NSW Health

02/09/2025

Need instant advice about a late-night fever?

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

A registered nurse is available 24/7 to help you get the care your child needs. The nurse can find you a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service, connect you to a paediatric specialist online or call you an ambulance if it is life threatening.

To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/callhealthdirect

01/09/2025

NSW Health is proud to support Multicultural Health Week. Join us and NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service as we celebrate and support older people from multicultural communities.

For more information visit: https://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/campaigns-and-projects/multicultural-health-week/multicultural-health-week-2025

31/08/2025

Meet Leesa, a community and renal dietitian at Mid North Coast Health .

As a community dietitian she works on health prevention in Aboriginal communities to manage chronic disease through dietary and lifestyle intervention and education. As a renal dietitian she also provides clinical support to people with chronic kidney disease through various stages including pre-dialysis, those on renal replacement therapy and post-transplant. "You become part of your patient’s life journey. You see people through early diagnosis to renal replacement therapy, transplant and end of life”, Leesa said.

Leesa recently celebrated her 20th year of work as a dietitian. “I’ve been here since 2005 and seen many changes to the health service and my role within it. I’ve had to be adaptable and committed to learning new ways which our younger team members have assisted me with greatly. I’ve now been at Mid North Coast Health for so long that I’m now treating two generations within the same family!”

One aspect of the role she didn’t expect was the way people’s lives touched hers. Leesa shared a recent interaction she had with a patient’s family. “Her daughter called to inform me that her mum had sadly passed and wanted to thank me for the experience I provided during her care. She let me know that her mum had spoken about feeling heard during our appointments and how it made a significant difference in her treatment. The call was heartfelt and one of many conversations that makes my job so worthwhile.”

When asked what advice she had for aspiring dietitians, Leesa answered, “In a world full of online trends, it is important to stay up-to-date with scientific knowledge to ensure you can educate patients between fact and fiction when it comes to their health. The most rewarding part will be seeing people show up for appointments, trust your advice, and make small changes to improve their quality of life.”

Want to be like Leesa and join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day? Find your next job in Australia’s largest health system: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers

31/08/2025

Look at me, look at me, ladies – now I’ve got one word to say to you: sexual health check-ups.

Gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis might be nice, different, unusual names, but they’re all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Most STIs don't show symptoms, which is why it's important to get regular sexual health check-ups if you're sexually active.

A sexual health check-up will involve:

- being asked questions about your sexual history to determine what tests you need.

- getting tested (recommendation of a blood test, a urine test and/or swab).

- sometimes a physical exam if you have symptoms and you're comfortable.

To find a NSW STI testing location near you, visit https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/sti-testing-locator/

30/08/2025

In this video, we demonstrate how to use naloxone nasal spray with Dr Hester Wilson, Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist at the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Naloxone is a very safe drug that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. With basic training, it can be administered by anyone. Naloxone is available for free and without a prescription.

For more information on naloxone or where to get it, visit: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx

29/08/2025

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Sydney.

The case recently returned from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

Wednesday 20 August:
- Coles, East Village Shopping Mall, Zetland from 6.45pm to 7.35pm
- The University of New South Wales Main Library from 11.30am to 2.30pm

Thursday 21 August:
- Bus Route 320 Zetland to Surry Hills from 11am to 12:00pm
- Noffs Op Shop, 332 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30 pm
- Storerooms Vintage, 294-296 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30pm
- C’s Flashback Recycled Clothing store, 314 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30pm
- KFC, 30-34 Chalmers St Surry Hills from 1.00pm to 2.10pm
- Savers, Surry Hills from 1.40pm to 3.10pm

Friday 22 August:
- Coles, East Village Shopping Mall, Zetland from 7.50pm to 8.35pm

Sunday 24 August:
- Bowan Bakery, Zetland from 9.20am to 11.30am
- East Village Shopping Mall Vodafone Store from 11.00am to 11.35am
- East Village Shopping Mall Optus Store from 11.00am to 11.40am
- Green Square Train Station, train from Green Square to Circular Quay from 11.45am to 12.40pm
- Gateway Sydney Foodcourt including Mad Mex and Sammi’s, Circular Quay from 1.00pm to 2.15pm
- Circular Quay Station, train from Circular Quay to Green Square from 3.45pm to 4.30pm

Monday 25 August:
- Maroubra Urgent Care Centre from 1.30pm to 5.00pm
- Maroubra Medical and Dental Centre and Laverty Pathology waiting room, 806/812 Anzac Parade Maroubra between 3.30pm to 4.30pm
- ALDI Supermarket, Pacific Square Maroubra from 4.40pm to 5.35pm
- Bus Route 396 Maroubra to Kensington from 5.15pm to 6.05pm
- Lucky Supermarket, 132 Anzac Parade Kensington from 5.35pm to 6.10pm

Wednesday 27 August:
- Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency Department, Randwick from 6.00am to 12.30pm

Sydney Local Health District Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Isabel Hess, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Hess said.

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

“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 up until 15 September.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

“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."

The 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 a 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: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx

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.

29/08/2025

Vaccinations are a normal part of staying healthy over winter and preventing severe illness.

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, Influenza and RSV can cause serious illness, especially for people aged 65 and over.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist about getting the vaccine that is right for you.

If you are unwell, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, 24/7 medical advice from a registered nurse.

Learn more at health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory

28/08/2025

28/08/2025

Creamy chicken pasta ready in no time! A comforting, yummy and quick meal for busy weeknights. Boost your veggies even more by serving with a side salad.

For the full recipe visit: www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/food/healthy-recipes =44

28/08/2025

Influenza (flu) activity remains high. There’s still time to get your flu vaccine. Talk to your pharmacist or GP now. COVID-19 is at a low level. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is at a moderate level.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months, especially those at higher risk of severe illness including people aged 65 years and older.

And remember these top tips to protect yourself and others:
- stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
- stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home
- get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces and avoid crowded spaces
- consider taking a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
- make a plan with your doctor if you're at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicine
- practice good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

View the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance report here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/reports.aspx

Unwell and not sure where to go? You can call healthdirect anytime day or night on 1800 022 222 and get the help you need.
healthdirect is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right place for care. If it’s life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000) or go to an Emergency Department.

More information on respiratory illness:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx

27/08/2025

We love healthdirect just as much as Travis loves Taylor 🥰

Call healthdirect for free health advice 24/7.

Calling healthdirect connects you to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need.

healthdirect nurses can provide health advice, find you a nearby GP, pharmacist, or Urgent Care Service, connect you to a doctor online or call you an ambulance if your situation is life-threatening.

Save this number – 1800 022 222

27/08/2025

Do you have kids in years 7-10 who are curious about their future career? Share the Future Health Worldbuilding Competition with them.

We’re inviting NSW young people in Years 7-10 to imagine the future of healthcare and share it with us by creating stories, graphic designs, videos or a world in any format that’s meaningful to them! It’s free, aligned to their school curriculum and there are great prizes to be won.

The competition closes at 5:00 pm, 25 September 2025, so it’s not too late to enter.

Find out more and spark interest in a career in health: www.health.nsw.gov.au/futurehealthcomp