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Dr Habashy has been the sole resident doctor for many years and cares for hundreds of local patients during his open hours. Dr Habashy also attends the Bulahdelah Hospital and Great Lakes Nursing Home in Crawford Street.

Council owns the Doctor's Surgery and attached three bedroom residence at 80 Stroud Street, Bulahdelah, which has been occupied by Dr A Habashy for the purposes of operating the Bulahdelah Medical Practice for approximately 14 years.

In 2003 extensions to the surgery were completed at a cost of $80,000, funded partly by Council and partly by the Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce. The primary aim of the extensions project was to enable a second doctor to work at the surgery, although efforts to attract a second doctor have not been successful to date.

The hospital has operated for many years, it has 12 beds and a staff of many casual personnel. The hospital caters for local emergency health cases. Cases requiring specialist treatment are transferred to Newcastle or Taree by ambulance or helicopter whichever is appropriate.

Dr Habashy visits his patients in the Hospital as required or at least several times a week.

The Bulahdelah Community Hospital is a 12 bed acute medical rural hospital with a 2-bed Emergency Department providing a 24hr service. The hospital cares for patients throughout the Myall Lakes Area. A General Practitioner services the hospital and community and there is no Medical Officer on site.

Located on the corner of Richmond and Crawford Streets the hospital provides Aged Care, Palliative Care, Medical Care, Emergency Care and Radiology (twice weekly service- Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings).

Visiting Hours
Visitors are welcome: 10.00am - 1:00pm and 3:00pm - 8:00pm.
Patient's rest period is: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Parking
There is 90 degree "off street" parking directly out the front of the hospital.

Disabled Access
The Bulahdelah Community Hospital is fully accessible for visitors with a disability. There is access from the car parking area into the hospital via ramps at the main entrance and western exit/entry.

Address
Richmond Street, Bulahdelah NSW 2423
P.O. Box 67, Bulahdelah NSW 2423

Main contact numbers
Telephone number: (02) 4997 4477
Fax number: (02) 4997 4571

Auxiliary services
The Bulahdelah Community Hospital is assisted by the Hospital Auxiliary, which is supported extremely well by the community.

Community support for Bulahdelah’s hospital

The Bulahdelah Community Hospital Auxiliary is continuing its strong support for the hospital, with some recent fundraising efforts.

Executive Officer and Director of Nursing for Bulahdelah Community Hospital David Boyd said the auxiliary had donated a number of items of equipment in the past six months that were greatly appreciated by the staff of the hospital.

“Since I’ve been here, which is about six months, the auxiliary has donated an electric bed ($2700), an emergency trolley ($2500) and a wheel chair ($1750),” Mr Boyd said.

“And they have just agreed to purchase us an I-STAT Blood Analyser worth $12,000 as well as a new blanket warmer, which is $3500 worth,” he said.

“They are such an amazing group of people and their support allows us to continue to deliver the highest level of care for this community.”

The I-STAT Blood Analyser will be of particular benefit to patients who come to Bulahdelah Community Hospital’s Emergency Department.

The hand held blood testing machine will deliver lab accurate testing for a variety of blood tests and provides results within minutes for the more seriously injured patients, which helps confirm the diagnosis and direct appropriate treatment.

“This will mean we will not have to transfer as many patients to a different hospital because we will have access to those test results here to help direct our treatment plan for the patient,” Mr Boyd said.

The auxiliary members consistently dedicate their time to fundraising for the hospital, with cake stalls and raffles and receive strong support from the Bulahdelah community.

“It really is a community effort and we are very grateful for their support,” Mr Boyd said.

As a way of thanking the auxiliary members for their tireless work, Lower Mid North Coast Cluster General Manager Ken Hampson visited Bulahdelah Community Hospital on Tuesday 20 June and presented the members with a certificate.

Minister Announces $100,000 Telehealth Boost For Mid North Coast Area Health Service

Patients living in the Mid North Coast Area Health Service will receive improved access to general medical care and community health services with the announcement by NSW Health Minister, Morris Iemma that telehealth services will be extended across the area health service.
A new contract awarded today, with a budget of more than $100,000, will link the Gloucester and Bulahdelah sites to the current telehealth network incorporating health services at Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo, Bellingen, Taree, Kempsey, Forster and Macksville. This move is part of the $4 million injection of funds for NSW telehealth services announced earlier this financial year.

Mr Iemma said connecting Bulahdelah and Gloucester will improve access to health services for patients residing in these areas, as both facilities utilise GPs for after-hours medical support.

"The expansion of the telehealth network promotes better access to mental health, drug and alcohol, aged care, counselling and other community health services, linking specialist support from other parts of Mid North Coast Area Health Service with colleagues based in the Bulahdelah and Gloucester," Mr Iemma said.

