Culcairn Multipurpose Service is preparing to welcome the community to an Open Day on January 24, providing an opportunity to meet the staff and see firsthand the facilities and technology available.
Facility Manager, Kathryn Walters, said the day will feature a simulated emergency department exercise as well as an opportunity to visit the aged care unit and participate in an art activity.
"We have a beautiful, modern facility here in Culcairn, and an incredible team of highly trained staff. We are excited to invite the community to come and see them in action," Kathryn said.
It's also a chance to meet the newest member of the team, 'Arnie HenCul', a training manikin generously funded by the Local Health Advisory Committees in Henty and Culcairn.
"The open day will start in the emergency department where, with the help of Arnie, we will simulate an emergency response to showcase the skills of our staff and demonstrate the use of the Remote Medical Consultation Service, a virtual care system that enables us to call on a doctor at any time, day or night," Kathryn said.
"We will also demonstrate the Virtual Nurse Assist platform that gives our nursing staff access to a Clinical Nurse Educator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for training and mentoring.
"No-one plans to end up in the emergency department, but we hope that seeing our team in action, and the technology that we have available, is reassuring for anyone who finds themselves in need of emergency care in the future."
Following the emergency scenario and hospital demonstrations, guests will move into the aged care wing where they can share morning tea with the residents and find out more about the Arts in Health program.
"The Arts in Health program run in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW and Health Infrastructure," Kathryn said.
"Here at Culcairn we have beautiful prints of works from the Art Gallery of NSW's collection on our walls and our residents, staff and visitors participate in a range of activities that are inspired by the artworks, such as conversations, painting, craft and flower arranging.
"Our residents also love to bake so our visitors can expect a range of delicious homemade cakes and scones."
Culcairn local Danielle Nimmo is encouraging everyone in the community to head along to the open day, after her recent positive experience changed her perception of the MPS, and the care available.
Danielle found herself in need of medical attention and ended up spending three days in Culcairn MPS's hospital ward with an infection.
"I knew I needed to see someone. I was in a lot of pain, and it was only getting worse," Danielle said.
"I thought I might have to drive myself to Albury to see a doctor, but as a single mum with three children that was a lot to organise, especially if I wasn't able to return home straight away.
"Eventually the pain was so bad I decided to go over to the emergency department and get the nurses to have a look at me. That was the best decision I could have made. The nurses were brilliant. I had no idea how highly trained and skilled they are.
"Plus they have a doctor available by video call 24/7, and the doctor I had was fantastic too! Even though they were on a screen it was just like they were in the room with me.
"I felt one hundred percent comfortable with the care I received. Everyone was so supportive, asking me what I wanted to eat and making sure I was comfortable. I have never felt more looked after - in fact I was a bit sad to go home!"
Although Danielle needed to stay in hospital in Culcairn for a few days, she was close to home so her children were able to visit.
"There's no set visiting hours so the kids could come and go whenever they wanted, and the staff here made sure they always felt welcome," Danielle said.
"I really want people to hear about my experience and come along to the open day and see for themselves, because I want everyone to know that they can come to the hospital and receive quality care. Don't wait like I did - if I'd waited any longer, I could have been in a lot of trouble."
The Culcairn MPS open day will be held on 24 January from 10.00am - 12.00pm, and everyone is welcome to attend. No RSVP is required.
