AS COVID-19 infections continue to grow, I want to take this opportunity to share some more positive health news from our community. 

Firstly, Hornsby Hospital’s new emergency department has officially opened. This new emergency department has nearly three times the floor space of the old one, with larger waiting areas and improved seating. The emergency department was refurbished as part of the hospital’s $265 million Stage 2 redevelopment. Now, there are separate (and much larger) clinical zones, including a short-stay unit, resuscitation bays and paediatrics. 

Secondly, Ramsay Health Care – Australia’s largest private hospital operator – has pledged to remove 50 million single-use plastic items by the end of 2022. These items (such as medicine cups, anaesthetic and injection trays) will be swapped for environmentally-friendly alternatives. 

According to the 2020 National Waste Report, only 13 per cent of plastic used in Australia is recycled. Reducing waste by avoiding single-use plastics is an achievable goal, something we can all do. I commend Ramsay Health Care for this initiative – in the last 18 months, they have already removed 25 million single-use plastic items from their sites. Simply swapping out plastic water bottles for reusable alternatives has saved an estimated nine million items going into landfill.

Lastly, I would like to welcome Tim England, The Post’s newest columnist. England is a Dementia Champion and Educator who is passionate about raising awareness and supporting people affected by dementia. In the coming months, he will be writing about a variety of topics, including the different types of dementia, advice on how to communicate with someone with the condition, and ways to reduce your risk to of developing dementia. 

I hope you all stay healthy and safe in this time.