Community Health
The Community Health department provides a comprehensive range of nursing, allied health, and social support services in the following areas:
- Advance Care planning
- Community Transport program
- Continence Nursing
- District Nursing
- Diabetes Education
- Dietitian
- Exercise groups
- Early Parenting Program
- Health Promotion
- Live Life Well Program
- Nurse-led Outpatients Clinic
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Personal care
- Post-acute care
- Social work
- Social support groups and outings
- Speech Pathology
- Volunteer programs
- Women’s Health Clinic – Breast Screen, Pap Smear Clinic
- Wound Management
Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is the process of planning for your current and future health care. It involves talking about your values, beliefs and preferences with your loved ones and doctors. This helps them make decisions about your care when you can’t.
Ideally, these conversations start when you are well and then continue throughout your life.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Community Transport Program
The Community Transport Program provides transportation to medical and allied health appointments for those members of the Mortlake and Terang Health Service catchment area who have no other means of getting to their appointments. Community transport increases the health and well-being of our community members by allowing them to access local health professionals and those in larger regional centres and cities.
Many people feel they are not eligible for Community Transport. Our clients use community transport for many different reasons: They do not own a car; they do not drive; they normally drive, but are temporarily unable to; they normally drive, but feel uncomfortable driving in an unfamiliar town; they normally drive, but have been asked not to by their doctor.
Eligibility is determined at the discretion of the Community Transport Coordinator. Transport will not be provided if an ambulance is required, or if a health professional believes a client is not able to travel via private car.
This service is run with the assistance of volunteers, who in most cases have limited First Aid skills. This is not an emergency transport service, but a service for scheduled medical appointments.
Because of the demand on the service, we ask that wherever possible people booking a car provide us with three working days’ notice. Provision of a car and driver is not guaranteed but will be arranged where possible. People who use this service will be asked for a small donation at the end of the month.
For more information please phone: 03 5558 7000
Continence Nursing
The Continence nurse is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
The continence nurse helps men, women and children with bladder and bowel problems.
They help you understand your bladder or bowel problem and advise you on management options. Treatment may include:
- advice on managing your condition
- pelvic floor muscle re-education and bladder training
- continence aids and purchase options.
How can it help?
The continence service can help through:
- help you better understand your problem
- assessment and investigation
- treatment including pelvic floor muscle re-education and bladder retraining and bowel management
- education and advice about urinary catheter management
- information on continence pads, other aids and appliances including access to funding where eligible
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Diabetes Education
Terang and Mortlake Health Service has a credentialed Diabetes Educator.
The Diabetes Educator is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
What services does a Diabetes Educator provide?
Provides information and support for people with diabetes such as:
- Explaining what diabetes is
- Assistance with the ‘day to day’ management of your diabetes
- Teaching blood glucose monitoring including: getting set up, what the results mean and what can affect the results
- Providing information and explanation on various types of medications and insulin
- Problem solving, to help the person take control of their diabetes
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
District Nursing
The District Nursing Service provides quality nursing care to clients in their own home; to support and assist people to maintain or achieve their maximum health, retain their independence and the District Nurses act as a resource for people seeking information about their health care needs.
Services for older people (people aged 65 and over and Aboriginal people aged 50 and over) are funded and managed by the Commonwealth Department of Health through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Further information about Commonwealth aged care services can be found at the My Aged Care website or by phoning 1800 200 422.
Services for younger people (people aged under 65 and Aboriginal people aged under 50) remain funded and managed by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services under the HACC Program for Younger People (HACC PYP).
Eligibility
- CHSP eligible clients – frail older people and people with disabilities and their carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the financially disadvantaged, and persons with dementia
- Is subject to an assessment by a District Nurse following a referral
- Referrals can be made by any authorised health care provider
- In some instances self-referral and family referral can occur
- For Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients, a doctor’s written authority is required to access the service
- Transport Accident Commission and Work Cover clients can access the service if the insurer approves
- The person must agree to being referred to the service
Care is undertaken by Registered Nurses and Medication Endorsed Enrolled Nurses who can provide an assessment of health needs and work with clients, their families and carers to establish a care plan that is tailored to the individual needs.
Services provided by the District Nursing Service include:
- Wound management
- Medication management
- Nursing support and maintenance to the highly dependent and/or frail and aged
- Palliative care nursing
- Nursing care following hospital discharge
- Assessment and referral to other service providers
The District Nursing Service operates 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Sunday,
If clients require a service out of normal hours they are advised to attend their GP or local hospital if necessary.
Occupational Health and Safety
Our staff require a smoke free workplace – so we request no smoking while we visit. Prior to starting visits and care, staff complete a client and home assessment. Occasionally changes need to be negotiated, to reduce risk, before staff can visit.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Dietitian
Terang and Mortlake Health Service has an Accredited Dietitian.
