General News
11 December, 2023
GH endorses its progress in maternity 9.5
Grampians Health has reiterated its commitment to expanding care options and improving health outcomes for communities across its regions.
Reporting on the organisation's second year of operation, Grampians Health chair Bill Brown said the goal was to continue investing in and developing health services.
“So far we have witnessed remarkable dedication by our workforce to achieve this, resulting in growth and innovation,” Mr Brown told the annual meeting in Horsham on November 29.
He said in recent months Grampians Health had established new maternity services in Horsham, which now had a lactation service in addition to its maternity outpatients clinic.
Other milestones included the initiation of robotic surgery in Ballarat, the reintroduction of student nursing placements in Stawell to boost the workforce and an increase in community health services in Edenhope.
In 2024 maternity capabilities in Horsham will be further enhanced further through the appointment of a regional director of obstetrics.
"In the coming months Horsham’s high-dependency unit is also expected to benefit with increased medical support from our Ballarat intensive care unit and the addition of an onsite anesthetist intensivist," Mr Brown said.
One of the organisation's most recent initiatives has been the installation of three new hysteroscopes and sheaths to ensure a clearer picture for surgical teams investigating problems within the uterus or womb.
Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation purchased the equipment valued at $22,000 to replace the old devices, two of which were in use for more than a quarter of a decade.
A hysteroscopy is a procedure using a small camera to look inside the uterus or womb. It is used to diagnose or treat problems with the uterus.
Horsham Operating Suite associate nurse unit manager Amie Ampt said a hysteroscopy could investigate problems such as heavy periods, abnormal bleeding, fibroids, polyps or infertility.
”Some conditions of the uterus can also be treated during hysteroscopy,” Ms Ampt said.
“Knowing more about what happens during a hysteroscopy helps toward being better prepared.”
Grampians Health Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Horsham Dr Yakep Angue said hysteroscopy was a simple but specialised effective tool to visualise abnormalities within the internal lining of the uterus.
“In the process, a specimen can be taken to rule out or confirm endometrial malignancy. This ensures early diagnosis and treatment, particularly of endometrial cancer,” Dr Angue said.
Foundation director David Johns said the Foundation was pleased to be able to support the operating suite with the replacement devices.
“This funding was part of a bigger donation that also purchased new birthing beds for Yandilla,” Mr Johns said.