Latrobe Regional Health

09/06/2026

Here’s a ‘heads-up’ about cancer care you might not know about. A recent donation from Hill End Football Netball Club will help us buy wigs and hair products for the Carmen Cook Wig Library in our Chemotherapy Unit.

During the ‘Pink Round’ against Thorpdale, Hill End FNC raised an amazing $800 which will go a long way to helping our patients feel more confident and supported during a challenging time in their lives.

The Carmen Cook Wig Library provides wigs free of charge to women (and men if they choose) experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. Our wonderful volunteers, hairdresser Rosanna and Chris fit the wigs and maintain and style the pieces to ensure a natural, stylish look.

Our oncology nurses were delighted to welcome Sarah Daly from Hill End FNC and her kids Elsie, Annie and Tom to see where the club’s donation will be spent.

Thanks so much to everyone at Hill End FNC and the generous folk who supported Pink Round and LRH!

09/06/2026

Welcome to our mental health nurses!

LRH has welcomed 16 new mental health nurses who have been recruited internationally, with a meet and greet and show around.

Today, they had an induction, met the LRH team, and were given all the tips on how to live their best life in beautiful Gippsland.

The new recruits have come from places such as Ireland, Pakistan, India, UK, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

This is because Australia has a shortage of workers with the expert skills needed to deliver specialised mental health care.

Our new nurses have gone through a rigorous and robust process to becoming registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

07/06/2026

Victoria is stepping up its response to a Diphtheria outbreak by providing free vaccines for people who may travel to a high-risk area.

To find out more information visit Gippsland Region Public Health Unit - GRPHU or https://go.vic.gov.au/4uV4xGg

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

Avon Unit patients and team members have been getting stuck into some fun activities.

🎨🖌🍹Avon staff Carmel, Jenny, Debbie and Jenna kicked off the first activity this week, which was paint and sip.

With music playing, (non-alcoholic!) wine flowing and plenty of laughter, it was a wonderful opportunity for patients and staff to relax, connect and enjoy some time together.

The new weekday activities program has been designed to bring connection, creativity and enjoyment to our patients during double staffing time.

And it's already proving that sometimes the smallest moments can make the biggest difference.

Upcoming activities include creating birthday cards for staff, knitting clubs to make items for kids in need, and many more opportunities to share skills, stories and smiles.

The activities calendar has been created with the goal of boosting wellbeing and morale for everyone on the ward.

02/06/2026

No, it's not where you wait for your flight to Denpasar!

LRH has a Transit Lounge for patients to chillax who are medically ready for discharge.

It's a comfy space for patients to wait for transport, medications, family, carers or discharge paperwork.

It supports a smoother discharge process while allowing more inpatient beds to become available sooner.

You can chat with our friendly nurses and support staff who can help you with transport, and you can also make yourself a cuppa.

Read more: lrh.com.au/patients-family-friends/transit-lounge/

01/06/2026

Congratulations to LRH sessional paediatrician Dr Simon Fraser!

He is a finalist in the Victorian Rural Health Awards for Outstanding Contribution by a Mentor or Supervisor.

Dr Fraser was nominated by Nurse Practitioner Candidate Melissa Wangman at the Latrobe Community Health Service .

Melissa nominated him for the incredible mentorship, guidance and support he has provided over the past two years while supervising her studies in vulnerable young people and out-of-home care.

Working in a rural setting, Melissa said finding specialised supervision to complete her studies was extremely difficult

But thanks to Dr Fraser’s support she has been able to continue pursuing her passion for supporting vulnerable young people in Gippsland.

Reflecting on why he chose to support the role, Dr Fraser told Melissa: “Whatever you do, it will be doing good for others.”

Through his mentorship, Dr Fraser is helping strengthen Gippsland’s healthcare workforce by supporting the development of specialised Nurse Practitioners and creating future pathways for clinicians wanting to work in out-of-home care.

Melissa said Dr Fraser’s impact extends far beyond one student, with many former medical students and junior doctors still expressing gratitude for his mentorship years later.

29/05/2026

LRH has a new Chair! 📢🎉

We are excited to welcome Professor Andrew Way as the new Chair of the Board, starting1st July.

Professor Way has decades of experience in healthcare leadership, including 15 years as CEO of Alfred Health, along with a deep commitment to patient-centred care, innovation and community connection.

“I am delighted to be appointed Chair of Latrobe Regional Health and look forward to working with the Board, executive and staff as the organisation continues to strengthen and evolve,” he said.

LRH CEO Don McRae said Professor Way’s experience and values will be a tremendous asset to the organisation and to Gippsland.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chair Linda McCoy for her remarkable leadership over the past nine years.

Linda’s compassion, kindness and unwavering commitment to the Gippsland community have left a lasting impact across LRH.

Read more: lrh.com.au/news/lrh-welcomes-new-board-chair/

28/05/2026

LRH is expanding its specialist services, with Gippslanders now able to access Endoscopic Ultrasound procedures closer to home.

Morwell resident Daryl Smith was the first patient to undergo the procedure at LRH, avoiding the long trip to Melbourne for care.

The minimally invasive procedure helps doctors examine the digestive tract and nearby organs, including the pancreas, liver and gallbladder.

LRH interventional endoscopist Dr Ben Reynauld said the new service means patients can access advanced care locally, without hours of travel.

Read more: lrh.com.au/news/lrh-rolls-out-new-procedure/