"New conferencing facilities will also increase the contact between inpatient and community-based health services to better coordinate care for patients, families and carers.

Telehealth involves the transmission of images, voice and data between two or more health units through digital telecommunications, to provide clinical advice, consultation, and education and training services.

Using digital technology, the 2004 telehealth program for NSW will bring on board an additional 32 health facilities to progressively roll-out new telehealth services from March, bringing the state total of telehealth sites to more than 240 facilities including hospitals, community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and corrections health facilities.

Telehealth services already operate for clinical services in cancer care, diabetes, rehabilitation, psychiatry, pain management, and radiology, by accessing specialists for advice in locations including Goulburn, Lismore, Bourke, Tamworth, Griffith, Katoomba and Sydney.

· Extension of the existing Ambulance Service of NSW's telehealth network to include Lismore and Bomaderry Training Units ($87,000).

· Expansion of the Corrections Health telehealth network to include telepsychiatry services at Broken Hill, Cooma, Lithgow and Mulawa.

· Development of Southern Area Health service's telehealth network to include Kenmore Hospital ($76,000).

· Improvements at Illawarra Health Service to enable Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital to go live with telepsychiatry services and Coledale with dementia assessments linked with Wollongong Hospital ($108,000).

· Expansion of the South West Sydney Area Health Service's telepsychiatry network to include Liverpool hospital, Fairfield and Bankstown Community Health Centres ($226,000).

· Introduction of a telehealth aged care network in New England Area Health Service and genetic counselling services between Tamworth and the Hunter Genetics Service in Newcastle ($170,000).

· Improved coverage for education programs linking midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians to the statewide Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health program ($40,000).

· New links for Bonalbo Primary Health Care Service to provide clinical support for staff through links with specialists in Casino and Lismore ($50,000).

"NSW is leading the way nationally with this technology and can already boast one of the largest integrated telemedicine networks internationally.

"Over the next six months pilot studies will commence for projects that better connect emergency departments, intensive care and medical retrieval and primary care services to further improve care for rural and regional communities.

"These initiatives help mitigate the tyranny of distance and bring health services closer to where people live," said Mr Iemma.

HACC services support frail older people or people with disabilities so they can continue living in their own homes and communities rather than move into a nursing home or hostel. These services are funded or part.funded jointly by the State and Commonwealth Governments.

HACC services also provide assistance to those who look after frail older people and people with disabilities and their carers.

The Community Nurses work to improve, promote and maintain health and wellbeing within the community

· Members of the Nursing Team can visit you in your home to assess health problems.

· The Community Nurses work closely with Doctors and other health agencies to assist your independence at home.

· The Generalist Community Nursing Service support and provide information for you (and your family or carer, if you wish).

This directory lists the HACC services which cover your local area along with other associated services. For further information about eligibility and costs either ring the individual service or the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.

· Provides meals (both hot and chilled), delivered by volunteers weekdays. Special diets catered for and frozen meals are available in special cases. Ph 4997 4122 in office hours

· Individual transport is provided for those having medical and social needs, using volunteer drivers. For those who find it difficult to use mainstream transport services due to age, frailty or disability

· Uses volunteers to provide social visiting/companionship, outings, shopping assistance, respite, meal preparation, light housework for short periods, light gardening, bill paying, minor home maintenance and escorted transport for people requiring help at their destination. PH 4997 1143

· Provides home based nursing and assessments, liaison with health/welfare workers, promotion of total health care e.g. continence advice, mental health, wound care palliative care, patient advocacy, bereavement support, education. Ph 4997 4240 in office hours.

· General nursing, child & family, Women’s health, drug & alcohol, sexual health, speech therapy, aged care, diabetes.

First built – 1999

Community owned and managed

Beds: 10 low care (hostel), 45 high care (nursing home), 2 high care respite, 6 self care cottages.

Contacts: Executive officer Mrs Kay Smith

Director of Nursing Mrs Kathryn Freihaut

Visiting Any time convenient to residents and staff

Employs 70 staff

· Great Lakes Nursing Home Incorporated has been established to provide accommodation and high quality holistic care, to aged residents who are unable to remain in their own homes, but wish to remain in their own community.

· Every effort is made to create a homelike atmosphere where love, understanding and respect pervade and relationships between residents, their families, carers and friends are fostered.

· Priority is placed at all times on the promotion of maximum quality of life and well being, striving to deliver excellence in physical, psychological and spiritual care to each resident.

· Residents are assisted in maintaining a level of social independence similar to that which they enjoyed within their own homes. Staff aim to achieve this by respecting the rights, dignity, and individual needs of each resident In order to provide optimum levels of care and a safe secure environment, staff and volunteers participate in ongoing study and education within their field of expertise.

· Staff and residents are encouraged to live and work in harmony, aspiring to create a contented happy atmosphere.

