NEPHU - North Eastern Public Health Unit

The North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU) is one of nine public health units in the metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria, and is led by Austin Health.    Our vision is simple: active, connected and safe communities for all – with healthy places, healthy people and a healthier tomorrow.    To achieve this, we work with government, health and service providers, community groups and communities to improve the health and wellbeing of the population who are a part of NEPHU region.     NEPHU covers 12 local government areas and serves a culturally and linguistically diverse population of over 1.8 million people living across 227 postcodes. This diversity is also reflected in our team, with 40 cultural backgrounds represented and 25 languages other than English spoken.     The NEPHU team includes people from a range of disciplines, such as public health and infectious diseases doctors, public health officers, infection prevention, epidemiology, health promotion and prevention, administration, communications, engagement and education and training.    In mid-2022, we expanded our work beyond COVID-19 to include broader public health matters, such as the prevention and management of other communicable diseases, population health, health promotion and protection, and local health emergency response.  📱 You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube  🔗 Stay up-to-date with our resources and health advice: https://lnkd.in/gB2FTXKA Austin Health #NEPHUMelbourne #PublicHealthUnit #AustinHealth 

🌞As temperatures rise, protecting the community from heat-related health risks is more important than ever. The Victorian Department of Health has updated its Heat Health Resources, providing guidance and checklists to help healthcare professionals stay informed and deliver optimal care. ✅ Visit the site for the latest recommendations on managing heat stress, safety protocols, and prevention strategies. ✅ Access practical tools and checklists to support your patients' health and well-being. 🌐 Find all the resources here: https://lnkd.in/grgTGKFP #HeatHealth #Community #Resources #PublicHealth #CommunityAwareness

Warmest wishes from the NEPHU team this holiday season! 🎄 ✨ Take care of yourself and those around you over this holiday period. Happy Holidays to all! 🌟 #SeasonGreetings #NEPHUTeam #HappyNewYear

The Federal Government Families and Communities Program 2024-2025 Volunteer Grants Opportunity is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to assist organisations with the costs of supporting volunteers. Two categories are available: 🖥️ Funding communications and IT items including laptops, phones, software etc 👨🏼👧🏼👧🏼 Funding to support the development and wellbeing of children and young people under the age of 18 🌐 Find out more information via our website: https://lnkd.in/gSXa4Dhq #NEPHU #CommunityGrants #Volunteers #DepartmentofSocialServices #PublicHealth

⚠️ Victoria’s Chief Health Officer (CHO) has issued an Advisory to raise awareness about the increase in case numbers in Victoria of Buruli ulcer this year, which are higher compared to previous years. Buruli ulcer is a skin infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Patients usually develop a painless lump or wound (known as a nodule or papule) which can initially be mistaken for an insect bite. Over time the lesion can slowly progress to develop into a destructive skin ulcer which is known as Buruli or Bairnsdale ulcer. There are many areas where the disease has been found. These include: 🔸Mornington Peninsula region 🔸Bellarine Peninsula region 🔸Westernport region 🔸Frankston/Langwarrin region 🔸South Eastern Bayside suburbs 🔸East Gippsland 🔸The Surf Coast Shire towns of Breamlea, Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. 🔸Several suburbs of Greater Geelong, in particular Belmont, Highton, Newtown, Wandana Heights, Grovedale and Marshall 🔸Inner Melbourne suburbs of Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Brunswick West, Pascoe Vale South, Ascot Vale and Strathmore Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019, Buruli ulcer is a notifiable disease that must be notified within five days of diagnosis. Health professionals should consider M. ulcerans in any patient with a non-healing ulcer who has been present in endemic areas. 🌐 To read the full CHO alert, head to: https://lnkd.in/gJcHhYcz 🌐 For more information about Buruli ulcer, visit the Victorian Department of Health website here: https://lnkd.in/gGS5YcK8 #Mosquitoes #CHOAlert #NEPHU #Buruli #BeattheBite

⚠️ Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has issued an alert regading a new case of measles that has been identified in a returned overseas traveller who attended multiple public exposure sites in Victoria whilst infectious. 🌐 To read the full CHO alert and the list of exposure sites, head to: https://lnkd.in/gM7_V4Zq Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person-to-person and potentially lead to serious health complications. Symptoms of measles include: fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash. Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who have recently returned from overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period. Suspected cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160. Offer free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to people born during or after 1966 who do not have documentation of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Vaccinate all individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history, regardless of Medicare status. There is no need to check measles serology prior to vaccination. 🌐 For more information about measles, head to the BetterHealth channel here: https://lnkd.in/geDPTskA #Measles #HealthAlert #InfectiousDiseases #PublicHealth #StayInformed #CommunitySafety #TravelSafety

👏 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the end-of-year combined meeting of the NEPHU Catchment Plan Steering Group and Program Control Groups today at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.     It was a fantastic opportunity to come together, reflect on the progress we’ve made in 2024, and share insights as we gear up for an exciting 2025. We’re grateful for the thoughtful contributions, engaging discussions, and the shared commitment to driving impactful change in our communities.      ✨Here’s to another year of collaboration and success ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!    A shoutout to the following people featured in the photos - Annaliese van Diemen, Cassie Zurek, Crystal McPhee, Fiona Sharkie, Joanna Anagnostou, Kent Burgess, Laura Collins, Melanie Chisholm, Rachael Giddens, Sophie Gilmour   #NEPHU #Collaboration #CommunityImpact #CatchmentPlan #YearInReview #PublicHealth

🦟 As warmer weather sets in, mosquitoes can start breeding around your home, including ones that may carry diseases. 🌿 Being proactive can help reduce their numbers and keep your home bite-free. 🏡 Watch our video for more tips on preparing your home and preventing mosquito breeding this season! Visit your local councils website for specific management initiatives in your area or visit the better health channel via: https://lnkd.in/gvUEFdiU #MosquitoPrevention #Victoria #HomeTips #KeepBugsOuT #NEPHU

💡 Cancer Council Victoria is providing scholarships to Victorian GPs and Nurse Practitioners to complete the Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course delivered by the Victorian HIV and Hepatitis Integrated Training and Learning program (VHHITAL) in February 2025.    🕑 Scholarship applications are now open and will close on Sunday 8 December 2024.    🩺 The Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course provides training to Victorian healthcare practitioners to effectively diagnose, manage and treat chronic hepatitis B in the primary care setting.    👩⚕️ Applicants must be an AHPRA registered Nurse Practitioner or General Practitioner and work in Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Boroondara, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Monash, Mildura, Shepparton, Swan Hill, West Wimmera, Whittlesea, Wodonga, Wyndham or surrounding areas.    Find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/g3weuMNV   #CancerCouncil #Hepatitis #Training #Education #Health 

The processed food industry spends millions each year targeting our kids with their unhealthy ads. But together, we can change this! Support Cancer Council Victoria's #FoodFight to get unhealthy food and sugary drink ads removed from public transport and near schools: cancervic.org.au/foodfight #ProcessedFood #HealthyKids #FoodPolicy #FightForFood #PublicHealth