Latrobe Regional Health

08/08/2025

There has been an increase in mpox cases notified in Victoria, with 8 cases reported from mid July 2025, including 5 cases locally acquired in metropolitan Melbourne.

In addition, there is an ongoing risk of mpox being imported into Victoria by travellers returning from overseas or interstate.

In Victoria, mpox mostly affects gay, bis*xual, and other men who have s*x with men, however, it can affect anyone.

Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through s*xual health clinics, hospitals, general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.

Two doses of mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection. If you haven’t had your second dose, get it now.

For further information on mpox, including immunisation providers and symptoms, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4mxXPRN

06/08/2025

Enter LRH’s Father’s Day raffle for a chance to win this special handcrafted 1.8-metre-long truck.
Lovingly made by Sale craftsman and former transport engineer Ray Grotaers, the truck features realistic detailing, sturdy construction, and a striking design that captures the rugged spirit of the transport industry.
Whether it’s displayed in a man (or woman) cave, garage, office, or proudly passed down to future generations, this piece makes for a unique and unforgettable gift.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online by going to https://www.raffletix.com.au/latrobehealth
Every dollar will take us closer to bringing the latest laser surgical equipment to Gippsland, to blast away painful kidney and bladder stones and reduce the discomfort of an enlarged prostate.
Thank you!

05/08/2025

Countdown is commencing…🙌💃

🎀 75 Days to Go – Let’s Race for a Cause! 🐎

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Latrobe Regional Health for a race day that’s more than just racing — it’s about raising funds for a cause that affects us all.

Join us track-side for a full day of country racing fun, or experience our Pink Luncheon — an uplifting afternoon filled with guest speakers, live entertainment, and powerful fundraising moments.

🩷 Whether you’re there for the thrill of racing or the heart of the Pink Luncheon, your presence makes a difference.

🎟 Tickets are on sale now at https://country.racing.com/moe/calendar/2025/10/19/latrobe-regional-health-cancer-fundraiser-day

05/08/2025

Did you know there is a new National Lung Cancer Screening Program?
Lung cancer screening is now available in Australia for eligible people aged 50-70, with a
smoking history.
This test involves a free low-dose CT scan of your chest to look for signs of lung cancer and
can detect up to 70% of lung cancers in the early stages when they are easier to treat.
Lung cancer screening could save your life. Find out more: health.gov.au/lung

02/08/2025

Great advice in the image but what if that conversation becomes a little 'tricky'. What if the subject is straying into territory you're not familiar with?
What if the person you are speaking with seems to be experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts or behaviours?
Do you know what to say? Or do?
The very first Mental Health First Aid Day is on 19 August so you'll see a lot of info on your feeds about this terrific program which has been running for 25 years.
And you can sign up to courses delivered by our experienced Mental Health Promotion team. There are a bunch of them coming up at Latrobe Valley Community Mental Health in Traralgon:
• Standard Mental Health First Aid – Two-day course. Wednesday 20 and Monday 25 August, 9am-4.30pm. Learn how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until professional help is received.
• Conversations about Su***de – Tuesday 2 September, 9am-1.30pm
Learn how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, until professional help is received.
• Conversations about non-suicidal self-injury – Tuesday 28 October, 9am-1.30pm
Learn how to provide initial support to another adult who may be engaging in non-suicidal self-injury.
• Standard Mental Health First Aid – Two-day course. Tuesday 11 and Monday 17 November, 9am-4.30pm. Learn how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until professional help is received.
• Conversations about Gambling – Monday 24 November, 9am-1.30pm
Learn the signs that may indicate a person is experiencing harm from their gambling and how to recognise and respond to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

To book email sandpt@lrh.com.au or look up the events on the Try Booking site.
Meantime, if you or someone you know needs urgent help dial 000. If you need to speak with a counsellor urgently, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

31/07/2025

Just wanted to share some interesting data collated from our Wear House clothing facility in 2024-25.
Over that 12 month period, the Wear House helped 919 patients with a set of new clothes, toiletries and footwear to make their hospital stay a little more comfortable. That’s an increase of 67% on the previous year.
A little more than half of these identified as having mental health issues and 14% were homeless.
At least 30% said they had no local support network and more than a third were over the age of 50.
Some of the patients the Wear House has supported presented to our hospital after a crisis or traumatic event such as an accident or fall, but if you dig a little deeper into the data, there are a few emerging themes such as social isolation and economic hardship affecting, in particular, an ageing demographic or people living with a mental illness.
The Wear House has handed out 815 clothing packs, 365 toiletry bags and 110 sets of footwear, made possible by the generosity of our staff and community, the Betty Cares Foundation and local groups such as the Inner Wheel Club of Moe.
Because of you, the Wear House is there when it matters most. Donate today if you can https://lrh-wearhouse.raiselysite.com/
Thank you 🙂🙏

31/07/2025

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is proud to support the Gippy Girls Can campaign and we want to hear from you!
GippSport is asking women and girls across Gippsland to share their thoughts in a short, anonymous survey. Whether you’re super active, just getting started, or thinking about moving more, your voice matters.
Help shape programs that support women to move in ways that feel good.
👉 Take the survey: https://gippygirlscan.com.au/2025survey/

GippSport is inviting women and girls across Gippsland to share their voice in a short, anonymous survey. We want to hear from you—whether you’re super active, just getting started, or thinking about moving more.

31/07/2025

Did you know? 🤔

🧼 Hand Basins Are for Hands Only!

Using hand wash basins for anything other than washing hands can spread harmful bacteria and increase the risk of infection. 🚫🦠

❌ Never use hand basins to:
• tip food or drinks down the sink
• Handle or disposing of medical waste
• Wash equipment or tools

These practices can contaminate handwashing stations — putting staff, patients, and visitors at risk.

✅ Clean hands save lives. Use basins correctly.

30/07/2025

⬇️

Flu cases are up 32% compared to this time last year, and before you ask, no, it’s not just Carlton fans chucking a sickie after another fourth quarter fade out. ⚪🔵

It’s real and it’s spreading faster than a Salomons-and-mullet combo in Richmond, but you can stop it from gaining ground by:

😷 Masking up if you have symptoms
💉 Getting vaccinated
🧼 Washing your hands
🏠 Ventilating like you’re trying to clear the air after someone brought up North’s finals record.

30/07/2025

Your Safety Matters at LRH 💙
LRH is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone, including patients, visitors, and our dedicated staff.
To help keep our community safe, our team may issue warning letters or behaviour agreements if someone’s actions intentionally put others at risk.
This includes any willing threats or acts of:
• Violence
• Aggression
• Verbal abuse
In serious cases, individuals may be asked not to return to LRH if safety continues to be a concern.
Remember, we are local people just like you. We are here to help you.

29/07/2025

Are you due for your Cervical Screening Test?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, if found early.

If you’re aged 25 to 74, a Cervical Screening Test every five years could save your life.

Now you can choose to self-collect your test using a small swab.

Telehealth appointments are available for this option through *xualhealthvictoria.

Preventing cervical cancer is in your hands. Book your test today.

Find out more on the website: cancervic.org.au/cervical

28/07/2025

This , we’re proud to support LiverWELL’s Test It. Treat It. campaign.

Hepatitis affects millions worldwide – but together, we can be the change. It’s time to break down the stigma, the misinformation, and the barriers to care that prevent people from receiving healthcare.

Let’s raise awareness, and take control of our liver health.
Let’s break it down.

To Learn more visit: liverwell.org.au/get-involved/world-hepatitis-day/