse Consultant, Evan, about how it spreads and the symptoms to look out for.

To learn more about TB, tap this link:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/tuberculosis.aspx

23/03/2026

Are you a first-year medical student at a NSW university medical school with plans to undertake a rural placement?

Apply for $1,500 to help cover relocation and study costs as you prepare to live and learn in a rural or remote community.

Be supported by Australia’s largest health care system. Applications close on 3 April 2026.

Apply now:
https://www.heti.nsw.gov.au/Placements-Scholarships-Grants/scholarships-and-grants/getting-started-in-medicine-scholarship-for-first-year-students

Explore other rural scholarships:
health.nsw.gov.au/ruralscholarships

23/03/2026

Interested in upskilling in allied health or pharmacy while working at NSW Health?

You can apply for $3,000 to complete the Rural Allied Health Assistant or Pharmacy Assistant qualification at TAFE NSW. Funds can be used to help cover course fees, technology, travel accommodation or childcare expenses.

Be supported by Australia’s largest health system. Applications close on 10 April 2026.

Apply now: https://www.heti.nsw.gov.au/Placements-Scholarships-Grants/scholarships-and-grants/rural-allied-health-assistant-scholarship

Explore more rural scholarships:
health.nsw.gov.au/ruralscholarships

22/03/2026

Meet Kate, the 2025 winner of the Allied Health Professional of the Year Award. Kate is a highly respected clinician, educator and researcher, currently working as a Senior Speech Pathologist at Liverpool Hospital.

Kate’s impact extends across NSW Health, where she has contributed to education, policy and product development, shaping services to improve outcomes for children and families.

The Allied Health Professional of the Year Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to clinical excellence, leadership, education and culture. Recipients champion evidence-based practice, focus on value-based healthcare and deliver safe, high-quality and compassionate patient care. They actively support a positive culture aligned with the NSW Health CORE values.

Tune in 26 March to find out the 2026 Allied Health Professional of the Year!
Want to follow in Kate's footsteps and build a meaningful career in allied health?

Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/alliedhealth

South Western Sydney Local Health District

22/03/2026

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case.

The case attended one of the listed exposure sites in NBMLHD at the same time as a confirmed case earlier this month and visited several other locations while unknowingly infectious.

People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
- Woolworths, Jordan Springs: 17 March 2026, 8.15am – 9.20am
- Baby Bunting Penrith, Jamisontown: 18 March 2026, 2.00pm – 2.45pm
- Kmart, Penrith Square: 18 March 2026, 2.30pm – 3.20pm
- Brell House, St Marys: 18 March 2026, 6.30pm – 9.00pm
- Young Academics Early Learning Centre, Cranebrook: 18 March 2026, 8.55am – 9.30am, 4.10pm – 4.45pm and 20 March 2026, 8.50am – 9.25am and 5.00pm – 5.35pm
- Scent Method Warehouse, Prestons: 19 March 2026, 11.30am – 12.10pm
- Terry White Chemist, Jordan Springs: 19 March 2026, 6.00pm – 6.50pm
- Parx Coffee House, Cranebrook: 20 March 2026, 8.55am – 9.30am
- Subway, Jordan Springs: 20 March 2026, 7.00pm – 7.35pm
- XS Espresso, Jordan Springs: 21 March 2026, 11.50am – 12.35pm

A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx). Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Centre for Population Health Director, Eloise Milthorpe, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed above, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you don't spend time in waiting rooms with other patients and wear a mask," Ms Milthorpe said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven't attended one of the identified locations and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period."

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough," Ms Milthorpe said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx.)

People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website (www.smartraveller.gov.au) for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

21/03/2026

Registered Nurse Sami has completed five deployments since joining the NSW Health Deployment Program.

During his recent deployment, he gained valuable professional experience while enjoying paid travel, accommodation, and generous allowances. Outside of work, he made the most of his time in Port Macquarie by camping, surfing, and exploring the region.

Interested in your own NSW Health Deployment Program adventure? Find out more today: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/Pages/deployment-program.aspx

20/03/2026

Vaccinations might not be able to guarantee that babies and toddlers sleep through the night, but they do help protect your little one from serious diseases like measles and whooping cough.

Give them the best protection. Vaccinate on time.

Find out more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/app/Pages/default.aspx

20/03/2026

Whether you're just starting out or facing a feeding challenge, support is available.​

Speak with your midwife, local child and family health nurse or GP for practical tips and gentle encouragement.

Free 24/7 advice is available - call the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline on 1800 686 268, or visit https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

20/03/2026

It’s World Oral Health Day!

A global reminder of how essential oral hygiene is - not just for a bright smile, but for lifelong health and wellbeing.

For more tips on caring for your mouth at every stage of life, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/Pages/default.aspx

19/03/2026

We wish everyone celebrating a joyful Eid al-Fitr. ✨

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating.
Have a safe and blessed Eid al-Fitr !
For more translated health information, visit www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au

19/03/2026

We are here for you.

This Harmony Week, we are celebrating the diversity of NSW and how the people of all cultures, backgrounds, faiths and beliefs in our communities are reflected in the diversity of our dedicated staff who care for them.

NSW Health has a large and outstanding workforce from a range of cultural, linguistic and faith backgrounds who work side by side in our hospitals with respect, kindness and compassion for each other and the people they care for.

To our staff, thank you for the work you do every day to ensure patients feel safe and supported while in our care. Through embracing our differences, we are able to overcome barriers to accessing care and ensure health care spaces are safe for everyone.

Together, we are united by our commitment to providing compassionate and culturally safe care to everyone.

Find out more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/we-are-here-for-you.aspx

19/03/2026

NSW Health is advising people in western and northern Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of three new confirmed cases.

Two of the cases are known to have acquired their infection locally as they attended one of the listed NSW exposure sites at the same time as a confirmed case earlier this month.

However, it is unknown where the third new case acquired their infection as they have not had any recent overseas travel. The source of their infection is under investigation.

The new cases visited several locations across western and northern Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.

A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx) Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 33 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.

NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed above, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don't spend time in waiting rooms with other patients," Dr Selvey said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven't attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period."

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough," Dr Selvey said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet (www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx)

People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website (www.smartraveller.gov.au) for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.