Healthscope’s Linda Jorgensen is passionate about the power of washing our hands as one of the simplest acts that can save lives. When COVID-19 broke out, Linda, who is Director of Nursing at Brisbane’s Peninsula Private Hospital, was one of the many leaders and contributors across the organisation reviewing policies and preparing critical education packages. Today, on Global Handwashing Day Linda reflects on what hand-washing means for our patients, and how COVID has boosted awareness and care.

On the eve of World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Healthscope has flagged an $80 million investment to tackle the growing demand among Australians for mental health support and treatment.

A Bendigo man is enjoying a second chance at life thanks to the creativity and innovation of Victorian doctors who came together to tackle an otherwise “impossible surgical problem” affecting the 65-year-old’s heart.

People are living longer than ever thanks to medical advances and public health measures. The goal for living is not only to live longer, but more and more to live well. Successful aging includes avoiding illness, maintaining function -both physical and cognitive - and remaining socially engaged.

Communication disability affects a person’s ability to understand and be understood by others. An estimated 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability and speech pathologists, including those across Healthscope, play an important role supporting and building communications confidence.

The month of August encompasses Dying to Know Day, a national campaign which aims to encourage discussions around death, dying and bereavement. Through conversations, one can build a greater understanding of death and the fear associated with the topic can diminish. The campaign is based on the notion that to die well is to live well.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorder affecting close to 2% of the population. It is characterised by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, distressing, recurrent thoughts or mental images that sufferers usually recognise as their own.

Private hospital operator Healthscope will care for 18 residents from Menarock LIFE’s Essendon Aged Care at La Trobe Private Hospital, as part of the effort to manage the COVID-19 outbreak at the aged care facility.

Private hospital operator Healthscope is urging Victorians not to neglect their health as much of the state is again placed under Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions.