COVID-19 Rollout Update: First Pfizer Vaccine Doses Begin
The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out (Phase 1a) commenced this week with residents at private residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in western Victoria beginning to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Further private RACFs will be directly notified in advance by the Commonwealth Department of Health of the scheduled dates for their vaccination sessions.
Phase 1a also includes the establishment of two Pfizer vaccination hubs in western Victoria to support the roll-out to other high priority populations, as identified by the Federal Government.
The Victorian Government has selected Barwon Health and Ballarat Health Services to coordinate these hubs. This includes administering the vaccinations to residents and staff in State-run residential aged care facilities.
More information can be found in this week’s Westvic News.
Teal Ribbon Day for Ovarian Cancer
I would like to acknowledge that today (24 February) is Teal Ribbon Day. It’s a day to support Australians affected by ovarian cancer, honour those we have lost and raise awareness of this deadly disease to change the story for future generations.
Health professionals may wish to share this information with their patients and can find further information and resources on Ovarian Cancer here.
Farewell to Sam Sharp
It is with much sadness that I inform you that Sam Sharp (Director of Commissioning and Performance) has decided to leave WVPHN to explore new opportunities. Sam has been an integral member of the executive team since she commenced at WVPHN in 2018. Sam has demonstrated an ability to innovate and drive change at WVPHN and across the PHNs more broadly. Her work across the Victorian PHNs, including her significant contribution to the establishment of the HeadtoHelp hubs, and nationally on aged care and mental health has assisted in a strong future for PHNs.
I personally wish to thank Sam for her friendship and support over the years and for her contribution to our strategic thinking and wish her all the best for her future endeavours.
We are currently in the process of a new executive structure with announcements to be made soon.
Rowena Clift
Chief Executive Officer