Boost to organ donation rate shows heart
The recent announcement of record breaking organ donation rates has been welcomed by Ballarat Health Services Senior Nurse for Organ and Tissue Donation, Larna Kennedy. Ms Kennedy said that in 2011 there were 337 deceased organ donors across Australia, a 9% improvement on the previous year. As a result 1001 life saving transplants were performed. These rates of improvement are consistent with that of world leaders, such as Spain following their introduction of a national reform initiative. Victorian organ donation rates continued to improve with 107 donors last year providing 309 transplant recipients with a new chance at life. “In Victoria, there has been a dramatic increase in donation rates over the historical baseline.  Prior to 2009, there were around 50 donors per year in Victoria. In 2011, 107 generous donors provided the gift of life to fellow Australians on waiting lists for transplants. “That’s more than doubling  Victoria’s d ...

Carer information day
Ballarat Health Services Carer Respite and Support Services will hold a Carer Information Day in February. This free session is for carers, care recipients, family and friends who would like information about carer services and support during the many changes that may be experienced when someone takes on a caring role. Discussions will address practical considerations as well as the emotions associated with changing roles and changing relationships. Date: Monday February 20, 2012 Time: 10am to 1pm (morning tea included) Venue: Sunways, 418 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree Parking and access available via Gregory Street RSVP: Monday February 13, to Carer Respite and Support Services Telephone: 5333 7104 Please note that insufficient numbers by the close of business on the February 13 will result in cancellation of the session. Confirmed attendees will be notified by phone.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE BALLARAT REGIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CENTRE
Help us reach new heights!   The Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre Ballarat Health Services has embarked on a milestone healthcare project for Ballarat and the Grampians region - the building of the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, BRICC for short. The BRICC has received a total of $55 million in government funding, $42 million from the Commonwealth and $13 million from the Victorian Government. Construction of the distinctive five-storey building has already begun and in early 2013 the first patients will be cared for and treated in the BRICC. Cancer touches many lives - patients, families and friends Each year thousands of people in the Ballarat and Grampians region are diagnosed with, or receive treatment for, cancer. Most cancer patients receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in Ballarat, some travel to Melbourne for highly specialised treatment and care. Existing cancer treatment facilities in Ballarat have served the community well - b ...