Latrobe Regional Health

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/

27/05/2026

The LRH Macalister Unit is beautifully capturing the spirit of National Reconciliation Week with a magnificent mural painted by proud GunaiKurnai legend Alfred “Alfie” Carter.

The 25-metre artwork depicts “Journey Along the Macalister” inspired by the winding paths of the Macalister River, reflects connection to Country, community and each other.

Alfie Carter designed the mural in collaboration with Macalister Nurse Unit Manager Emily Tuck and her team.

The artwork is placed in the Macalister courtyard, which also featured native vegetation.

LRH Aboriginal Health Unit Manager Troy Jennings said Reconciliation Week is about being “All in” on working together to make LRH a place where the community feels welcome and safe.

“This project was not merely an amazing artwork but shares a simple truth, that by sharing our space, creating a connection and acknowledging and sharing our culture, we can walk together and make welcoming spaces for all people to connect," Troy said.

26/05/2026

We introduced you to our dietitians a couple of weeks ago.

Have you ever wondered what they exactly do at LRH?

Or, you might be thinking of becoming a dietitian yourself!

Watch our dietitian Scott explain:

22/05/2026

A well-earned cuppa for our Community Champions volunteers Ed, Di and Chris in our Palliative Care unit.
This National Volunteer Week, the theme 'Your Year to Volunteer' has taken on special meaning at Latrobe Regional Health.
Our Community Champions have stepped into a new palliative care role, offering companionship, comfort and kindness to patients and their families at a deeply important time.
From sitting with patients so loved ones can rest, to sharing meaningful conversations, Ed, Di, Chris, Tony and Pete are making a real difference.
“It’s an honour to be there,” says Chris. And as Ed puts it: “I provide a friendly face, a hand to hold and an ear to listen… How lucky am I?”
Thinking about volunteering? You might be surprised how much you receive in return at LRH💛
📞 5173 8589 | 📧 [email protected]
Or catch the LRH Community Champions team tomorrow - Saturday 23 May from 9am-12pm at the Latrobe City Volunteer Expo https://latrobecity.com.au/event/volunteer-expo/
And if you'd like to learn about our plans to improve comfort and care for our palliative patients and their loved ones go to: https://lrh-palliative-appeal.raiselysite.com/