World Diabetes Day 2018
World Diabetes Day is coming up this Wednesday 14th November and is the largest diabetes awareness program in the world, reaching more than 1 billion people across the globe. This year’s message is: “Diabetes concerns every family – could you prevent it in yours?” This momentous day was launched in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organisation in response to the significant rise in diabetes prevalence worldwide. It is celebrated on 14th November each year, marking the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who, along with two assistants Charles Best and John Macleod, discovered insulin in 1921. One in 11 people worldwide live with diabetes, which is now the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. At least 1.7 million Australian are affected, with 280 new cases diagnosed daily. All types of diabetes are increasing in prevalence and incidence, and there are several types of diabetes that result in high blood glucose levels. In Victoria ...

Health Sector Opportunities For Local Business
State-wide health procurement organisation, Health Purchasing Victoria (HPV), in partnership with Ballarat Health Services, the Industry Capability Network (ICN) and the newly-established Ballarat GROW initiative, is highlighting opportunities for Grampians businesses to supply hospitals and help stimulate the region’s economy. HPV Director of Procurement and Value Delivery, Joe Neill, says a forum to be held in Ballarat on 1 November 2018, will outline the health procurement process for businesses which may not have previously considered supplying hospitals. “Opening up more opportunities for local businesses gives hospitals greater flexibility in choosing local services that are geographically closer and which may produce better patient outcomes, in alignment with HPV’s strategy to ‘increase best-value healthcare outcomes’,” says Joe. This approach also aligns with the Victorian Government’s objective of maintaining and strengthening regional opportunities offe ...

BHS Celebrates National Carers’ Week 2018 with a visit from the Clown Doctors!
National Carers’ Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid Carers make to our nation. Ballarat Health Services will celebrate National Carers’ Week with a special day of fun and entertainment on Tuesday 16 October. Each year, National Carers’ Week provides an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles. Community members and staff are invited to help spread the word and let the community know that Ballarat Health Services cares about Carers. The event will be co-hosted by Ballarat Health Services Mental Health Services Family Advisory Council and Carer Respite and Support Services, with support from BRICC Wellness Centre. There will be a variety of activities and services to try, including a special visit from the Clown Doctors with their wacky sense of fun, live music by The Harmonies, and balloon art by Balloons by Design. Carers will be treated to a free co ...