Barwon Health

Jannine Buenconsejo, Acting Senior Intake Clinician, Aged Psychiatry Services, Barwon Health MHDAS

“I joined Barwon Health in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and have now worked in mental health for more than eight years across acute inpatient care, community case management and aged psychiatry services.

Today, I work as Acting Senior Intake Clinician within Aged Psychiatry Services, supporting older adults experiencing severe or complex mental health conditions. Intake is often the first point of contact for people entering the service, involving triage, crisis support, mental health assessments and coordinating care with families, GPs, hospitals, residential aged care facilities and community services.

What I enjoy most about the role is that no two days are ever the same. Supporting consumers and families during vulnerable periods of their lives, while providing reassurance, advocacy and timely care, can make a meaningful difference.

I also value being part of a passionate multidisciplinary team where everyone brings different skills and experiences while sharing the same goal improving outcomes for older adults in our community.”

🦟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐢 𝐮𝐥𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬

Three local councils experiencing increasing cases of Buruli ulcer have joined forces with the Barwon South West Public Health Unit to raise awareness as infections continue to rise across the region.

Buruli ulcer (also known as Bairnsdale ulcer) is a skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The bacteria produce toxins that damage skin tissue, leading to ulceration and skin loss.

In recent years, cases in Victoria have risen significantly, particularly across the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. The disease is now spreading into new areas, including Melbourne, the Surf Coast and parts of Greater Geelong—especially Belmont, Highton, Newtown, Grovedale, Waurn Ponds, Wandana Heights and Marshall.

Last year saw the highest number of cases on record for the Geelong and Surf Coast region.
While research led by Barwon Health and CSIRO is ongoing, early diagnosis and treatment remains critical to improving patient outcomes.

The City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, and Borough of Queenscliffe - local government areas where cases are increasing - are supporting a regional awareness campaign to encourage early detection and treatment.

Read more about symptoms and how to reduce your risk here https://bswphu.org.au/news/councils-unite-to-address-rising-buruli-ulcer-cases/

PHOTO: Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj, Borough of Queenscliff Mayor Donnie Grigau, Assoc Professor Daniel O'Brien and Surf Coast Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps discuss ulcer cases.

🎙️In this episode of Room 64 | A Palliative Care Podcast, we are joined by Barwon Health MND Palliative Care Shared Care Coordinator Cheryl Spiller.

Cheryl shares insights into her unique role and the importance of collaboration between Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Palliative Care teams across the Barwon South West region, highlighting the value of communication, connection and coordinated care for people living with MND.

Ahead of the “Big Freeze at the G” on 8 June, please take the opportunity to listen to this episode and share through your networks to help keep these important conversations happening. 💙
🎧Listen: https://bit.ly/4dywyMc
Listen to more podcasts here: https://bit.ly/490vMqQ

As part of National Reconciliation Week, Barwon Health is proud to celebrate the next generation of Aboriginal nurses and midwives across our workforce.

This year, four Aboriginal nursing cadets Skye, Skye, Kelsey and Megan and Aboriginal midwifery cadet Piper are participating in the program at Barwon Health while continuing their studies.

The cadetship program provides cadets with the opportunity to work at Barwon Health alongside their university placements, helping build clinical skills, professional experience and strong connections within our health service.

The cadets are supported by Sara Davies, Clinical Placement Coordinator, and Bec Quinn, Aboriginal Workforce Officer.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”, encourages all Australians to reflect, learn and take action together.

We are proud to support and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and future healthcare leaders across Barwon Health.