The Dietitian is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
Dietitians are health professionals who improve the health of individuals, groups and communities by applying the science of human nutrition. Dieticians use their skills and knowledge to modify diets to treat medical conditions, and to advise other health professionals about the role of diet in health care, as well as educate the general public about eating for health.
What services can a Dietitian provide?
- Counsel and educate people on appropriate diets, menu planning and preparation of food to treat an illness or disease and/or to enhance and maintain optimum health.
- plan appropriate diets and menus to meet the needs of individuals whose medical condition that can be treated or controlled by diet therapy.
Do I need a referral?
You don’t need a referral to see a dietitian at TMHS however if you don’t have a referral it would be beneficial to bring along a list of your current medications and any recent blood test results.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Early Parenting Program
This program is tailored to meet the needs of individual families.
Terang Early Parenting Day Stay works closely with Tweddle Child and Family Health Service, Melbourne
Aims Of The Service
Being a parent can be an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming experience. We aim to increase your parenting confidence and help manage the parenting issues you are experiencing.
Common Parenting Difficulties Include:
- Feeding difficulties
- Unsettled/irritable infants
- Infant/toddler sleeping problems
- Uncertainty with parenting issues
- Challenging toddler behaviour
- Parent fatigue
- Postnatal anxiety and depression
- Resources for parents
Staffing
This early parenting service is staffed by a qualified Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Midwife/Lactation Consultant and a registered Paediatric Nurse.
Facilities
This program is conducted in a home environment offering a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Tea and Coffee making facilities are available. Ample free parking is available.
How To Book
- Parents can telephone the Early Parenting Service directly to arrange a suitable date.
- Families may also be referred through Maternal and Child Health Nurses, General Practitioners, Community Health Nurses or other health or welfare services.
Cost
There is no cost for parents when they come to the Terang Early Parenting Program.
What To Bring
- Completed Paperwork
- Packed lunch/snacks for parents and food/formula and bottles if required for your child.
- Change of clothes for your child
- Nappies and plastic bag
- Cot sheets and blankets
- Wrap/swaddle or sleeping bag
- Child health record
- Current medications
Hours Of Service
Tuesday 9am – 4pm
For Appointments And Enquiries
Phone (03) 5592 0284
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Location
49 Bolivar Street
Terang, Victoria, 3264
Ph. (03) 5592 0284
Health Promotion
Health Promotion aims to keep people healthy and well. This is achieved through working with communities to create healthy places in which people live, love, learn, work and play.
Health Promotion is not just about educating people on how to look after their health. Health Promotion also involves action e.g. supporting a recreation facility to increase the amount of healthy food and drink options in their kiosk.
What can a Health Promotion Officer help you with? Some examples include:
- Support you to create healthy change in your early childhood service, school, workplace, sports club or recreation facility
- Provide you with up-to-date resources i.e. fact sheets, posters, links to websites etc.
- Assist you to develop/review policies
- Support you to source and apply for grant opportunities.
At TMHS we are currently focusing on the following health priority areas:
- Social and emotional wellbeing
- Healthy eating and active living
- A health promoting health service (focusing on staff health and wellbeing).
If you would like to know more about Health Promotion at TMHS, or if you’d like support in creating health change in your setting, please contact Laura (TMHS Health Promotion Officer) on (03) 5592 0301 or via email on [email protected].
Occupational Therapy
The OT can recommend and prescribe aids, equipment or home modifications which may assist people to continue to live safely and independently in their home. Recommendations include scooters, wheelchairs, personal alarms, rails and ramps.
The OT can also provide information and strategies to reduce falls and teach simplified techniques to decrease tiredness.
Statewide Equipment Program (SWEP) funding applications for recommended equipment or home modifications can also be completed if required.
Eligibility
Community Home Support Program and Home and Community Care eligible – all individuals who are aged or have a disability.
Do I need a referral?
Referrals are accepted from General Practitioners, Medical Specialists or other health professionals or clients can self-refer by contacting My Aged Care website or by phoning 1800 200 422.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Physiotherapy
The Physiotherapist is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
A physiotherapist is a health professional who provides treatment for people with physical problems caused by injury, illness, diseases and ageing. Physiotherapists use a range of manual techniques- such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, superficial dry needling. As well as non-manual techniques- such as education on muscle recruitment, gait re-education, biomechanical assessments and subsequent exercise prescription to reduce pain, restore function and improve an individual’s quality of life.
What services can a Physiotherapist provide?