The subject of the establishment of an aged care facility had been discussed and recognised as a need for the community of Bulahdelah and the surrounding districts for many years.

During 1989, the Commonwealth Government advertised that government grants were available for the building of nursing homes in certain areas. Great Lakes Shire was one of those areas. As a direct result of this advertisement a public meeting was called by Mr Lindsay Ireland and held in Bulahdelah. Following this meeting, a steering committee was formed. This committee called on the services of Mr Peter MacKinnon from Wallace and MacKinnon (consultants) to complete and submit an application for a grant to build a 40 bed nursing home in Bulahdelah. The application was successful on the basis that the district had to raise $450,000 and the Commonwealth Government would provide $1,400,000. A fundraising committee was quickly formed and the mammoth task of raising the necessary money began. The Grand United Bulahdelah Bowling Club kicked off the fundraising account with a donation of $50,000.

Bulahdelah District Hospital, under the umbrella of Manning Base Hospital, agreed to lease the land at 27-31 Crawford Street, Bulahdelah, to the steering committee for 60 years at $1 per year. Mr Warwick Lindsay was employed to draw the plans and tenders were called. O'Neill Builders were the successful tender and the building began in 1990.

In June 1989, the steering committee became the management committee. The original members of this committee were Mrs R Aylward, Ms M Haines, Mr A Harvey, Mr J Ireland, Mr L Ireland, Mr G Phillips, Mrs A Robards, Mr G Pope and Mr K White. Great Lakes Nursing Home became an incorporated body under the Charitable Act. It is under the control of the Dept of Gaming and Racing.

As the building neared completion, Great Lakes Shire provided the committee with a $60,000 interest-free loan. The ANZ Bank provided a loan with Myall River Pastoral Company and J E Ireland acting as guarantors.

On the 9th December 1991, Great Lakes Nursing Home opened its doors to the first residents.

In 1995, the management committee of Great Lakes Nursing Home Inc. purchased the house on the block of land at 25 Crawford Street, Bulahdelah at a cost of$120,000. The house was shifted from the block and 6 self care units were built by PJ and JA Worth at a cost of $525,000.

In 1996, the ANZ Bank left our town and the Holiday Coast Credit Union established a branch here. For local reasons, the management committee of GLNH decided to close their ANZ account and bank with the Credit Union.

In 1997, a submission was placed with the Commonwealth Government requesting permission to establish 8 low care (hostel) units on the lower ground floor. This application was successful on the condition that the building of same had to be totally financed by Great Lakes Nursing Home Inc.

During the years 1991 to 1998, the management committee of Great Lakes Nursing Home monitored the daily progress of their facility. In the capacity of "voluntary manager", Mr Lindsay Ireland supervised the financial aspect of the Home to ensure the management committee could meet their monetary obligations. The management committee, via the Director of Nursing, also ensured the residents were receiving high quality care.

In March, 1998, Mr Lindsay Ireland suddenly passed away, and the management committee appointed Mrs Kay Smith as Executive Officer in April 1998 in a permanent part time, paid capacity.

During late 1998 and the first half of 1999, the lower ground floor was developed to house the 8 low care units at a cost of $400,000. Financially, we had to borrow money again, and this time, the Nursing Home provided its own guarantee. In July, 1999, our first 8 residents occupied these units.

By December, 1999, Great Lakes Nursing Home Inc. was totally free of debt and no longer in an overdraft situation. This was a real milestone in the history of the Nursing Home as it had been a long, hard struggle to reach this point. We could now feel very satisfied that the original vision of our community being able to offer the three levels of care had been completed. It is important to note that during those years, at no time did the residents of the Home have to suffer due to lack of finance. The committee always provided the necessary funds to ensure that the needs of the residents were met.

There is no doubt that if it were not for the enthusiasm and generosity of the community of Bulahdelah and the surrounding district, the Grand United Bulahdelah Bowling Club, the Great Lakes Shire, and, in particular, the commitment and dedication of Mr Lindsay Ireland and the management committee of Great Lakes Nursing Home Inc our facility would never have been established.

Update: In May 2003, one high care respite bed was added to the ground floor. In August 2003, an additional 2 low care beds were added to the lower ground floor by converting an original function room area into 2 rooms.

During 2004/05, we added a new wing to the ground floor. This wing accommodates 16 high care residents and an administration unit. .We only increased our bed numbers by 6 as the other 10 beds were utilised by existing residents when we converted original 2 bed rooms into single rooms in order to meet 2008 building standards. Hence in February 2005 we added an additional 3 high care beds and in April 2005, we added an additional 2 high care beds and I high care respite bed.

This means that in May 2005, Great Lakes Nursing Home had occupancy for 10 low care residents, 45 high care residents and 2 high care respite residents.

Bowen Therapy is available by appointment with Ros at her practice up Crawford River Road, ' 4997 4266