NSW Gov Link NSW Health Far West Local Health District



     Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size


Media

The Far West LHD Media Unit is responsible for all media inquiries and interviews with Far West LHD staff members. The Unit regularly advises on major public health issues and disease outbreaks, through media releases, media conferences and, sometimes, special telephone hotlines.

Contact us

The Media Officer for Far West LHD is Branko Licul on 0411 119 592 or email branko.licul@health.nsw.gov.au

The Media Unit is the primary point of contact for news organisations. All media enquiries must come through the Media Unit in the first instance. This includes:

  • Requests for interviews
  • Photo requests of staff, patients or our facilities
  • General enquiries about health issues
  • Any condition updates on patients who have been injured in an accident or are otherwise of interest to the media

Please do not call our hospitals directly as they are not allowed to provide this information.

Staff are not permitted to speak to journalists or representatives of media organisations without the knowledge or permission of the Media Officer.

An On-Call Media Officer is available after normal business hours to assist media with urgent enquiries. This is organised on a roster basis and the correct person to contact is available via a voicemail message on 0411 119 592.

 

 

 

 




View Far West LHD Media Releases for

<< The archived Media Releases from the Greater Western AHS can be accessed here >>





24 November 2021

Prevention, Testing, And Treatment – The Key To Nsw Hiv Elimination


This HIV Awareness Week (23-30 November 2021) and in the lead up to World AIDS Day (1 December), the Far West Local Health District is encouraging people across the region at risk of HIV to get tested.

As NSW opens up, it is a good time for the community to speak to a healthcare professional about HIV testing and prevention options available to them.

NSW Health, Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said the state has made great progress in the virtual elimination of the virus however testing rates are down from last year, driven by the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve come a long way over the last 40 years and have many new tools to help prevent HIV transmission including effective HIV treatment, condoms, sterile injecting equipment, and prevention medication - PrEP,” Dr Chant said.

“Early testing and diagnosis linked to treatment prevents transmission and enables people living with HIV to enjoy a long and healthy life.”

From January to September 2021, 141 NSW residents were diagnosed with HIV, a decrease of 31% compared to the average for the last five years. This decline was likely driven by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and restricted movement, as people remained at home. 

Jo Lenton, Far West LHD Sexual Health CNC stated: “As we start to open up in the Far West Local Health District , it is essential that at risk people get tested now.

“People can get tested easily and confidentially at their local GP or sexual health service. Online and home-based testing options include Dried Blood Spot test, a free finger prick test which is mailed to you, and ATOMO self-test kits will be available in pharmacies soon,” said Ms Lenton.

The NSW HIV Strategy 2021–2025 aims to achieve a 90% reduction in the rate of preventable HIV infection to achieve the virtual elimination of HIV transmission in NSW.

In 2021-22 the NSW Government is investing $23.7 million in services to strengthen HIV testing, treatment, and prevention.

For testing in Broken Hill clients can make an appointment at Clinic 9 by calling 08 8080 1100 or contact their local GP or AMS in their area.