- assess the physical condition of patients to diagnose problems and plan treatment
- use a range of techniques to strengthen and stretch muscles and joints to improve mobility perform massage, breathing and relaxation techniques
- perform spinal and peripheral joint mobilisation and manipulation
- use equipment such as heat packs, exercise equipment and ice packs to reduce swelling and improve range of movement
- re-train people to walk or to use walking frames, splints, crutches or wheelchairs
Our Physiotherapists like to educate and patients are encouraged to actively participate in the rehabilitation or treatment to the best of their ability.
Do I need a referral?
…
What should I bring to my appointment?
If you are coming in following surgery or with a GP referral, it is useful if they bring relevant imaging or investigation results and have an understanding of your medical history.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Podiatry
The Podiatrist is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
Podiatrists are health professionals who deal with the prevention, diagnosis treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
Podiatrists treat conditions resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft tissue and muscular problems as well as neurological and circulatory diseases and lower limb complications such as nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
Do I need a referral?
No,
Services for older people (people aged 65 and over and Aboriginal people aged 50 and over) are funded and managed by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Further information about Commonwealth aged care services can be found at the My Aged Care website or by phoning 1800 200 422.
Services for younger people (people aged under 65 and Aboriginal people aged under 50) remain funded and managed by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services under the HACC Program for Younger People (HACC PYP).
What should I bring to my appointment?
If you are coming in following surgery or with a GP referral, it is useful if they bring relevant imaging or investigation results and have an understanding of your medical history.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Social Support
The Social Support Group provides activities and socialisation for older people living in the Terang and surrounding community.
Our groups focus on a range of activities, such as:
- Meeting new friends and taking part in group activities – this may include being involved in discussion with others,
- Individual and group activities of your interest bringing you together with others, such as group walks, bus trips or craft
- gentle exercise sessions that may include stretching or relaxation techniques
- education sessions that may focus on topics such as diabetes, heart disease, falls prevention to help you better manage your health and wellbeing.
- Lunch
Some group sessions will also involve guest speakers, such as a dietitian to discuss healthy eating and healthy habits. TMHS has a strong focus on wellness and reablement.
Do I need a referral?
No,
Services for older people (people aged 65 and over and Aboriginal people aged 50 and over) are funded and managed by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Further information about Commonwealth aged care services can be found at the My Aged Care website or by phoning 1800 200 422.
Services for younger people (people aged under 65 and Aboriginal people aged under 50) remain funded and managed by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services under the HACC Program for Younger People (HACC PYP).
Social Work and General Counselling
The Social worker is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
Social workers provide information, counselling, emotional and practical support.
- Counselling for individuals for all ages, couples and families
- Stress relief and relaxation methods
- Assistance with problems like drug or alcohol addiction; or relationship breakdown
- Provide information on or referral to other support services in the community
Do I need a referral?
Clients are referred by GP’s, District Nurses, or even local schools. Clients are able to self-refer by calling the phone numbers below. If our service is not suitable to your needs we will assist and help guide you towards suitable services and referral where appropriate.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Any relevant legal or appropriate documents you feel are suitable or required.
Other helpful resources include:
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
Mental Health Line – 1300 280 737
Kids Help Line – 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
Mensline – 1300 78 99 78 www.menslineaus.org.au
Parentline – 13 22 89
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Helpline – 1300 651 251
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Speech Therapy
The Speech Pathologist is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
Speech Pathologists provide services to people with communication and eating/swallowing disorders. The Speech Pathologist liaises with teachers, medical staff, other Allied Health and Nursing staff, and parents, to develop comprehensive support programs, and to maximise therapy benefits.
Speech Pathology is aimed to assist clients who have difficulties with; articulation (speech), receptive and expressive language, learning and literacy (reading and writing), stuttering, voice, speech and language difficulties associated with hearing loss and intellectual disability.
Do I need a referral?
Clients are referred by GPs, Maternal and Child health Nurses and Kindergartens. Clients are able to self-refer.
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281
Well Women’s Clinic
The Women’s Health Nurse is available at the Mortlake Community Health Centre located at 23 Boundary Rd Mortlake 5558 7000 and the Josie Black Community 63-65 High Street Terang, 55920300
At Terang & Mortlake Health Service we are committed to providing quality healthcare based on person-centered needs.
The women’s health clinic provides an opportunity for women to learn about their health so that they are more able to take responsibility for their own health & wellbeing. These clinics are provided by a registered nurse who has undergone additional specialised training in women’s health & family planning.
This is a confidential service which enables women to discuss issues that may be of concern in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Where necessary the nurse will also provide assistance in accessing other services.
Services provided include:
- Cervical Screening
- Instruction on Breast Self Examination
- Menstrual problems
- Contraceptive advice
- Advice on Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Endometriosis
- Midlife issues
Do I need a referral?
No referral is necessary
For more information
Phone: 03 5592 0300
Fax: 03 5592 0281